Brewery Lane, Meldreth, Cambridgeshire

This captivating home in Meldreth, Cambridgeshire is formed of a characterful cottage and a spectacular modern extension spanning over 3,000 sq ft, including a large garage. Dramatic vaulted ceilings and clean lines characterise the extension, while exposed timber beams and a double-sided alcove fireplace are found in the cottage. The house sits in a quarter of an acre of land, and has a large garden with a summer house. Meldreth rail station is a four-minute drive away and runs fast connecting trains to London King's Cross in approximately 50 minutes.



The Tour



The house sits on Brewery Lane, a quiet private lane home to just six other houses. The cottage faces towards the lane, a pretty clay-tiled roof atop its neat stuccoed white walls. The extension stretches to the rear of the cottage, the two forming an L shape. Clad in Siberian larch, a series of glazed panels are inset into its pitched roof.



On entry, polished concrete flooring runs underfoot here and into a voluminous open-plan living space. Exposed steel beams contribute to the industrial material palette, while full-height glazing stretches across two sides and unfolds onto the garden.



In the kitchen, a smart granite-topped island has bar seating and a wine fridge, while units have been finished in a rich plum tone. There is a white Aga, an integrated fridge/freezer and a dishwasher.



A set of timber-clad stairs ascends from the entrance hall to the first floor. The principal bedroom sits to the rear of the plan, a serene space with a gently pitched roof, fitted storage and a picture window with soothing treetop views. An additional bedroom is illuminated by skylight glazing and can accommodate a double bed. Adjacent is a large shared bathroom washed in midnight blue. Light pours into the space through glazed panels in the pitched roof, and there is a freestanding bathtub and a walk-in shower.



The main entrance to the cottage is from the lane at the front of the plot. Here, a pretty gabled front porch frames the front door, which opens onto an entrance hall. A spacious kitchen sits to the left, with ample storage space. A double fireplace with log burner is set into an open alcove, connecting the kitchen with the living room beyond. In both spaces, timber beams overhead are a relic of the cottage’s storied past. A study, a utility room and a guest WC are also found on this floor.



Two bright double bedrooms are found on the second floor, both with pretty casement windows. A shared bathroom has a roll-top bathtub, separate shower and a pitched roof, inset with original timber beams.



The cottage can also be accessed from the entrance hall in the extension, and as such can be used separately if required.



Outdoor Space



The house sits within a quarter of an acre of land, with arresting views across the open countryside beyond. The garden has a large lawned area, as well as a patio near the house for sitting out. Mature trees surround the perimeter of the garden to bring a sense of privacy and remove, and a summer house is the perfect retreat in the warmer months.



There is a garage adjacent to the cottage, as well as off-street parking for multiple vehicles.



The Area



Meldreth is a traditional village once famous for fruit production. It is surrounded by open countryside and farmland and has a convenient shop with an on-site post office. Within walking distance are two good pubs: The British Queen and The Plough at Shepreth. Coffee and cake are on offer at Café Amigo, brunch and freshly baked sourdough can be found at Hot Numbers and tea and cake at Teacake. Provenance Kitchen is a perfect spot for lunch or dinner and Banyers House in Royston is a welcoming small hotel.



Bury Lane Farm Shop has a cafe, garden centre and children’s play barn and hosts a butcher, fishmonger and deli. Burwash Manor, a 17-minute drive, is a great place to shop at independent retailers and Provenance Kitchen at nearby Whittlesford has a sociable atmosphere. The area has an abundance of green spaces, perfect for walking and cycling, particularly around the nearby Wimpole Estate and along the Icknield Way that skirts the village’s southern boundary.



The area is well catered for in terms of schooling. There is a well-regarded village primary school within walking distance and nearby secondaries in Melbourn, Bassingbourn, Cambourne and Hills Road Sixth Form College. The historic university city of Cambridge is less than 15 miles away.



The M11, offering connections to the M25 and A14, is just over 10 miles east. The village has its own train station, which is about 18 minutes' walk away, with fast connecting trains to London King's Cross in approximately 50 minutes, Cambridge in 15 minutes and from Royston in approximately 40 minutes. Whittlesford runs services to London Liverpool Street in around 80 minutes.



Council tax band: E