White House Road, Little Ouse, Ely, CB7

A beautiful and rather substantial, Victorian Vicarage which has recently been the subject of a thorough and complete renovation, restoring the building to an incredible and truly enviable standard.  Once the journey began, the current owners were determined to maintain its history and originality; stripping everywhere back to almost a shell, every aspect and detail underwent careful consideration before each area of reinstatement began. Walls were finished with lime plastering, floorboards were retained, restored and remain uncovered, cast-iron radiators were added throughout and each fireplace fully refurbished and reinstated. In addition, all of the sash windows have been professionally overhauled and even the smallest of finishing touches (such as the Bakelite switches and original doorbell mechanism) have been carefully executed. Victorian fixtures were sourced and when unavailable, were commissioned to be replicated. Therefore, when walking through the property, (under the tall ceilings, matching archways and across the polished floorboards and original tiled floors) the sense of its history is very much present but with every comfort and reassurance of the quality and condition of all that is seen. In terms of its accommodation, there is approaching 3500 square feet of wonderfully light, naturally flowing space available. Downstairs, this includes 3 formal reception rooms, additional breakfast room and the most successfully crafted and modern kitchens that extends to a maximum of 22ft in size.  Upstairs, there are 7 bedrooms all of which are of a generous size with 3 of these enjoying modern, en-suite facilities. There is also the option to complete a 4th bathroom whilst the main bathroom boasts a slipper bath sitting beneath the rear window.  

In addition to the main house, there is further, exciting potential that exists with the adjacent, 2 storey, former stable block, named unofficially as ‘Orchard Cottage’. This has already been the subject to partial renovation, new electrics and an external veranda added and has plumbing running nearby. Measuring around 1000 square feet, it would surely lend itself as additional accommodation, separate workspace/studio or as use as a guest suite or holiday let (subject to relevant planning permissions).

All-in-all, the grounds and gardens circle the property and measure around 1 ½ acres in total and largely enjoy views over the surrounding farmland and countryside. The sun travels around and various patios have been added to benefit from this throughout the day. Largely laid to grass, there are a variety of mature trees and the front garden has been formalised with a Folly entrance created to the front allowing access directly down to the front entrance door. Of course, there is extensive levels of parking.

After years of meticulous project management, this ecclesiastical building has been safeguarded for years to come. Most importantly, it stands as a successful, inviting and welcoming home which can only truly be appreciated through visiting in person. **NO ONWARD CHAIN**

Accommodation -

Magnificent, original front entrance door opening to:-

Reception Lobby

From here the original Victorian tiled flooring begins that continues throughout the hallway. The wide, part glazed doors separate the lobby, opening to:-

Central Hallway

Each orientation of the house can be accessed from this welcoming space. Also from three aspects there are archways cleverly mirroring one another, some original, some recreated. The stripped staircase extends up to the first floor.

Drawing Room 17’10” x 16’0” (5.45m x 4.88m)

The original sash windows overlook the front whilst a pair of part glazed double opening doors (note the familiar arch within the glazing) provide both an additional aspect and access to one of the patio areas. To the centre of the outside wall is a slate fireplace with a cast-iron stove inset. The original flooring has been exposed and polished.

Study/Reception Room 17’10” x 15’11” (5.45m x 4.87m)

Enjoying a similar configuration to the drawing room with double aspect patio doors (again with the familiar arch detailing), fireplace, stove and flooring.

Dining Room 14’7” x 13’8” (4.45m x 4.17m)

Sash windows with side shutters overlook the front gardens and main entrance. To the centre is a further slate fireplace with built in storage to one side and storage with shelving to the other. Once again, the original flooring is exposed.

Side Entrance

Continuing to the end of the hallway, a step leads down to an open side lobby. Here a small turning staircase accesses the smaller bedrooms whilst a part glazed door provides an additional access outside.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room 21’11” x 13’10” (6.70m x 4.22m)

Clearly a carefully considered and thoughtfully created kitchen space. This room adds an extremely practical and more modern aspect to the vicarage. A wonderful level of storage is available via an expanse of fitted wall and base units, covered by solid granite work surfaces over every suitable area. Provisions have been made for larger appliances such as a range cooker and double width fridge/freezer, whilst to the side there are additional double ovens and integrated fridge/freezer. Also built in there is a wine fridge and dishwasher. Double glazed casement windows overlook the side and rear, spotlights are inset to the ceiling and a stable style doorway opens to the side providing easy access to the adjoining scullery/boiler house. Steps lead to via a part glazed door (with arched detailing) through to:-

Morning Room 14’6” x 14’4” (4.43m x 4.37m)

Catching the morning sun, wide, glazed doors open onto a small patio. To one corner, there is a built in bureau with storage above. The floors are tiled here (as with the kitchen) and access continues to:-

Cloak Area

Built in storage cupboards allow for hanging and storage space with further storage above. Exposed original flooring continues through a doorway to:-

Cloakroom

Refitted whilst retaining the originality using a high level cistern w.c. and pedestal handwash basin with period style tiling.

