7 bedroom detached house for sale

A saddle & sail opportunity, discreetly set behind high stone walls & hedging in well maintained grounds extending to approximately 3 acres. This is an extensive & superbly presented detached non listed, historic period family home retaining many character features with the benefit of a modern stable block with sand school & large paddock, and separate grade II listed cottage within the grounds. Situated within a short walk of the highly sought after coastal picturesque harbour retreat of Charlestown.

LOCATION:

Charlestown is a popular Georgian harbour side village situated around a picturesque inner and outer harbour with pebble beach, some two miles from St Austell town centre. The harbour currently houses some fishing boats and several tall ships, and has been the back drop of several feature films and TV series such as Alice in Wonderland, Doctor Who, The Three Musketeers and The Eagle Has Landed, largely due to its picturesque natural and unspoilt coastline surrounds. Charlestown has a hotel and guest houses, with excellent restaurants, and a selection of public houses.

To both sides of Charlestown harbour there is the South West coastal footpath providing some wonderful walks with cliff top views and sandy coves and beaches. To the east lies the natural deep harbour port of Fowey with excellent boating facilities and with a range of excellent local shops and restaurants. Nearby is the beach of Porthpean which has its own sailing club.

The cathedral City of Truro lies some 15 miles to the South West.

The St Austell area is well catered for with both junior and secondary schools and there is additional private schooling in Truro and Par. St Austell has a main line railway station with a direct link to London Paddington. Approximately 17 miles away on the north coast lies Newquay airport, providing daily flights to variety of destinations within the UK and Ireland.


DESCRIPTION:

‘Pond House’ has much to offer and is indeed a rare find, and somewhat unnoticed due to the particularly private and discreet setting behind the high stone walls and gated driveway. It is believed that the property dates back to the mid 1850s and is a historic part of the local village surrounds but is not Grade II listed. We are also lead to believe by the current owners that the property was owned by the late Noel Coward’s Aunt and he has holidayed and stayed at the property.

The elegant and superbly presented accommodation, which is arranged over three floors, comprises some wonderfully proportioned rooms with many retaining character features such as sash windows, high ceiling, cornices, exposed beams and floorboards, and lovely period fireplaces.

To the other side of the gated private driveway there is ‘The Forge’, believed to be an original Blacksmith shop for the surrounding Charlestown and Rashleigh Estate, which has recently been sumptuously converted into a 2 double bedroom cottage benefiting with en-suite, a lovely open plan living area, and a separate well equipped kitchen, all finished to an incredibly high standard.

Set within its own grounds of approximately 3 acres of formal and informal garden area with formal garden lawns sweeping down to a stable block with tack room, sand school and large paddock below. Throughout the grounds there are numerous outbuildings comprising: potting shed, gardeners WC, store room and adjacent greenhouse. Much of the formal gardens and paddock area enjoy lovely views over the trees out towards the lake beyond, and down towards the sea.

Sea views can be enjoyed from the upper lawned area, and also from the lounge and kitchen/dining area.


THE ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES:
(All measurements are approximate)

From the high walled surround there is high gated access from the private driveway to the side where there is a decorative wrought iron high gate through onto a stone pebbled area, leading to the front of the property. There is a granite step up to a recessed front door with outside courtesy light above opening onto:

GALLERIED LANDING: 14’8” x 14’ at maximum. In our opinion an impressive galleried landing with an ornate decorative metal banister and spindled surround with impressive granite stepped turning staircase descending to the lower ground floor. Natural light is provided from the large bay window with 3 sash opening windows to the front. Doors to all rooms on this floor. Finished with corniced ceilings with 2 ceiling light points and exposed wood floors. There is a thematic control for the central heating system.

A period wood door opening into:

RECEPTION ROOM: 30’ max into bays X 15’7” narrowing to 9’9” into bay. A beautiful, spacious and light room enjoying an outlook over the upper lawned areas, surrounding countryside and with sea views from the large recessed sash bay window to the side with a further large recessed sash window to the front. There are further double glazed French opening doors which open and overlook the upper lawned areas, and a further sash window to the rear overlooking the lower gardens and surrounding countryside. The focal point of this impressive room is a period fireplace with an inner ornate surround and outer timber surround and mantel, with a slated hearth below. Ornate coved ceiling, telephone point, TV point, 2 radiators, plus large range of bookshelves with a cupboard beneath. Exposed wood floors. This is a lovely room for relaxation and reading and enjoying views over the surrounding grounds.

A period wood door opening into:

STUDY: 11’2” X 10’11”. Enjoying an outlook over the rear courtyard and formal garden areas from the large recessed sash window. Further period features of an ornate period style fireplace with metal surround and mantel. Finished with ornate coved ceilings and carpeted flooring.

A sliding wood panelled door opening into:

RECEPTION ROOM/TV ROOM: 10’11” X 13’9” at maximum into bay window. With natural light provided from the large bay window with fitted sashes. There are further period features of exposed oak flooring and ornate corniced ceiling coving, and a period style radiator. TV point and telephone point. Part panelled wall surround.

Doorway into:

STUDIO/HOBBY ROOM/BEDROOM: 10’8” X 8’3”. With a wooden side door returning to the driveway. Enhanced by exposed oak style flooring and a period style radiator. Enjoying an outlook over the front garden area from the glazed window. Steps down into the double garage, which has been utilised as a photographic studio, or with the relevant consent could be offered as annexe potential.

A period panelled door into:

FARROW AND BALL OLD WHITE PAINTED BATHROOM: 10’11” X 7’3”. A wonderfully light and spacious modern bathroom but in keeping with the period style. With a suite comprising low level WC, hand basin and separate corner shower cubicle with glazed screen, Britannia shower unit and fully tiled walls.
With the added benefit of a free standing roll top bath with claw feet. A large sash window set into a deep reveal and enjoying an outlook over the rear gardens. With doors into an airing/linen cupboard housing the hot water immersion system, a range of built in shelves with further cupboards above. Enhanced further with features of exposed painted white floorboards, exposed beamed ceilings and an antique style radiator. The walls are part wood panelled and there is a wall mounted extractor fan. This room is ideal for relaxing in the bath.

From the main entrance is the impressive granite turning staircase with ornate decorative railed surround and bannister descending to the:

LOWER GROUND FLOOR

KITCHEN/DINING ROOM: 27’ X 24’9” at maximum. In our opinion a spacious and open area ideal for entertaining and socialising with a comprehensive range of fitted matt white wall and base units with built in cabinets and drawers, with a cream composite resin work surface over and with a matching central island with built in cupboards beneath incorporating dishwasher and twin set insert circular stainless steel sink unit with chrome mixer tap. This room is further enhanced with an open exposed beam painted ceiling and exposed floorboards. To one side is a large built in Leisure Zenith 100 cooking range with a 5 ring gas hob and electric warming plate to the side, set on a slated hearth base, and with built in double oven with separate oven/grill with extractor over finished in a brushed stainless steel effect and set into the recess. To either side of the cooker are matching matt white cupboards with matching cream composite work surface over. The dining area is separate with an ‘L’ shaped matching matt white breakfast bar with cream composite resin work surface over with a further 2 pillared central surround and further units between the pillars.

The dining room is an open plan area with exposed floorboards leading from the kitchen area and with further enhancements to the period features with exposed floorboards and multiple ceiling spotlights. The dining room and kitchen in total has 3 large sash glazed windows with deep sills below and exposed lintels over with window seats overlooking the grounds, with a further pair of double glazed wooden framed French doors open onto a raised decked area and upper lawns, and further wood sash window to the side. Warmth is supplied by 4 antique styled radiators. Within the dining area there is a built in wine rack and further high level shelved storage unit.

From the kitchen a period wood door opening into:

UTILITY/LAUNDRY ROOM: 10’10” X 9’4” at maximum. With a range of built in base units with a wood effect work surface over with insert stainless steel drainer with swan neck mixer tap. There is space and plumbing for a washing machine and space for a tumble dryer. Wall mounted cupboard housing Glow-Worm gas fired boiler supplying the hot water and central heating. The room is finished with tiled flooring, an antique style radiator and an open beamed ceiling. With 2 sash glazed windows overlooking the rear garden. In one corner of the room a flight of wooden stairs return to the ground floor.

