Mawson Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Set on a quiet road in central Cambridge lined with pretty 18th and 19th-century houses, this former shop-front home abounds with charm. The current owner has reworked the space to create an airy home laid out over 1,600 sq ft. Just across the garden is the guesthouse (once the stables for the grocer's yard), where the ground floor has been carefully architecturally planned for accessibility.

Setting the Scene

Mawson Road is a quiet, one-way street in the centre of Cambridge with little traffic other than local residents. Partially spurred by the arrival of the railways, the city's railway station was opened (with some initial resistance) in 1845. Built toward the latter half of the 19th century, during a period of rapid growth for Cambridge, the house was originally a grocer’s shop; its large period windows from this time are still intact. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

Entry to the house is through a pretty period door painted in 'Claydon Blue' by Farrow and Ball. The door opens to a foyer, which then flows onto a large, open-plan kitchen lit by original sash windows. Inspired joinery has cleverly reimagined the former shop door as a useful corner cabinet. A large counterspace extends around a double basin sink perfect for the avid chef to prepare delectable creations. With plenty of room for a large dining table, the pervading mood of the room is cosy and peaceful. A utility area continues from here, with a triumph of cabinetry concealing washing machines and other modern appliances.

A hall lit from above by skylights leads onto the pretty sitting room, with views of the garden from large French double-glazed doors. While the space can be opened out to the garden in warmer weather, in cooler months a Jotul wood burner ensures the space is a cosy spot to hunker down on the sofa with a good book. In this space, the refined tones of 'Stiffkey Blue' by Farrow and Ball provide depth.

Ascending to the first floor, a large principal bedroom is positioned at the front of the plan. Painted in Farrow and Ball's 'Borrowed Light', large built-in wardrobes and further bespoke joinery run along one wall, while sash windows flood the charming room with light from two sides. An en suite with a centrally placed rolltop bath overlooks the garden to the rear of the plan.

Further along the hall is the second bedroom, strikingly painted in a duck egg blue. A smaller bathroom alongside makes it perfect for guests. An airy third bedroom set in the eaves stretches across the entire top floor; with its own en suite, the space is perfectly contained.

Beyond the courtyard garden, the rear annexe, formerly the stables, has been beautifully transformed into a yellow stock brick and timber-clad cottage. Entirely wheelchair accessible on the ground floor, the space comprises an open-plan dining room/kitchen; a large bedroom to the rear has an en suite. The first floor contains another bedroom with an en suite. Windows line the garden-facing side of the annexe, taking in views of greenery from the courtyard and the foliage and treetops overspilling from neighbouring gardens.

The Great Outdoors

The courtyard is central to the plan, connecting the house and annexe with ease. A side door along the fence provides separate access to the street and could provide parking (as it would have in stable block days) were a wide gate to be reinstalled.

Planted with olive trees and hardy perennials, the garden's borders abound with rosemary, euphorbia and climbing roses. Spring bulbs emerge in the earliest months to provide colour and scent. Seating areas have been conceived throughout the space, demanding al fresco dining and morning mugs of tea among the summer blossom.

Out and About

Although relatively intimate in scale, Cambridge offers some of the country’s best shops, dining opportunities and cultural events. Its striking historic architecture and world-class university might have established its international reputation, but newer additions have proven it to be a city perfect for modern living. Local food favourites include Fitzbillies, The Garden Kitchen and Fancett’s, while the exceptional house-gallery Kettle’s Yard is always worth a visit. 

Mawson Road can be found in east Cambridge, a popular, predominantly residential area within easy reach of the city centre. It is also conveniently located for many University buildings and is a few minutes from the expansive Parker’s Piece, a 25-acre grassland park. Other features in the local area include the Cambridge Cricket Club, University Botanic Gardens and Ruskin's Gallery. As well as the usual amenities, there are numerous good schools including St John’s College School, Cambridge Steiner School and the Independent Landmark International School.

For more Cambridge inspiration, why look to The Modern House's guide to Cambridge? 

The station is a quick 10-minute walk away. Trains run from Cambridge to London King's Cross in approximately 50 minutes. The M11 is also within easy reach.

Council Tax Band Main House: F
Council Tax Band Annexe: C