Church Lane, Balsham, Cambridge, CB21

Attractive former School House with sprawling accommodation in popular village location

Description

This substantial and highly impressive detached Victorian former school offers a rare opportunity to acquire a home of immense charm, character and a truly special ambience. The accommodation, extending to approximately 3,500 sq ft, is predominantly arranged on one level, with the added drama of a first-floor galleried mezzanine that overlooks the magnificent former school room. This breathtaking space, now transformed into an atmospheric principal reception room, is open to the full height of the building and features a vaulted ceiling, semi-arched windows to both front and rear, and full-height glazed doors opening directly onto a paved terrace and the gardens beyond. A staircase rises to the mezzanine, currently used as a study area, while steps within the reception room lead down to a further seating area with fitted bookshelves and a sink unit, enhancing the flexibility and use of the space.

The layout provides exceptional versatility and could readily accommodate an annexe if required. A ground floor bedroom wing includes several well-proportioned bedrooms, all enjoying pleasant outlooks, together with a family bathroom. Additional accommodation continues through a series of inner halls and atmospheric reception spaces, including a dining room with a high ceiling and full-height sash windows overlooking the rear gardens, and a main reception hall that enjoys views towards the historic village green and Prince Memorial, with glazed doors opening to a covered porch and the courtyard-style parking area.

A further wing of the house offers additional bedrooms and bathroom facilities, making it ideal for guests or multi-generational living. The principal bedroom suite is particularly impressive, featuring high ceilings, extensive built-in wardrobes and an en suite bathroom and shower room, complete with feature tiling, walk-in shower, twin basins and roof-light windows. A separate study or additional bedroom adds further flexibility.

The kitchen/breakfast room is well appointed with extensive fitted cabinetry, integrated appliances and generous worktop space, and enjoys lovely views towards the village green, Church Lane and the rear gardens. This in turn opens through glazed doors into a delightful garden room or conservatory, a light-filled space with a semi-vaulted ceiling and triple-aspect glazing overlooking the gardens. A cloakroom and a practical utility room are conveniently located alongside, providing excellent storage and additional appliance space.

Outside, the property is approached via a low brick wall and opens into a generous courtyard-style parking and turning area, adjacent to which is a double garage with twin up-and-over doors. The gardens are a particular delight, offering a high degree of privacy and seclusion. Mature lawns are interspersed with an abundance of shrubs, trees and well-stocked borders, including fruit trees, while pathways lead around the house and through further secluded areas of garden. To the rear, a large paved terrace sits immediately adjacent to the house, ideal for outdoor entertaining, with a brick-built store, attractive pond and water feature, greenhouse and gated access directly onto the High Street.

Location

The Old School is situated close to the centre of the attractive village of Balsham, with facilities including a village shop/post office, historic parish church and primary school together with two public houses. Further local facilities are found within Linton, 3.7 miles away. There are comprehensive cultural, recreational and shopping facilities available in the centre of Cambridge 10 miles to the west.

There is secondary schooling at Linton Village College, Hills & Long Road Sixth Form Colleges in Cambridge and renowned independent schools in both Cambridge and Saffron Walden. For the commuter there is ready access to the west of Balsham onto the A11 which leads south to the M11 (Junctions 9a & 10) towards Stansted Airport (27 miles) and north to the A14. Mainline rail services are available from Whittlesford station into London Liverpool Street Station together with services from Cambridge to Liverpool Street and Kings Cross.

All distances and times are approximate.

Square Footage: 3,367 sq ft