A further period wood panelled door opening from the kitchen into:

BOOT ROOM: 15’8” X 5’2” at maximum. Lovely vaulted ceiling with exposed trusses and insert down lighters. There is an antique style radiator for warmth, and a period feature of a slated tiled floor. With ample space for a range of coat and hanging hooks, additional space for appliances of fridges and freezers, boot racks etc. A wood panelled hardwood door opening onto the rear courtyard. Dual aspect windows enjoy an outlook over the gardens and courtyard area.

From the main reception galleried hallway is a period turning staircase with banister and handrails turning onto a:

HALF LANDING: Natural light provided by an impressive arch topped sash window with stained glass etching. Turning with a further flight of stairs with banister and handrails and exposed floor treads ascending to:

FIRST FLOOR

LANDING: Part galleried surround with an outlook over the gardens from the impressive arch window. The landing also has exposed period strip wood floorboards and period wood doors opening to all rooms. There is a wall mounted thermostatic control for the central heating. Finished with ornate corniced ceiling coving.

Period wood panelled door opening to:

BEDROOM: 15’10” X 13’9” into the bay window. Retaining many character features. A focal point of this room being the period style fireplace with ornate metal surround, grate and built in mantel. In our opinion an impressive double bedroom with natural light provided from the large bay window with 3 opening sashes. Finished with carpeted flooring and an ornate corniced ceiling coving.

Period wood panelled door opening into:

BEDROOM: 13’5” X 13’. Natural light provided by 2 large recessed sash windows to the front and side offering a dual aspect with fitted folding blinds. Built-in period style cupboard with shelving above and period style radiator. The room is enhanced with exposed painted floorboards and ornate corniced ceiling coving.

BATHROOM: 12’5” X 9’7” at maximum. A light and spacious bathroom with a period feel which has been modernised with a free standing claw foot roll edge cast iron bath with Victorian style chrome mixer tap and shower attachment. There is the added benefit curved glazed shower screen doors into a shower cubicle with fully tiled surround. Low level WC and white ceramic hand basin. Light is supplied by a sash window to the rear. Finished with exposed painted wood floorboards, making this a spacious and sumptuous room for a soak in the bath.

Period wood panelled door opening into:

BEDROOM: 12’11” X 13’3”. A light and spacious room with a period style fireplace with an ornate metal surround, mantel and built-in fire grate. One wall has an extensive range of built-in bookshelves with cupboards beneath. Enjoying an outlook over the rear gardens from the large recessed sash window with window seat. Further enhanced with exposed wooden floorboards and ornate corniced ceiling coving.

Doorway to:

DRESSING ROOM/OCCASSIONAL BEDROOM: 9’6” X 7’11” plus a further deep recess into which are built-in 2 cupboards, with a range of built-in shelves above. There is also a large recessed sash window overlooking the rear gardens and down towards the lake beyond, the lower lawns, stable and paddock area. Exposed painted white floorboards and large double built-in wardrobe with glazed doors to the front. Warmth is supplied by an antique style radiator, and the room is finished with ornate corniced ceiling coving. Loft hatch. In our opinion this could also be used as a dressing room.

Wood panelled door to the:

SECONDARY LANDING: Stairs descending back to the ground floor. Doors leading off to:

BEDROOM: 12’11” X 11’. A large and spacious double bedroom with a large recessed sash window enjoying an outlook over the front with a deep sill beneath. Finished with carpeted flooring, an antique style radiator and ornate corniced ceiling coving.

Period wood panelled door with steps leading up to:

BEDROOM: 13’7” X 8’10” widening to 11’11” at maximum. In our opinion an impressive bedroom with a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and white painted exposed floorboards. There are 3 built-in double eaves wardrobes and storage areas. Double glazed wood framed window overlooking the rear gardens and towards the lake, with fitted folding blind.

Period wood door opening into:

EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM: With folding door into the full tiled shower cubicle with Mira Escape shower unit above, separate low level WC, white ceramic hand basin set within a vanity surround with shelf beneath. Fully tiled bright white tilled surround walls. Finished with a heated chrome effect towel rail, radiator and extractor. Natural light is provided by the conservation style sky light, and there is further light from insert ceiling down lighters.


