Franklin Place, Fairfield, Hitchin, SG5 4GT

The Property

Built by Bovis in 2010, Franklin Place blends traditional architecture with a modern layout. The development’s strong design principles are showcased here, such as buff bricks and stone mullions, and the double frontage grants bay windows on both sides and to both storeys. The owners bought the property brand new, and they’ve updated the décor over the years. They also replaced the kitchen and bathrooms recently.

While the home echoes Victorian and Georgian eras on the outside, the inside accommodation is fit for a 21st-century family. As you step inside, the hall is wide and spacious, great for getting the kids out the door and for bringing bulky deliveries in.

To the right are two of the three reception rooms, both flexible for whatever your family needs. The larger of the two would make a perfect playroom, keeping toys separate from the main living spaces, while the other is set up as a gaming den, where spirited Xbox sessions can be contained. Of course, this could be an office if preferred.

To the left of the accommodation is a particularly large lounge. One end has a bay window, providing a lovely reading spot with natural light, and the other has French doors onto the deck to bring the outdoors in. There’s a focal fireplace in the centre.

At the back of the house is open-plan living space, essential for a family and for entertaining friends. This is really generous, with room for a sofa in the sitting area to watch telly together, and a proper table in the dining area to host formal feasts. French doors onto the deck make eating al fresco easy.

The kitchen has the wow factor, featuring blue cabinetry, wood worktops and brown leather handles. There’s loads of storage and surfacing, plus a central island, and all drawers and cupboard doors are soft closing. Integrated appliances include dual ovens, a hob, a dishwasher and a wine cooler, and there’s a gap for a fridge/freezer. The utility room off the dining area has more storage and surfacing, another sink, and a gap for a washing machine.

To the first floor are four double bedrooms. The primary bedroom is especially generous, dual aspect, and benefits from a whole wall of built-in wardrobes. Bedroom two also has built-in storage, and bedroom three has far-reaching outlooks across to fields.

All bathrooms at the property are stylish. The en suite and the family bathroom are in a monochrome design, both with a white three-piece suite and black Crittall touches. The en suite has an oversized shower, while the bathroom has a freestanding egg-shaped tub (the tap is freestanding too, so no one has to have the ‘uncomfortable’ end). The downstairs cloakroom is in a white suite with brown tiling.

The Plot

The plot at Franklin Place is fantastic for a family. The frontage is pretty much zero-maintenance, and there’s plenty of parking between the four-car driveway and the detached double garage. The driveway has an EV charger, and a gate for security.

To the rear, the garden is a good size, yet again easy to look after. Being a mix of decking, paving and slate chips, there’s no grass to mow at the weekends, but green fingers can stay busy in the deep sleeper-bound beds. Planting is varied, and there are fruit trees including a mature fig, a cherry and a quattro of apple trees.

The detached garden room/studio offers additional accommodation, secluded away from the main house. This makes the most sense as a private office space, but could be a semi-outdoor den for the kids, or a covered spot for parents to enjoy coffee or cocktails in peace.

The Position

Franklin Place sits in a quiet corner of Fairfield Park, between open fields and an area of woodland. Fairfield Park is a sought-after, family-friendly development, with a range of amenities on site. Within walking distance of the address is well-regarded schooling, a selection of shops, a community centre and a community garden. The estate offers parks and green spaces throughout, with many options for daily dog walks, while the surrounding countryside is ideal for long weekend wanders among nature. The development has sports clubs and facilities, The Pavilion Café for spectators, plus a Bannatyne Health Club and Spa.

Fairfield Park is a short drive from Stotfold town centre, with the larger, historic towns of Letchworth Garden City and Hitchin just a little further. Between the three, you’ll find all sorts, from eating and drinking establishments, to arts, culture, events and entertainment. Letchworth and Hitchin both have a mainline station, with fast, frequent commuter services into London. By road, you can be on the A1(M) in just a few minutes from Fairfield Park, and both Cambridge and Milton Keynes are c.45 minutes away. For international travel, Luton airport is only half an hour away.