Church End, Rushden, Buntingford

This spectacular architect designed split-level family home was featured in 'Grand Designs' magazine and invites superlatives • The spacious and versatile accommodation is finished to the highest quality • The house stands in an exceptional 1.38 acre sloping garden plot and enjoys stunning views over countryside • Large detached barn providing workshop/garden store and a suite of rooms ideal for a multitude of uses and perfect as offices for those working from home • The forecourt provides good off-street parking and leads to the attached garage • Delightful village setting

The Property - Featured in the March 2007 edition of 'Grand Designs' magazine this individual detached house truly does justify the use of superlatives. The split-level design by Jeremy King Architects makes superb use of the spectacular setting and sloping plot, enjoying stunning views over the north Hertfordshire countryside. Built some 20 years ago, the quality of design and finish is outstanding.

From the front, the house appears surprisingly modest, being sensitively designed not to overwhelm the surrounding period properties. This truly belies the impressive interior of this exceptional family home, which provides remarkably spacious and versatile accommodation. In addition to the outstanding kitchen/breakfast/dining room, the main split-level ground floor provides five rooms, nominally three reception rooms and two bedrooms, but flexibility is the keynote. There is also a very well-appointed bathroom with both shower and bath. The service wing comprises utility room and garage with bedroom and shower room above. The main first floor comprises two large bedrooms, the master having an outstanding en suite with both shower and bath. The second bedroom has an en suite shower room.

Constructed of insulated brick and block, the house is part rendered and part clad with cedar externally; the roofs are covered with clay tiles. The house benefits from double-glazing and oil fired central heating.

The Outside - The house is set in a wonderful sloping plot extending to some 1.38 acres and enjoying fine views over open countryside. The plot measures approximately 362' by 235' (110.5m x 71.6m) overall. The house is screened from the road by a mature hedge and the front garden is mainly laid resin-bonded shingle forecourt providing ample off-street parking and leading to the attached garage. The front garden is completed by herbaceous borders, raised bed and ornamental shrubs and trees. The oil storage tank is sunk below ground.

A splendid loggia and split-level paved patio adjoin the house, making the most of the views over the main garden, the church and the countryside beyond. There are extensive sloping lawns, herbaceous beds and borders, fruit trees, ornamental shrubs and trees, including ash, hazel and holly, and a kitchen garden with raised vegetable beds.

There is a boiler room integral to the house, but accessed externally, a greenhouse and cold frames and an extremely useful detached barn. The latter comprises a large workshop/garden store and a suite of three rooms, kitchenette and shower room/WC, lending itself to a plethora of uses. The main room is ideal as a garden or games room and the smaller rooms for hobbies or a gym. The whole would be perfect as an office suite for those working from home.

The Location - Nestling next to the village green and a stone's throw from the parish church, 'Hillside' lies in the heart of the picturesque small village of Rushden and its Conservation Area, mid-way between Baldock and Buntingford in north Hertfordshire. Baldock railway station on the Cambridge to London mainline is just a 5.3 mile drive and both towns offer a wide range of facilities including shops, schools, pubs and restaurants. Letchworth Garden City, Hitchin, Royston and Stevenage are also within easy reach.

For drivers, Rushden lies south of the A505 mid-way between the A1(M) and the A10. Regular train services run throughout the day to London from Baldock, Letchworth, Hitchin and Stevenage. The fastest service from Baldock to London St Pancras takes 42 minutes, from Stevenage to London King's Cross a mere 23 minutes. From Baldock to Cambridge is just 24 minutes.

Services - MAINS water, sewerage and electricity are connected to the property.
BROADBAND: A choice of providers with claimed download speeds of up to 1800 Mbps.
MOBILE SIGNAL: Most providers claim up to 4G coverage.