Greenbelt Agricultural Land. Available for a variety of uses subject to the necessary consent.
1 acre £29,000
2 acre £58,000
3 acre £87,000
Located in a popular and sought after location.
Bayfordbury is a notable location in Hertfordshire, England, specifically situated in the SG13 postal code area near Hertford. Here's an overview based on available information:
Historical Background and Location
Bayfordbury is primarily known for its large Grade II* listed country house and the surrounding estate, which includes parkland and woodlands. The estate was originally developed for Sir William Baker between 1759 and 1762, and later expanded by his son in the early 19th century. After various uses, including as a home for Dr Barnardo's charity, it was purchased by the Hertfordshire Council in 1967 for the use of Hatfield Polytechnic (now the University of Hertfordshire).
Bayfordbury Observatory
One of the most significant features of Bayfordbury is the Bayfordbury Observatory, established in 1969 by Hatfield Polytechnic. It is one of the largest teaching astronomical observatories in the UK, providing facilities for both academic research and public outreach. The observatory is equipped with multiple telescopes housed in eight domes, making it a key educational resource for students studying astronomy and astrophysics. It hosts open evenings for the public, particularly during the winter months when the nights are longer, offering opportunities for stargazing and learning about the cosmos.
University of Hertfordshire's Campus
The Bayfordbury estate also serves as a campus for the University of Hertfordshire. This campus includes:
Biology and Geography Field Station: The area's diverse habitats, like grasslands, woodlands, and a lake, make it an ideal location for field studies in life and medical sciences.
The Clinton-Baker Pinetum: Featuring over 150 species of conifers from around the world, it's an educational resource for botanical studies.
Accessibility and Transport
Bayfordbury is accessible via public transport, with the nearest station being Bayford Lane in Hertford. From London, one can take a combination of tube lines and trains to reach the area. For example, from London Bridge, one might take the Northern Line, followed by the Piccadilly Line, and then a Great Northern train to Bayford station. The journey involves multiple changes and can take around 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Visitor Experience
Public open evenings at the observatory are tailored for families and educational groups, providing hands-on experiences with telescopes, planetarium shows, and talks by researchers. These events are scheduled from October to March due to the longer nights. Parking is available on-site, and there are no refreshments mentioned, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Cultural and Community Engagement
The observatory and the broader Bayfordbury estate engage with the community through various events, including special tours for groups like Scouts, Girl Guides, and astronomy enthusiasts, offering educational content and the chance to use the observatory's facilities.
In summary, Bayfordbury is a multifaceted location combining historical significance, educational facilities, and astronomical research, making it a unique destination in Hertfordshire.
