California, Little Downham, CB6

An exceptional detached family residence extending to approximately 5,000 sq ft in total. Occupying a delightful semi-rural setting within the highly regarded village of Little Downham. Designed by a renowned local architect and constructed in 2000, Beald House is a striking and individual home that combines impressive architectural design with outstanding family accommodation, beautifully landscaped gardens, a detached annexe, paddock land and far-reaching views across open countryside.

Approached via electric double gates, the property immediately conveys a sense of quality, privacy and arrival. A substantial driveway provides extensive parking and leads to the detached double garage and adjoining workshop, while the handsome façade hints at the generous and thoughtfully designed accommodation within. The welcoming reception hall provides an impressive introduction to the home and offers practical everyday functionality, including a spacious walk-in cloaks cupboard.

The property has been designed around modern family living, with an excellent balance of formal and informal reception space. The principal sitting room is a beautifully proportioned room centered around a sandstone fireplace with inset log-burning stove, creating a warm and inviting focal point. Double doors open through to the air conditioned dining area, allowing the spaces to work equally well for family life and larger-scale entertaining. A separate snug provides a more intimate retreat, while a dedicated study offers an ideal environment for home working.

Undoubtedly the heart of the home is the magnificent air conditioned open-plan kitchen, breakfast and dining space. Finished to a high specification throughout, the kitchen incorporates an extensive range of bespoke cabinetry, generous work surfaces and a substantial central island, complemented by a Rangemaster induction cooker, an Everhot range cooker, integrated dishwasher and space for an American-style fridge freezer. The adjoining dining area forms one of the home's most impressive features, with a dramatic vaulted ceiling rising towards a galleried first-floor landing above, creating a wonderful sense of volume, light and architectural character. This spectacular space has been designed to bring people together and provides an exceptional setting for both everyday living and entertaining.

A defining feature of Beald House is the seamless connection between the interior and exterior living spaces. Bespoke triple glazed sliding doors stretch across the rear elevation, opening directly onto a sheltered entertaining terrace and flooding the home with natural light. The adjoining orangery provides an additional reception space and enjoys a glazed lantern style roof, air conditioning and French doors opening onto the extensive patio, creating an ideal year-round garden room from which to enjoy the surrounding grounds. A well-appointed utility room with additional storage completes the ground floor accommodation.

The first floor provides superb family accommodation arranged around a spacious landing. Four of the bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged with exceptionally well equipped and modern Jack-and-Jill bath and shower room facilities, creating an excellent family-friendly layout, while the principal suite occupies a particularly attractive position overlooking the gardens and countryside beyond. This generous bedroom benefits from fitted wardrobes, French doors and exceptional views across open farmland, together with a newly fitted luxurious en-suite shower room finished to a very high standard. A beautifully appointed family bathroom features a freestanding bath, separate walk-in shower and contemporary fittings. In total, the first floor provides five bedrooms and four bath or shower rooms, all presented to an exceptionally high standard.

The second floor offers further versatile accommodation in the form of a substantial sixth bedroom suite with adjoining en-suite shower room. Equally suited to guests, older children or multi-generational living, the space enjoys a wonderful degree of privacy and flexibility.

The versatility of the property extends beyond the main house. Above the detached double garage is a self-contained one-bedroom annexe providing valuable ancillary accommodation, ideal for guests, extended family or a variety of lifestyle requirements. Additional storage areas further enhance the practicality of the property.

The grounds are a particular feature and have been thoughtfully landscaped to create a series of attractive outdoor spaces that complement the house perfectly. Extensive terraces provide ideal areas for outdoor dining and entertaining, with steps and a ramp leading down to the lawned gardens. Well-stocked borders, mature shrubs and established planting provide year-round colour and interest, while a variety of fruit trees including apple, pear, plum, cherry and hazelnut contribute to the property's charming country garden feel. A summer house and additional large log cabin storage shed/gym further enhance the outdoor space.

For those seeking a lifestyle property, the gardens also feature a Catalina Olympic 21 swim spa and jacuzzi combo, providing a superb leisure facility for family enjoyment and relaxation. Beyond the formal gardens, a five-bar gate opens into the adjoining 1 acre (STS) paddock, creating a wonderful sense of space and privacy whilst offering further recreational potential. Combined with the exceptional countryside views and peaceful village setting, the grounds provide a fitting backdrop to this outstanding family home.

Rarely does a property combine such substantial accommodation, architectural interest, versatility and outdoor space in such an accessible rural location. Beautifully presented throughout and offering approximately 5,000 sq ft of accommodation across three floors, together with a detached annexe, double garage workshop, garden store, large log cabin shed/gym, swim spa/jacuzzi combo, paddock and exceptional gardens, Beald House presents a unique opportunity to acquire one of Little Downham's most distinguished family homes.

Location

Little Downham is a charming village located about 3 miles (5 km) northwest of Ely. It is nestled in a rural setting, providing a peaceful environment with easy access to Ely.

Village Information

The village is known for its strong community spirit, with numerous local events and social activities taking place throughout the year. The primary school, Downham Feoffees Primary Academy, is highly regarded and provides quality education to local children.

Facilities

Facilities in Little Downham include St. Leonard’s Church, a village hall, and several local shops. The village also features recreational areas such as playing fields and a children’s playground. Nearby Ely offers additional amenities and services.

If you live locally and feel there is any incorrect or missing information in these village guides, then please do contact us as our aim is to keep them as up to date as possible to assist buyers moving into the area.

Parking - Double garage

Extensive driveway proving ample parking

Disclaimer

Important Information These particulars are provided as a guide only. They are prepared using information supplied by the seller and other sources believed to be reliable. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, buyers should satisfy themselves by inspection, survey and their own legal enquiries before proceeding. All measurements, floorplans, photographs and computer-generated images are for guidance only. Measurements and areas are approximate, and we have not tested any services, systems, appliances or equipment. To comply with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, all purchasers must complete identity and source of funds checks before a transaction can proceed. Identity checks are carried out by an independent third-party provider and are subject to a charge. Material information is provided to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may be updated if further information becomes available. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract.