ENHANCING THE HOME

Sitting comfortably within wrap-around gardens, which have a variety of trees to provide privacy to the rear and sides of the garden including hazel and eating and cooking apples, the house also held potential for further extension. Four years after moving in, the couple oversaw work that provided them with a gorgeous garden room downstairs and an additional bedroom upstairs. “We now have five bedrooms – four of which are upstairs,” he explains. “The new bedroom upstairs tends to be used more as a music room or study, but is also an excellent bedroom. The fifth bedroom, which has the flexibility of potentially being used as a study, is downstairs, next to the shower room, making it ideal for guests.”

GRAND DESIGNS

In addition to its great versatility, the property has an unusual layout, which gives it a superb sense of flow. Visitors enter via the front door and porch before finding themselves in a grand dining hall. “This is a key feature of the house,” he observes. “It gives the ground floor a very open feeling and creates a central hub, where people can gather. This was where the girls used to do their homework at the table and we could be in another room and still help them if necessary.” It is also ideal for dinner parties and other special occasions. “We are able to seat eight people at the table, but there is enough room to bring another table in if required. When the girls were young, it was perfect for children’s parties.”

LIGHT AND MODERN

An open doorway on either side of the central dining area leads into the very long sitting room. This has doors that can be opened onto a south-facing courtyard garden in the summer months. “This is a real suntrap, which makes it a lovely place for sitting outside in the evening,” he agrees. The sitting room also leads into the garden room, which has been another fabulous reception space for both relaxation and socialising. Here, French windows give onto the beautiful rear garden, further enhancing the opportunities indoor-outdoor living. The dining room adjoins the kitchen and breakfast room, as well as the hall and the kitchen, which is contemporary in style. “We had the kitchen and utility room refitted in 2019, with high-gloss cabinets and beech wood-effect work surfaces. It all feels very bright and modern.”

BRIGHT IDEAS

Four bedrooms are on the first floor. The exceptionally large master suite spans the entire depth of the house and encompasses an en-suite shower room. The family bathroom is also at this level. The spacious property has been ideal for the family, but if new owners did wish to develop it, there is scope for further extension. Subject to the relevant planning permissions, for example, the double garage could be converted and an additional storey could be added above it. “This could lend itself to all sorts of possibilities, including becoming a self-contained annexe,” he suggests. “There is ample space here to build a completely new garage.”

HAPPY TIMES

Now relocating for family reasons, the current owners have nothing but fond memories of their time at their substantial Shenley Church End home. “It has worked so well for us – the children were able to have their friends round and to have a reception room to go into without having to shut themselves away upstairs,” he recalls. “We also have had great privacy, which has been perfect for us as we are all musicians and have been able to play our instruments without worrying about disturbing the neighbours.” He adds: “The location has also been everything we hoped it would be. We have been able to walk to schools, shops and pubs, and it has been lovely being in a place with so many amenities, as well as easy access to medieval villages and beautiful country locations. We know we will find it hard to find anywhere else quite like this when we leave.”

SETTING THE SCENE

To the front of the house, there is a driveway with ample space for four cars. This leads to the double garage. There is also a large front garden and charming walled courtyard. To the rear, the property also opens up onto substantial outside space. There is a generous, mature, lawned garden for children to play out in, plus a useful shed for storing outdoor toys and equipment.

Disclaimer

Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.