The Old School House

PROPERTY REF SM0559 GUIDE PRICE £400,000-£425,000

** A TRULY UNIQUE & CHARMING CHARACTER PROPERTY THAT OFFERS AN INCREDIBLE, VERSATILE, SPACIOUS INTERNAL LAYOUT WITH A HOST OF TRADITIONAL FEATURES, HIGH QUALITY OPEN PLAN LIVING KITCHEN AND A DECEPTIVE AMOUNT OF EXTERNAL SPACE **

A vision of charming traditional beauty, The Old School House is a stunning and exclusive, semi detached character property that dates back to the 1800's. Initially, the old school was converted in the 1900's and has been sympathetically extended by the current vendor, who has helped to create not only extra space but a timeless, beautifully presented property. The internal finish is equally impressive, not only does it have a staggeringly spacious, versatile layout with a large dual aspect lounge and a 25ft living kitchen of the highest quality. The property is presented in immaculate order and it harnesses it's traditional features, having a whole host of integrated appliances, such as exposed beams, traditional coving, ceiling roses, high ceilings, natural oak wood flooring, all giving the property a true charming depth.

The spacious accommodation comprises a wonderfully well proportioned reception hall that is a reception room in it's own right, acting as a central hub that splits the dual aspect spacious lounge and a large L shaped open plan living kitchen. The kitchen has an extensive range of double glazed windows that allow a staggering amount of natural light to ooze into the property. To the first floor landing there are three well proportioned bedrooms and a high quality fully tiled bathroom with premium grade travertine tiles and high spec chrome internally plumbed shower with rainfall drencher and jets.

Externally, the property is located in an extremely private, elevated position at the end of the quiet cul-de-sac and is accessed through double wooden gates which lead to a large pebbled driveway, providing off road parking for several vehicles. The gardens and grounds are deceptively large (0.24 Acres) and upon inspection, you will sure to be impressed by it's substantial lawned areas, raised patio areas and a lovely, private sun trap of an enclosed, ultra private courtyard section with stone patio and a high level stone boundary wall with arched top gate that can provide access to the front.

A viewing really is essential to appreciate this truly unique, charming character property that not only offers space and style internally as well as externally but also offers a highly popular and sought after location with excellent transport links, connections to highly regarded local schools and within a short drive to the M1. Finally to mention, there was previously planning permission granted for a single storey detached bungalow that could potentially be granted again, subject to a full planning application.

A SOLID OAK ENTRANCE DOOR PROVIDES ACCESS THROUGH TO THE:

Reception Hall - 4.42m x 2.84m (14'6" x 9'4") - An inviting, large spacious central reception hall having a radiator, oak flooring, coving to ceiling, ceiling light point and stairs providing access to the first floor landing.

Lounge - 7.04m x 3.18m (23'1" x 10'5") - A wonderfully well proportioned spacious dual aspect reception room, having a striking feature fireplace with chunky solid wooden surround with inset multi fuel burner sat on a stone hearth. There are also two radiators, two ceiling light points, coving to ceiling, high traditional skirting boards, oak flooring, bi-folding doors into the reception hall, double glazed windows to the front and side elevation that creates a wonderful amount of natural light.

Open Plan Dining Kitchen - 7.82m max x 6.15m (25'8" max x 20'2") - A beautifully finished, substantial dining kitchen having a tasteful range of inframe doors, wall cupboards, base units and drawers and a perfectly placed matching central island, all with granite working surfaces over. Inset one and a half sink with drainer area and mixer tap. Large Rangemaster cooker equipped with six burner hob and hot plate that will be included within the sale and inset extractor hood over. There is also an integrated dishwasher, space for a fridge freezer, tiled floor, ceiling light point and an array of ceiling spotlights, coving to ceiling, tiled splash backs, two radiators, double glazed window and double glazed doors providing access to the side elevation and a feature pitched roof with double glazed velux windows and exposed wooden beams.

First Floor Landing - 4.57m x 1.07m (15'0" x 3'6") - With a feature ceiling light point, ceiling spotlights, two wall light points coving to ceiling and a double glazed window to the front elevation.

Bedroom 1 - 3.86m x 3.20m (12'8" x 10'6") - A well proportioned master bedroom having a radiator, ceiling spotlights, coving to ceiling, traditional high skirting boards and a double glazed window to the side elevation.

Bedroom 2 - 3.15m x 3.05m (10'4" x 10'0") - A second double bedroom having a radiator, ceiling spotlights, coving to ceiling and a double glazed window to the side elevation.

Bedroom 3 - 2.90m x 2.34m (9'6" x 7'8") - A third and final spacious bedroom having a fitted wardrobe with hanging rail and shelving. There is also a radiator, ceiling light point and a double glazed window to the side elevation which enjoys a pleasant outlook over the beautiful established garden.

Bathroom - 2.90m x 1.65m (9'6" x 5'5") - An upgraded quality, fully tiled family bathroom benefiting from a modern white three piece suite comprising a spa style bath with jets and a premium quality internally plumbed chrome shower over with waterfall head jets, low flush WC and a pedestal wash hand basin with chrome mixer tap. There is also a contemporary chrome radiator, ceiling spotlights, coving to ceiling and an obscure double glazed window to the rear elevation.

Outside - Externally, the property is located in an extremely private, elevated position at the end of the quiet cul-de-sac and is accessed through double wooden gates which lead to a large pebbled driveway, providing off road parking for several vehicles. The gardens and grounds are deceptively large and upon inspection, you will sure to be impressed by it's substantial lawned areas, raised patio areas and a lovely, private sun trap of an enclosed, ultra private courtyard section with stone patio and a high level stone boundary wall with arched top gate that can provide access to the front.

History of the House
History often weaves unexpected threads between people and places. So what could possibly link Florence Nightingale’s elder sister with a 1970s bass player from the band White Plains? The answer lies at Number 10 Leas Avenue.

In the mid-1800s, widower Sir Harry Verney proposed marriage to Florence Nightingale. Florence declined, but when a letter arrived addressed simply “To Miss Nightingale,” it was her elder sister Parthenope who opened it — and believed the proposal was meant for her. She eagerly accepted, and the couple married in 1858. Florence, of course, had other ambitions to pursue, but Sir Harry became a supportive brother-in-law, frequently visiting her and championing many of her ventures.

On 29th August 1874, Sir Harry and Lady Parthenope Verney gifted land at Pleasley to Reverend Ravenscroft Stewart for the building of a school for local children. That original building later became The Old School House, with Numbers 8 and 10 Leas Avenue eventually converted into homes.

Fast forward more than a century, and the creative spirit of White Plains musician Martyn Marritt became the next chapter in the house’s story. Beginning in 1997, he set about a painstaking restoration of Number 10 — a true labour of love. With a passion for antiques, authenticity and craftsmanship, Martyn reimagined the property without ever losing its soul. Every room reflects this vision, with hand-crafted fittings, carefully chosen décor, and a garden that has been nurtured into a natural, untamed sanctuary.

Now, as Number 10 Leas Avenue turns another page in its history, the house is ready to welcome its next custodian — and to begin a new story of its own.