OUTSIDE

‘Pond House’ has much to offer with outside space. Approached via a large black timber gate which is hung between 2 granite pillars, opening onto a stone paved driveway which runs down the side of the property and The Forge, providing parking for numerous vehicles.

To the side of ‘Pond House’ there is a 3 panel timber door into the DOUBLE GARAGE: 16’10” X 16’ at maximum. A large double garage which has been sympathetically converted from the inside into a photographic studio. Please note that this can be easily converted back to provide secure car parking or could be converted into a separate self contained annexe subject to the relevant planning consents using the store room/entrance as well.

To the front of the property is a stone chipped pathway leading to the front door and to the upper lawned area, enclosed by the high stone wall surround with a planted border with maturing trees and shrubs.

From here this leads to the steps down onto the completely private upper lawn, the front boundary of which comprises a high stone wall with a wooden pedestrian gate returning to Charlestown Road and with exotic maturing palms. Adjacent to the kitchen/dining room is a large area of split level decking enjoying views over the lawned area and with sea views. This area has courtesy lighting and steps leading down to a large area of level lawn, and with a small raised area surrounding with maturing palm trees.

To the end of the lawned area is a private high privet surround with maturing trees and shrubs. Nestled within this is a large timber built substantial CHILDERN’S TREEHOUSE. From the lawned area here there are further steps down and into a larger expanse of lawn, leading down towards the sand school, stable block and paddock. Behind a maturing hedge and tree border is a log store and greenhouse area.
From the driveway or from the rear of the boot room is a stone cobbled courtyard area with further outbuildings including a POTTING SHED measuring 10’11” X 6’2” with a wooden pedestrian door, concrete flooring, power and light, window to the front. There is also a separate OUTSIDE GARDENERS WC with a character feature of a period WC, COAL SHED & FURTHER STORE which we believe to be the boiler house for the greenhouse. To the side of this is a timber framed GREENHOUSE, recently restored and situated on a brick base with a part glazed wood panelled door to the front with decorative period garden with water feature in front. To the side and rear of the property, adjacent to the long driveway is a well established KITCHEN GARDEN which sweeps down towards the rear of the stable block.

From the rear of the property the lawns sweep down, offering a high degree of privacy, with a light and sunny aspect, enjoying an outlook over the stable block, sand school and paddock with further sea views to the left, and glimpses of the hidden lake to the right. Beyond is a private gated access to the lake.

Access to the sand school and stable block can be via the driveway which sweeps down and turns behind the back of the stable block, or by steps from the lawned area. From these areas, the pedestrian gate from the gardens meets the driveway, enters the back of the concreted holding area for the horses, comprising a concrete yard surrounded by substantial tantalised posted railed fencing.

On one side are the stables which comprise a timber built block of stables with corrugated roofing on a concrete base which comprises:

TACK ROOM: 11’9” X 5’6” broadening at the rear for a workbench area. With power and light, concrete floor, and wall mounted electric circuit breaker.

Stable door opening into:

STABLE: 12’ X 11’10”. With wall mounted water drinker in one corner, ceiling light and concrete flooring.

STABLE: 11’8” X 11’6”. With wall mounted water drinker in one corner, ceiling light and concrete flooring.

STABLE: 119’” X 11’6”. With wall mounted water drinker in one corner, ceiling light and concrete flooring.

Off the tack room there is a:

SEPARATE WC: Comprising a low level WC, wall mounted hand basin. Ceiling light.

To the front and side of the stable block the courtyard has outside lighting and a fresh water tap with a further pedestrian gate opening onto a flight of steps which descend down and onto the paddock, with further vehicular gated opening onto the:

SAND SCHOOL: Measuring approximately 132’ X 66’. In our opinion providing an excellent opportunity for somebody to keep horses at home or with the possibility of a business venture.

Contained within the grounds of this substantial property is:



THE FORGE

We believe from the current owners that ‘The Forge’ has historic reference within the village as the old Blacksmith shop. This is a detached stone built cottage to the side of the entrance driveway. This part of the property is Grade II star listed, and has separate pedestrian access from Charlestown Road, but can also be accessed from the brick paved driveway of the main house. Supplied with this property is an additional parking area off the main driveway of ‘Pond House’ and situated at the rear.

