Description
The Old Vicarage is a handsome Grade II* listed mid Victorian house, believed to date from 1887 designed by the well known architect William White. The house is a rare example of a structurally unaltered Victorian vicarage which has also been completely refurbished and cared for by the current owners to a very exacting standard. Furthermore there is also the benefit of approved planning for the addition of a single storey extension to incorporate a large glazed kitchen/breakfast/living room to the rear of the property. More information is available at South Cambridgeshire District Council, Ref: S/1032/12/FUL.
The property is entered through an attractive two-centred chamfer-moulded arch with half glazed black gloss panelled doors. The impressive inner hall has access to all the principal reception rooms via attractive four-panelled doors. This is an exceptional space with a void through the house to the top floor lit by a large Gothic stained glass window and a large wooden dog-leg staircase with chamfered square balusters and square newels with moulded caps. The magnificent panelled drawing room has southerly views over the gardens through a pretty window and a west facing deep bay, both with working shutters and an attractive working fireplace. The dining room is also well proportioned, with a west facing window, high quality carpeted floors and an open fireplace.
The kitchen breakfast room accesses the garden through two large doors leading to a York stone south facing terrace. This attractive space with a square arch between the two rooms has a working fireplace in the breakfast room framed by two gothic arch bookcases on either side. The kitchen is well appointed and equipped for modern living with a wide range of cabinetry and granite work surfaces, a large Falcon range with 5 ring gas hob, fitted dishwasher, double butler sink and a breakfast bar. The original dresser provides additional useful storage. Beside the kitchen is a large traditional scullery with terracotta floors leading out to a small courtyard. There are two further useful storage rooms (one being the former pantry which still retains the original meat hooks) close at hand on the other side of the hall in addition to a utility room and access to a good size wine cellar. A small library and cloakroom with WC completes the downstairs accommodation.
The first floor landing is accessed via the principal staircase leading to three large bedrooms and a family bathroom. This includes the beautifully designed master bedroom with views over the garden which also has the benefit of a large dressing room and en suite shower room. There is also a smaller bedroom currently used as a study. The stairs continue to the second floor with space for an open study, 2 further bedrooms, a large bathroom with freestanding bath with glassed shower enclosure and dressing room. There is another room on this floor which could be an additional bedroom which is currently used as a home cinema room. A set of back stairs lead down past a storage room to the ground floor.
The Coach House (over 2 floors) has been converted to provide a home gym.
Outside
The Old Vicarage is a beautiful home built in keeping with many fine houses of its time and positioned to give far reaching southern views to the rear which are still enjoyed today.
The front of the property is approached via a sweeping in & out gravel drive behind wrought iron parkland fencing and automatic five bar gates leading to the front door. The driveways surround a central deep flower bed with mature trees and shrubs. To the east side of the house is a hard standing parking area framed by the Coach House and the small courtyard which houses the boiler room and a gardeners WC. The gardens are truly exceptional and have been beautifully designed and landscaped to provide a number of distinct areas. To the south of the house is a York stone terrace framed by a dwarf brick wall and herbaceous borders. The south terrace leads to sweeping lawns with surrounding mature beds and borders and some interesting ornamental shrubs and trees. There is a gravel pathway beautifully edged with rope-style edging tiles which runs through the garden via pagodas with climbing honey suckle and clematis, past deep rose gardens a seating area with a growing frame for roses and through to a pretty orchard area with pear and apple trees. At the southern end, furthest from the house there is a more informal area which could be used for children's games but has the benefit of power and water and could [subject to the correct permissions] permit a future owner to build a home office or garden room. There are a vast array of sheds and outbuildings which are cleverly screened by mature hedges.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property [ http://www.savills.co.uk/stamp-duty-calculator/index.html#1895000 ]