Chartridge, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5

A former 17th Century dairy farm providing versatile accommodation with a fine mix of character and modern, contemporary styling, set within glorious English country gardens of 1.5 acres.

Description

A quintessentially English 17th century Grade II listed farmhouse set within exquisite gardens and grounds in excess of 1.5 acres.

Described in Country Life in 1948 as "a delightful 17th century house with most picturesque gardens”, this special property is beautifully positioned 500 feet up in the rolling Chilterns and is available to the market for the first time in two decades. Formerly a dairy farm, Little Grange is a house of many charms, steeped in history whilst combining the finest original elements blended perfectly with a contemporary flourish to suit modern family living. Later additions and conversions have created an extremely adaptable layout approaching 5,000 sqft.

The property benefits from a wonderful position, enjoying grounds once described by Harrods in their 1929 sales brochure as “delightful pleasure gardens”, which have been designed for both formal and recreational areas perfect for families and keen gardeners alike.

The property is approached through a traditional box hedged front garden with brick paved pathway leading to the front door and porch, which in tun opens into a handsome entrance hall, formerly the dining hall for the original farmhouse. Exposed beams, full panelled walls and an original brick fireplace with wood burner and bread oven really do set the scene. Positioned next to the hallway is a light and airy double aspect double aspect family room with fireplace and pretty matching recessed alcoves.

Additional formal receptions are located to the rear of the property, through double doors and a further secondary hallway housing extensive storage, a WC and accessing both the main staircase and former staff staircase. These include an impressive formal drawing room with working fireplace, again double aspect and with a lovely part open plan reading area, a useful study and a second family room currently used as a home office. To the far end of the hallway there is a good size boot room/utility room with a further utility room opening out on to a walled courtyard.

Formerly the original serving quarters, the spacious kitchen has been remodelled with a clever open plan design incorporating a bespoke kitchen expertly crafted in a country design, to sit within the original building and provide an extensive range of floor and wall lever units with additional larder cupboards, breakfast bar and traditional Butler sink. Located next to the kitchen is a part vaulted breakfast room with twin sets of French doors opening out on to both the courtyard and front gardens. The courtyard is a lovely addition, fully paved with raised herb beds and a putting green by leading specialists 'Huxley Golf'.
The principal bedroom accommodation is located within the main house, comprising five main bedrooms served by three bath/shower rooms (two en-suite). Of particular note are the vaulted principal bedroom, bright and airy bedroom overlooking the rear gardens and a characterful guest bedroom located within the oldest part of the house next to an open landing and seating area.

The breakfast room cleverly links the main house to the original barn, converted in 2010 from former stabling, cart barn and hay loft to provide further accommodation comprising a further double height vaulted dining room with exposed cladding and staircase leading up to a gallery overlooking, and a further reception currently used a games room/gym. A secondary staircase gives access to a spacious vaulted double bedroom suite with shower room.

The gardens and grounds are a real feature of the house and simply a joy. Designed, in part, in an English Country aesthetic, formal gardens wrap around the house with pathways and lawned areas framed by manicured box hedging and interspersed with stocked beds, a sunken rose garden and specimen trees such as Magnolia and Willow.

To the rear of the property through a small orchard , further expansive lawns with cricket nets and a full size hard tennis court are ideal for children and recreational pursuits. Positioned beyond here and to the rear of the plot is the original walled kitchen garden, while other hidden delights are found within the gardens.

The property is accessed over a gravel driveway leading to an open parking area and turning circle with further parking and available in front of an open bay storage area and greenhouse.

Location

Chartridge is a semi-rural ribbon village located in the lower Chiltern Hills about two miles North West of Chesham. There is a 18 hole golf course, Village Hall, an excellent Primary School, bus service to Chesham and a wealth of footpaths and bridleways offering spectacular walks in this 'area of outstanding natural beauty'.

The area is renowned for its highly regarded schooling, including Dr Challoner's Grammar School for boys also in Amersham, Dr Challoner’s High School for girls in Little Chalfont (6.5 miles) and Chesham Grammar school.

The area also provides a fine selection of private schooling, both primary and secondary. These include Heatherton House preparatory school for girls and The Beacon School for boys both in Amersham, along with Chesham Prep and Berkhamsted independent schools for boys and girls. All distances are approx.

Square Footage: 4,760 sq ft