Melbourn Street, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8

Grade I Jacobean family residence offering sprawling accommodation

Description

This imposing Grade I listed family residence sits at the very heart of Royston and is instantly recognisable to anyone that knows the local area. From its original inception in the 1600s, this Jacobean merchant’s house is steeped in history and awash with intricate design and architecture. The beautifully restored ceiling murals offer a striking uniqueness to the property and are what gives the property its listing, alongside the hand crafted and elaborate mantlepieces that were completed in 1635.

Sat behind wrought iron fencing the grandeur of the Georgian façade is clear to see, the sprawling internal accommodation is set over four floors which includes a cellar level which offers storage and the housing for the boiler system and all under pitched tiled roofs. The front door leads directly into the grand entrance hall, an open space with high ceilings, panelling and an inglenook fireplace which sets the theme throughout the home. Leading directly off the entrance hall is one of the two main sitting rooms which has been restored to a high standard and is fully panelled with intricate hard wood flooring all set around a feature fireplace. The second sitting room offers direct access to the rear gardens as well as a cloakroom area with a wash basin, which could then offer ground floor bedroom facility if required. The formal dining room faces to the rear and sits alongside the kitchen which comprises of wall and floor storage, an integrated sink and an Aga located within the chimney breast as well as conventional cooking facilities. The utility room is located opposite the kitchen and works well as a boot room, offering further storage and plumbing for laundry facilities. The office and the old dispensary (when part of the property was run as a chemist) is accessed via the dining room. The ground floor is completed by two separate cloakrooms, one located by the entrance hall and the second by the office.

The grand turning staircase leads to the first floor, and at half level which gives access to the family bathroom comprising of a panel bath with shower over, two wash basins and low level WC. On the first floor are five exceptional double bedrooms. The two front bedrooms benefit from beautiful ceiling murals that have been extremely well maintained, with three of the five bedrooms being fully panelled. The principal bedroom offers an en suite bathroom with a sunken bath, walk in shower, wash basin, separate cloakroom area with low level WC and further wash basin. Located between bedroom three and four is an additional staircase which gives access to the mid landing between the first and second floors. The main staircase continues up to the second floor to an additional further four double bedrooms, all benefitting from the character of exposed beams throughout. Bedroom six has the added benefit of an en suite bathroom comprising of a bath with shower over, low level WC and wash basin. Bedroom eight is unique as it offers a mezzanine level and additional living area which could be used as a dressing room.

Outside the home sits within a plot extending to approximately 0.64 of an acre. A double gated private driveway sits to the side of the property and leads to an off road parking area for a number of vehicles. The private garden is enclosed by walls and offers privacy creating a great sense of seclusion. The lawn runs through the middle of the garden and is flanked by mature trees and shrubs.

A track leads to the old coach house and barns which offer redevelopment/refurbishment potential for a separate dwelling/annexe. The plot has lapsed approval for four houses, which could be renewed. A Victorian greenhouse is also located to the rear which would require refurbishment and a brick built store is located by the front gates.

Location

Melbourn Street is situated at the edge of Royston town centre, which provides a good range of day-to-day shops together with schooling, recreational and leisure facilities. The Royston Leisure Centre offers a gym, indoor sports hall and swimming pool. Therfield Heath is a nature reserve that covers an area of 420 acres.

There are a wide variety of sporting clubs, a golf course and woodland footpaths, a popular spot for dog walkers. There are also an extensive range of facilities in the nearby historic city of Cambridge, approximately 13 miles away.

Royston is excellent for commuters with regular direct services to Cambridge from 14 minutes, and London’s Kings Cross from 38 minutes via Stevenage, through the Thameslink stations, Gatwick airport and on to Brighton without a change of trains. For road commuters, there are good road links via the A505 and A10 to London, Stansted Airport, the A1 (M) and the M11 via the A505.

Independent schooling is available in nearby Cambridge including the renowned King’s College and St John’s College Schools, The Perse schools, and Letchworth with St Christopher’s & St Francis.

All distances and times are approximate.

Square Footage: 6,234 sq ft


Acreage: 0.64 Acres