Five Elms is a handsome and beautifully presented detached family home, set within approximately 0.85 acres in the sought after hilltop village of Bellingdon, surrounded by the Chiltern countryside and designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Originally dating back to around 1928, the house was comprehensively rebuilt, extended and remodelled by the current owners during 2010 and 2011. The result is a home that retains the character and proportions of a traditional country property, while offering the comfort, efficiency and design expected of modern family living. High ceilings, oak joinery, engineered oak flooring, wood burning stoves and carefully considered detailing sit comfortably alongside contemporary glazing, underfloor heating and a striking open plan kitchen, dining and living space.
The sense of quality is apparent from the moment you enter. An oak entrance porch leads into a welcoming central reception hall, where a bespoke solid oak staircase creates a strong first impression. To either side of the hallway are two elegant reception rooms, both with square bay windows. One is currently used as a music room, while the other provides a calm sitting room with a wood burning stove, ideal for quieter evenings.
A further reception room has been thoughtfully fitted as a study and library, with bespoke cabinetry, bookcases and storage. This is a particularly atmospheric room, with a wood burning stove, French doors opening to its own patio area and views across the garden. It works equally well as a home office, reading room or private retreat.
Also on the ground floor is a generous guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, offering excellent flexibility for visiting family, older children, or those requiring single level accommodation.
The undoubted heart of the home is the spectacular kitchen, dining and living room to the rear. This impressive open plan space has been designed for everyday family life as much as for entertaining. A part glazed roof, gallery above and extensive glazing fill the room with natural light, while two sets of bi folding doors open directly onto the patio and gardens, allowing the outside space to become a natural extension of the house during the warmer months.
The kitchen itself is sleek, well equipped and highly practical, fitted with German units and a comprehensive range of appliances including three Neff ovens, a steam oven, combination microwave oven, warming drawer, six ring induction hob, extractor, Siemens dishwasher and Liebherr wine chiller. There is also a walk in larder, Quooker tap with chilled still and sparkling water, reverse osmosis water filter, waste disposal unit and water softener. The dining area comfortably accommodates larger gatherings, while the sitting area creates a relaxed family space overlooking the garden.
Leading from the kitchen are a useful utility and boot room, cloakroom, plant room and a second study, which enjoys a dual aspect outlook over the rear garden and courtyard. The whole of the ground floor benefits from wet underfloor heating, with individually controlled zones.
The first floor is arranged around a spacious galleried landing, with four generous bedrooms and beautifully appointed bathrooms. Three of the bedrooms have en suite facilities, while a large family bathroom serves the remaining bedroom. The bedroom accommodation is particularly versatile, with several rooms large enough to accommodate super king beds and enjoying views either over the garden or across neighbouring paddocks.
The principal suite is a standout feature of the house. Accessed via a mezzanine gallery overlooking part of the kitchen and garden beyond, it comprises a generous vaulted bedroom with fitted wardrobes, eaves storage, dressing room and a luxurious bathroom. French doors open to a glazed Juliette balcony, framing views over the garden, the Catalpa tree and the land beyond.
The separate annexe was created in 2018, replacing former outbuildings and built to a high standard with attractive brick and hand cut flint elevations, handmade clay roof tiles, Accoya joinery, limestone flooring and underfloor heating. It has been designed to offer exceptional flexibility. The front section can function as a high quality garage space, leisure space, office or studio, while the rear provides a living area, kitchen, shower room and doors opening onto the courtyard and garden. It is ideal for visiting family, guests, dependent relatives, working from home or lifestyle use, subject to any relevant permissions.
Outside, Five Elms is approached through electric gates onto a sweeping gravel driveway, with ample parking and turning space. The gardens have been carefully landscaped and planted by the current owners, creating a private and attractive setting around the house. There are expansive lawns, a large entertaining terrace, a charming courtyard between the house and annexe, mature hedging and a wide variety of trees including cherry trees, mulberry, walnut, olive, hornbeam, willow and a beautiful Catalpa Aurea.
The garden has been designed to be both beautiful and manageable. It offers space for family games, pets, outdoor dining and quiet relaxation, with areas of colour and interest through the seasons. A small paddock area provides a more natural space with wildflowers, chicken run and coop, while a stable with power and lighting is currently used for garden storage. External lighting, power sockets, water taps, gate controls, intercom and CCTV further enhance the practical day to day use of the property.
Bellingdon is one of the attractive hilltop villages within the Chilterns, offering immediate access to wonderful countryside walks, cycling routes and bridleways. Local routes lead towards Wendover Woods, Tring reservoirs, the Grand Union Canal, Lee Common, Ivinghoe Beacon and the Ridgeway. Nearby pubs and cafés include the White Lion at St Leonards, The Full Moon at Cholesbury, The Blue Ball at Asheridge and the Chiltern Velo Café in Hawridge.
Despite its rural setting, the property is well placed for everyday amenities and commuting. Chesham, Berkhamsted, Tring and Amersham are all within reach, offering shopping, restaurants, cafés and rail links. Chesham provides Metropolitan Line services, while Berkhamsted offers mainline rail services into London Euston. Amersham provides both Metropolitan Line and Chiltern Line options. Food shopping is well served by Waitrose in Chesham and Berkhamsted, M&S Foodhall in Tring and the excellent P. E. Mead farm shop near Wilstone.
The area is also highly regarded for schooling, with options including Berkhamsted School, Chesham Grammar School and the Dr Challoner’s schools. Bellingdon itself has a strong village community, with regular events at the village hall and the local Grapevine email network helping residents stay connected.
Five Elms is a rare combination of character, quality, space and setting. It is a home that has clearly been created with care, designed for family life, entertaining and enjoying the countryside, while remaining highly practical for modern living.