38-40 Hillrow, Haddenham, CB6

Porch House is an exceptional Grade II Listed Elizabethan Long House, set within approximately 2.8 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and grounds. Extending to almost 3,800 sq ft, this remarkable home offers extensive and highly versatile accommodation, rich in period character and architectural significance. Occupying a prominent position within one of East Cambridgeshire's most sought-after villages, the property also benefits from flexible living arrangements, including the potential for a self-contained annexe or holiday let.

The striking wisteria-clad façade immediately reflects the property's heritage and charm. The namesake and the notable feature of the front elevation is the entrance porch, which is believed to be a later addition to the original house, and is thought to date from the late 16th century. Entering through impressive arched double doors into a welcoming vestibule, leading to the first of three elegant reception rooms. The first is arranged as a dining room, this characterful space features exposed original beams and a herringbone wood floor, which continues seamlessly into the impressive dual-aspect drawing room. Despite its generous proportions, this room provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, centred around a fireplace which features an original salt and spice drying alcove, with an inset multifuel burning stove, and exposed timber beams to the ceiling.

The sitting/family room offers an additional and equally appealing reception space, featuring a magnificent inglenook fireplace. This versatile room has previously formed part of a self-contained annexe, successfully utilised by the current owners for approximately fifteen years. With a second staircase leading to the first floor accommodation.

The kitchen is fitted with a comprehensive range of traditional-style cabinetry and features a butler sink, Lacanche range cooker and attractive terracotta tiled flooring. There is ample space for informal dining, creating an ideal setting for both everyday family life and entertaining. In addition is either a comprehensive utility room or kitchen which services the holiday cottage. Beyond lies a versatile rear hall, featuring the same herringbone flooring found throughout much of the ground floor. This space also incorporates a main staircase to the first floor and a practical ground-floor shower room.

To the rear of the house, an elegant Amdega orangery overlooks the gardens, with heating and fitted blinds and incorporates its own spring-fed well, creating a delightful year-round living space filled with natural light.

The first floor provides five well-proportioned bedrooms. The principal suite enjoys a fitted walk-in dressing room and a luxurious en suite bathroom complete with a freestanding bath and separate power shower. Four further bedrooms are served by two family bathrooms, providing generous accommodation for family and guests alike.

The property has previously operated as a successful self-contained holiday cottage, where one wing was self-contained and offered two bedrooms, a bathroom and a sitting room with an inglenook fireplace. With its own independent entrance, this accommodation provided excellent flexibility and income. The cottage, while integrated into the main house, remains the perfect accommodation to give guests their own privacy.

Outside, the grounds are a particular highlight. Secure double gates open onto a generous courtyard providing parking for numerous vehicles. The immediate gardens are predominantly laid to lawn and enhanced by mature native woodland trees, established flower beds and a wealth of seasonal interest. Beyond, the 2.8-acre plot rises gently to an area planted with fruit-bearing apple, plum, quince and medlar trees, before extending to meadowland and further woodland. Together, these grounds create an exceptional setting for families, those seeking a rural lifestyle, or potential equestrian use.

A collection of substantial barns and outbuildings provides excellent storage and workshop facilities, whilst also presenting exciting opportunities for conversion to additional accommodation or ancillary uses, subject to the necessary consents.

LOCATION

Haddenham is a picturesque fen-edge village located approximately 7 miles south-west of Ely and around 15 miles from Cambridge. The A142 provides direct road links to Ely and Newmarket, while Ely railway station offers frequent services to London, Cambridge, Norwich, and King’s Lynn, making the village well placed for commuters. The flat fenland landscape also provides excellent cycling routes to Wilburton, Sutton, and Ely.

The village is known for its slightly elevated position, offering attractive views across the surrounding fens, and for its strong community-focused atmosphere. Local amenities include The Barn, an independent micropub, as well as The Three Kings. Independent shops include a hairdresser, the Haddenham Arts Centre, known for its art displays and creative workshops, and an artisan gift shop. The SPAR incorporates a Post Office, and there is also a chemist, health centre, and churches. The Arkenstall is another asset of the village, providing a venue for local groups and activities, including art, exercise, drama, and music, alongside a village hall, sports field, and children’s play areas. The village also hosts popular annual events such as the Haddenham Steam Rally and the Haddenham Beer Festival, which bring the community together and attract visitors from the surrounding area. Scenic walking and cycling routes are also easily accessible, including quiet fen lanes and the Ouse Valley trails.

Ely is a historic cathedral city renowned for its magnificent 11th-century Cathedral, whose distinctive Octagon Tower dominates the surrounding landscape. Developed around this iconic landmark, the city offers a rich cultural heritage with a programme of musical, liturgical and cultural events throughout the year. Other notable attractions include the Stained Glass Museum and Oliver Cromwell's House, with its striking Tudor façade.

The city provides an excellent range of amenities, including a variety of shops, sporting facilities, a cinema complex, attractive parklands such as Cherry Hill Park and Jubilee Gardens, riverside walks along the Great Ouse, charming tea rooms, and a wide selection of restaurants, cafés and public houses. Ely is also home to three popular markets: the award-winning Farmers' Market, the Thursday General Market and the Saturday Craft and Collectables Market.

Education is well catered for, with King's Ely, a highly regarded co-educational independent day and boarding school.

Approximately 16 miles to the south lies the university city of Cambridge, celebrated for its unique blend of historic architecture, world-renowned colleges, picturesque streets, extensive shopping facilities and the scenic River Cam. Cambridge is internationally recognised not only for its academic excellence but also as a leading centre for technology, biotechnology and medical research, home to organisations including ARM, Microsoft, AstraZeneca, the Cambridge Science Park and Addenbrooke's Hospital Biomedical Campus.

The city offers exceptional cultural opportunities, with concerts, exhibitions and events held throughout its colleges, museums and galleries. There are also excellent independent schools, expansive green spaces including Jesus Green and Midsummer Common, and the famous punting experience along The Backs.

Parking - Off street