The Ryde XII, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Part of the renowned Grade II-listed Cockaigne House Group, this brilliant house is filled with original mid-century features, including parquet flooring and timber panelling. It has three bedrooms, as well as a central sunroom with a vaulted ceiling, a garage, a rear garden, and a courtyard at the front. Travel into London is quick and convenient; Hatfield rail station is an 11-minute walk away and runs direct trains to King’s Cross in approximately 25 minutes.



The Building



These superb single-storey houses, conceived by architects Peter Phippen, Peter Randall and David Parkes, form what is regarded as one of the finest post-war housing schemes in Britain. Built between 1963 and 1966, they were originally designed around internal courtyards and set out with linear front-to-back layouts of flowing spaces that vary in length. Together they form a long, staggered and unified terrace. For more information, see the History section.



The Tour



Set back from the street, a paved path leads up to the house, its façade clad in smart midnight-black weatherboard. Tucked discreetly behind the garage, a courtyard leads to the glazed front door, which opens to a bright entrance hall.



An expansive sitting room is at the rear and is flooded with light. On one side, sliding doors open onto the garden, and on another, timber-framed glazing provides access to the adjacent sunroom. Original timber panelling and parquet flooring imbue the sitting room with authenticity. There is a fireplace with a broad mantel, perfect for displaying postcards and other items.



In the sunroom, a glazed and vaulted ceiling is supported by timber roof trusses. Filled with light, it would make an excellent study or studio.



The kitchen sits at the front of the plan, its timber-framed window facing out to the courtyard beyond. Appliances include a gas hob, wall oven, dishwasher and washing machine. To one side, obscure glass panelling provides a connection with the adjacent dining room, which has a gently sloped skylight and timber panelling. A sliding door leads into the sitting room.



The principal bedroom is tucked at the rear, a serene spot with full-height panels of glazing on two sides. There are two additional double bedrooms; one looks out toward the front garden, while the other is flooded with light from floor-to-ceiling glazing that divides it from the sunroom; timber blinds here add privacy. A shared bathroom has a skylight, a bathtub and more period panelling.



Outdoor Space



The house has both front and rear gardens, as well as an additional courtyard. At the front, neat trees and shrubbery foster a sense of privacy, while the rear garden has a paved area for sitting out.



A shed at the end of the garden has glass panelling. Behind the rear wooden fence, tall conifers create a leafy backdrop.



The Area



The Ryde is a quiet residential area within easy driving distance of the shops and restaurants of Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, Hertford and Hatfield. Local favourite eateries include Auberge du Lac, which forms part of the beautiful Brocket Hall estate, and Terranova restaurant in Welwyn Garden City. Ember in Hertford has a carefully curated menu, as well as a vinyl music system inspired by Japanese listening cafes.



There is a variety of fine shops in the local area; Osprey Home in nearby St Albans is a purveyor of beautiful furniture, adjoined to the highly regarded San Lorenzo Italian café and deli. In nearby Hertford, Magpie Amore stocks a wonderful selection of vintage clothing.



The house sits just over a mile away from the wonderful green expanses of historic Hatfield House, Park and Gardens; for a small charge, residents of this area are entitled to apply for a pass that grants year-round access. For further forays in nature, Stanborough Lakes are an excellent summer destination for open-water swimming. There are also several golf courses in easy reach, including Brickendon Grange; its parkland course is rated as one of the finest in the south of England.



The area has several well-regarded schools, including The Ryde Primary School, a four-minute walk from the house. Countess Anne Church of England Primary, Howe Dell Primary, Chancellor’s School in Brookman Park and Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School are all popular options.



Hatfield rail station can be reached on foot in approximately 11 minutes, where direct trains run to King’s Cross in approximately 25 minutes and Moorgate in around 45 minutes. For international travel, Luton airport is approximately a 30-minute drive away.



Tenure: Leasehold / Lease length: Approx. 936 years remaining / Service charge: Approx. £600 per annum / Ground rent: Approx. £50 per annum / Council Tax Band: E