Grange Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire

This three-bedroom house in St Albans was the subject of an extensive renovation that placed emphasis on high-quality materials and refined finishes. The interiors are characterised by rich textures and vibrant colours, reflecting the current owner's deep appreciation for craftmanship and art, evident in every detail. The house has a courtyard garden, two private parking bays and bike storage. It is also a short distance from St Albans City train station, where services run to central London in around 20 minutes.

The Tour

The battleship-grey house is set back from the street behind a patio, laid with reclaimed York Stone paving, bordered by neat shrubs and potted plants. A sheltered access point is tucked into the right-hand side, beneath the first-floor undercroft.

Entry is to a welcoming hallway that immediately unveils the home's friendly, playful spirit. Engineered oak floors, warmed by underfloor heating, run underfoot. Subtle lighting creates an embracing ambience furthered by the walls, which are lined with golden-hued oak slats. On one side is a neat WC.

The main open-plan living spaces are sweeping, with partly defined places to relax, dine and cook. The first is at the front, where a large tripartite bay window ushers in natural light. A fireplace - with a decorative marble surround, slate hearth and warming bioethanol stove - provides a focal point, while abundant ebonised oak built-in shelving wraps the recesses and walls.

The kitchen and dining nook lie to the rear and are particularly bright care of Crittall-style screens. These open seamlessly into an enticing east-facing courtyard garden; a haven of colourful, fragrant planting, perfect for a morning coffee or outdoor lunch. The kitchen has an array of Siemens appliances and generous runs of minimally detailed maple fronted storage, some full height, other neatly slotted beneath oynx worktops. At the centre is a large island providing additional space for prepping and cooking.

A bespoke oak and stainless-steel staircase ascends to the first floor, where oak flooring continues to unravel underfoot and oak slats continue to modulate the walls. Three characterful double bedrooms are sited on this upper level, each a unique and private retreat.

The main bedroom has a timber-clad accent panel and a Murphy door to a generous walk-in wardrobe. The en suite is luxurious, with an oval bathtub and ocean-blue marble wall tiles.

From the hallway, a burr oak wood door leads to the second bedroom. This also has a timber-accented wall and built-in wardrobes. Mainly used currently as a bright study, the third bedroom has floor-to-ceiling cherry wood faced bookcases wrapping its walls and corner Crittal-style glazing that draws in plenty of natural light. A cleverly inserted Murphy bed allows for an easy transformation into a cosy sleeping zone.

Set centrally, the shared bathroom has a spacious walk-in shower with steam and sauna functions. There is also a generous utility room positioned off the landing.

The basement floor has been wonderfully transformed into a cinema and music room. The walls and the ceiling area aptly lined in acoustic finishes to ensure optimal audio performance and minimal sound transfer across the rest of the house. The current owner also uses this space as a gym area.

Outdoor Space

The Crittall-style glazing at the eastern elevation creates a seamless connection between the kitchen and private rear courtyard garden. Impeccably landscaped and framed with back-lit oak slats, the space has paved terracing and designated areas for dining and seating. External lighting has been creatively installed and outdoor sockets allow for heating connections - ideal for spending the evening outside. A mix of colourful planting, including fragrant acacia and scented climbing jasmine, enhances the uplifting atmosphere.

An oak door leads to a shared parking area, where this home has two designated bays and an room to store bikes. This area to the rear lies behind electric front gates.

The Area

St Albans is a highly sought-after Hertfordshire city renowned for its thriving core, chock full of enticing cafés, restaurants, independent shops and weekly markets - including the oldest street market in England. It is characterised by its historic architecture and many listed buildings, as well as St Albans Cathedral, Roman Verulamium Park and Museum and the River Ver, which are located only 10 minutes' walk from the house with the city centre lying on the doorstep too.

The city is also home to an array of excellent restaurants, including Michelin-starred Thompson, which offers seasonal tasting menus with optional wine pairings. Omboo at Sopwell House hotel is another favourite, with an Asian-inspired menu designed for sharing. Local shopping hub The Quadrant is a six-minute drive from the house.

The Wick Nature Reserve, a playing field and woodland area, is also close by. A little further is Jersey Farm Woodland Park, an area of woodland and meadows, bridleways and footpaths. A mile and a half away, in the village of Sandridge, lies Heartwood, the site of England’s largest new native forest.

There are many country parks and woodlands just beyond the city, including Heartwood Forest, the site of England's largest new native woodland, Hatfield House and Tring Park.

The city is renowned for its excellent private and state schooling, including St Albans High School for Girls.

Proximity to London enables easy commuting from St Albans City station, an 18-minute walk from Grange Street, with regular and direct services to St Pancras International in 22 minutes. The motorway network is also within easy reach, with Junction 6A or the M1 just over five miles away. Luton and London Heathrow Airport are 11 and 27.5 miles away respectively.

Council Tax Band: F