First Floor Landing

Not just a purposeful area, there is a attractiveness within this generous space that can be appreciated day-to-day. As with downstairs the archways have been replicated and visible, to the roof there are some exposed beams and a window allowing light to flow through. The landing is split level with a smaller landing accessing the smaller bedrooms and staircase (believed to be the former servants quarters). Throughout the upstairs, the original floor boarding has been retained and exposed.

Master Bedroom 15’11 X 14’8” (4.86m X 4.49m)

A sash window overlooks the side whilst the original slate fireplace remains for ornamental purposes. To either side, there are built in storage wardrobes. A door accesses:-

En-Suite Area

This room is ready to be finished but by the next occupier. The side window exists and the plumbing and wiring are in situ for its completion.

Bedroom 12’6” x 12’2” (3.82m x 3.72m)

The same ornamental fireplace remains with the addition of a ceiling beam. There is built in storage on entry and door leading to:-

En-suite

Providing a modern suite comprising low level w.c., pedestal handwash basin, double width shower cubicle, tiled walls, ceiling spotlights and ladder style radiator.

Bedroom 14’5” x 10’11” ( 4.40m x 3.34m)

Sash windows provide a view to the rear and the ornamental slate fireplace remains. A single ceiling beam stretches across and there is a built in storage cupboard. A door accesses:-

En-Suite

Providing shower cubicle, handwash basin, low level w.c., shaver point, ceiling spotlights, tiling to walls and ladder style radiator.

Bedroom 14’5” x 13’8” (4.40m x 4.17m)

A sash window provides a view over the front area of the vicarage allowing sight of who comes and who goes. Centrally the ornamental slate fireplace exists and a ceiling beam can be seen above.

Bedroom 11’6” x 9’0” (3.53m x 2.77m)

Currently configured as an office but a wonderfully bright room with sash window to the side.

Bathroom

A stunning, traditionally styled room with slipper bath centred beneath the sash window. A vanity unit with twin inset sinks and stone surfaces stands eloquently with storage set beneath. There is a low level w.c., and original fireplace remaining with a “copper & grate” retained within. To the side of this, there is additional storage.

Bedroom 13’2” x 8’3” (4.03m x 2.53m)

Sash window to the side, built in storage to the side, bespoke curved vanity table built in, door to:-

En-suite

Walk-in shower cubicle, pedestal handwash basin, tiling to walls, low level w.c.,ceiling spotlights.

Bedroom 9’11” x 8’5” (3.03m x 2.59m)

Sash window to the side, exposed ceiling beam.

Outside

As with the house itself, much thought has been applied and much work has been carried out to transform what was an overgrown, neglected space into usable and attractive grounds and gardens. Totalling around 1 ½ acres, the majority of the lawns surround the property to both the side and rear. Various mature trees still remain although many have been removed although in many cases, the timbers have been sawn and retained for future projects. There are areas of vegetable patches and several patio/seating areas both nearer to the property and further to the end of the gardens. One such area also houses a summerhouse which also has power connected. To the front, a Folly has been created as the main pedestrian access. This more formal area has a path continuing down to the front entrance with lawns either side and lower-level shrubbery surrounding.
Accessed from the kitchen, a side patio exists, enclosed to the front with a newly created, solid wall with gated accesses set within. T...

“Orchard Cottage”

A former, tack room and stables that used to serve the Vicarage, this building has had several, main parts of its restoration completed. This has left an enclosed area which is certain to be ideal for several different purposes. Measuring around 1000 square feet in total and set over 2 floors, it benefits from having its own power and lighting with drainage situated close by. Attached to the rear, a veranda and seating area has been created with the oak beams having been harvested from trees from within the grounds.

Agents Notes:

The property has a private drainage system and has oil central heating.