Dukes Wood Avenue, GERRARDS CROSS

Dukes Wood Avenue, Gerrards Cross

A NOBLE PROPOSITION/HIGH SOCIETY

The impressive, detached house on the prestigious Dukes Wood Estate in Gerrards Cross encompasses exceptionally generous living space and a beautiful, tranquil family garden


KEY FEATURES

*Substantial, detached character family home

*Located on the desirable Dukes Wood Estate

*Spacious and versatile living

*Arranged over three floors

*Within walking distance of Gerrards Cross Station

ACCOMMODATION

*Six bedrooms

*Three bathrooms

OUTSIDE

*One-third of an acre plot

*South-facing garden

*Carriage driveway

*Double garage

*Off-road parking for several vehicles

Having watched their children grow up here, Gary and Miranda will take a wealth of happy family memories with them when they leave their beautiful Gerrards Cross home. They bought the splendid 1930s’ house, which sits comfortably in its leafy plot on the desirable Dukes Wood Estate, nearly 20 years ago. “We moved here when the children were toddlers,” Gary recalls. “We knew it was a lovely location, with very good schools and excellent access to London, then we came to view the house and as soon as we saw it, we were smitten. Not only was it a very good size for a family, but it also still embodied an abundance of period character, with features that we loved, such as original crittal windows.”

FAMILY HOME

With something of an Arts and Crafts style, the attractive home nestles in grounds extending to one-third of an acre. It encompasses three storeys of accommodation, including six bedrooms, three bathrooms, generous living space and a gorgeous turret staircase. “We have carried out improvement work in the time we have been here,” he says. “All the bathrooms were replaced within a couple of years of arriving and then five years ago we had a beautiful new oak floor laid.” The layout of the house has offered exceptional versatility as the family’s needs have changed. A room that was a children’s playroom, for example, became a teenagers’ work space and is now an office. “It really is a perfect place to bring up a family,” he adds.

EASY LIVING

Much of the appeal initially lay in the property’s combination of open-plan living and separate spaces. Entered from the front via an airy reception hall, it opens up to the right to reveal a magnificent breakfast room leading into a light-filled family room and generous kitchen. The elegant hand-painted kitchen features granite work surfaces and Miele appliances. “We have really enjoyed being able to chat to people in the family room while preparing food in the kitchen,” Gary observes. “There is a nice flow to this part of the house, and it offers a sense of togetherness.” The room that is currently an office adjoins the kitchen and leads to a utility room. “This section of the house has huge potential to become a self-contained annexe,” he adds. “It would have its own entrance at one end and French windows onto the garden at the other.”

WELCOMING FRIENDS

Also fanning off the reception hall are the cloakroom, elegant dining room and magnificent drawing room. More French windows open into the garden from the dining room and drawing room, offering an easy flow between the inside and outside spaces during the warmer months. “The drawing room is also wonderful in the winter, when we light the fire,” Gary adds. The family has enjoyed being able to spread out into separate rooms at times, while also having the space to congregate together or with friends and family. “This has been a great place to entertain and a wonderful multi-generational home. We have had birthday parties, Christmases and wonderful times with our extended family.”

OUTSTANDING SUITE

Being able to accommodate overnight guests comfortably has added to the pleasure of life at Dukes Wood Avenue. Four of the six bedrooms can be found on the first floor of the house, together with the family bathroom. The master suite is particularly impressive, with its capacious bedroom, large en suite bathroom and walk-in dressing room. “Two of the other bedrooms on this floor are also a very good size: these have always been the children’s rooms, giving them ample space for double beds, sofas, desks, gaming chairs and everything else they have needed.” The handsome staircase continues on up to the second floor, where two more bedrooms and a bathroom are situated. “When the children were younger, we had a nanny and then an au pair. This floor enabled them to have their own space – now it is used for guests.”

BEST OF ALL WORLDS

The mature garden has been the backdrop to many celebrations and events over the years. There have been garden parties and barbecues with up to 50 guests. The lawn is ideal for a marquee, while the loggia provides the opportunity to still enjoy the outside space during less clement weather. The family has also enjoyed long walks through nearby countryside, parks and forest, as well as the many amenities of Gerrards Cross and good access to public transport. “It was also very easy for the children to travel to school themselves, which gave them independence,” he adds. “This is a great place for a family for many reasons. It is quick to reach everything you need, and yet it is also very quiet, with a secluded garden that is not overlooked.”

SETTING THE SCENE

To the front of the house, there is a carriage driveway, plus areas of mature planting and access to a double garage. The mature, south-facing rear garden is ideal for family living and entertaining, with a good-sized lawn, terrace and loggia. The garden is fully irrigated.