From the front there are descending steps leading from Charlestown Road onto a paved pathway with a part walled surround and raised ornate bedding area and feature granite stone mill stone. Leading to a substantial timber stable door with frosted glass inserts opening into:

OPEN PLAN LOUNGE/DINING ROOM: 21’4” X 14’2” average due to its irregular shape. In our opinion a wonderfully presented open plan style lounge/dining area with exposed oak flooring and oak turning staircase to the first floor. There is a range of built-in cupboards on one side of the room, with book shelves above. With a bank of 4 double glazed opening windows overlooking the driveway of ‘Pond House’. There are 2 wall mounted radiators for warmth, TV point, telephone point.

Step and walk way through to the:

KITCHEN: 15’1” X 8’9” at maximum over work surface. Fitted with a comprehensive range of cottage cream effect wall and base units with black polished granite effect work surface over incorporating 1½ bowl stainless steel drainer with mixer tap and insert 5 ring Neff gas hob with built in fan assisted oven/grill beneath and extractor hood over, being finished in a brushed stainless steel. The room is further enhanced by the impressive slated floor, and open beamed ceilings with loft hatch. Enjoying an outlook over the front courtyard from panelled wood doors opening to the side. Further benefiting from integrated appliances including a fridge, separate freezer and integrated Neff dishwasher and washing machine.

From the open plan lounge/dining area there is a wood panelled door opening into:

BEDROOM: 12’1” X 9’1” into recess. Retaining many character features, including exposed oak flooring and timber style door. Window to the side with slated sill opening onto the rear and the driveway of ‘Pond House’. Benefiting from a double wardrobe with a range of shelving to both sides, TV point.

Wood sliding door into:

EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM: A modern white suite comprising of white double sized shower tray with tiled wall surrounds and glass door to the front. White wall mounted hand basin sitting on a light beech wood vanity unit and low level WC with concealed cistern. Fully tiled floors and walls. Extractor fan and additional lighting from insert ceiling spotlights. Slated shelf and toiletry recess.

From the lounge/dining room a turning oak staircase with matching handrails, banisters and spindles to the:

FIRST FLOOR

BEDROOM: 14’9” X 9’10” plus further large deep eaves recess. Please note this room is built into the eaves of the property and there is reduced headroom. A character feature of the room is the vaulted ceiling with exposed beams. With good use of space from the built-in glass fronted double wardrobes and further built-in storage cupboards on either side. There is a double glazed dormer window providing views over the rear garden and down towards the hidden lake. The room is further enhanced by exposed oak flooring, and warmth is supplied by a wall mounted radiator.

EN-SUITE BATHROOM: Comprising of a white bath with chromium mixer tap and shower attachment plus tiled wall surrounds, a white circular ceramic hand basin set on a vanity surround, and a low level WC with concealed cistern. The room is finished with tiled walls and tiled flooring, a chromium ladder style radiator/ heated towel rail, and an extractor fan.

DIRECTIONS: From St Austell head to the Charlestown roundabout, heading down towards the historic port. The property will be situated behind high stone walls and gated driveway on the right, opposite the turning onto Church Road and towards Carlyon Bay. A For Sale board will be erected for convenience.

SERVICES: None of the services, systems or appliances at the property have been tested by the Agents

LOCAL AUTHORITY: Cornwall Council, 39 Penwinnick Road, St Austell PL25 5DR

VIEWING: Strictly by appointment with the Owner’s Agents: May, Whetter & Grose, Piran House, Fore Street, St Austell, Cornwall. PL25 5PX. Tel: 01726 73501. Fax: 01726 66885


Important Notice

MISREPRESENTATION ACT 1989 and PROPERTY MISDESCRIPTIONS ACT 1991

Messrs. May, Whetter & Grose for themselves and for vendors and lessors of this property whose agents they are give notice that: (i) the particulars are set out as a general outline for the guidance of intended purchasers or lessees, and do not constitute, nor constitute part of, an offer or contract; ii) all descriptions, dimensions, reference to condition and necessary permissions for use and occupation, and other details are given without responsibility and any intending purchasers or tenants should not rely on them as statements or presentations of fact but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of them. (iii) no person in the employment of Messrs. May, Whetter & Grose has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatever in relation to the property.