Townsend, Soham, CB7

A truly charming Grade II listed thatched cottage, believed to date back to the 15th century, with later 17th-century extensions and a wonderful wealth of period features throughout. At one point in its history, the property was a public house known as The Hoops, adding to its fascinating past. Today, this exceptional home combines centuries of history with a well-considered layout and modern comforts, including gas-fired radiator heating, and is offered for sale with the advantage of no onward chain.

The property has been beautifully maintained and retains an abundance of character, including exposed timbers and beams, a superb inglenook fireplace and a traditional thatched roof. The thatch ridge was renewed approximately five to six years ago, with the main thatch also refurbished to extend its life by an estimated 25 years.

The accommodation begins with the well-appointed kitchen, fitted with a comprehensive range of wall and base units and drawers, granite work surfaces and a central island. There is a six-ring range cooker with gas hob and double electric ovens, together with a corner carousel cupboard, Butler sink and mixer tap. A door leads through to the useful utility room, which provides further storage, work surfaces, sink and drainer, rear window and external door, together with space and plumbing for appliances and the gas boiler.

From the kitchen, the sitting room is a particularly characterful and inviting space, with two front-facing windows benefiting from secondary glazing and a striking brick-built inglenook fireplace with an inset log-burning stove. Exposed timbers and beams further enhance the room, creating a warm and cosy setting.

A brick step leads to the carpeted staircase rising to the first floor, while an opening leads through to an inner hallway providing access to the study and recently refitted ground floor bathroom. The study offers excellent flexibility and could be used as a home office, reading room or occasional fourth bedroom, depending on requirements.

The ground floor bathroom has been recently refitted and is beautifully finished with travertine marble, providing a quality finish that sits comfortably alongside the period character of the property.

Upstairs, the landing provides access to three bedrooms, a cloakroom and two useful fitted storage cupboards.

The principal bedroom is a lovely characterful room with exposed timbers and an excellent range of fitted wardrobes and drawers, providing an impressive amount of storage, together with a further useful storage cupboard.

Bedroom two is another well-proportioned room with a front-facing window benefiting from secondary glazing and fitted wardrobes, while bedroom three overlooks the rear and also benefits from fitted storage.

The first floor is completed by a separate cloakroom with WC and wash hand basin.

Outside, the property enjoys a fully enclosed garden, providing a private and pleasant space for relaxing and entertaining. The garden is predominantly paved with established borders and mature shrubs, while the side of the property provides excellent additional storage, currently used as a wood store and offering useful space for bicycles, kayaks and garden equipment.

There are also two large lockable storage sheds and off-road parking for at least two vehicles. To the front is a further paved area with established hedging and a fenced border, creating a private and easily maintained approach.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a home with genuine historical significance and an abundance of original character, while still offering the practicality required for modern living. The combination of its 15th-century origins, later additions, traditional thatched roof, exposed timbers and impressive inglenook fireplace makes this a particularly distinctive property.

Why Soham?

Soham is a growing town of around 12,000 people situated in East Cambridgeshire between Ely and Newmarket. Combining a strong sense of community with good transport connections and easy access to the surrounding countryside, it offers an appealing balance between town and rural life.

The town has a long history stretching back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of settlement dating to prehistoric times. Today, Soham continues to grow, with new housing and investment in local infrastructure supporting an expanding population, while retaining the friendly, small-town atmosphere that makes it an appealing place to live.

Transport Links

Soham's transport connections have improved significantly in recent years, particularly following the reopening of its railway station in 2021. Regular services connect Soham with Ely and Cambridge, providing convenient access to the wider rail network.

The A142 provides straightforward road access to Ely and Newmarket, while the nearby A14 connects with Cambridge and the wider region. Local bus services provide further connections with surrounding towns and villages.

Social Scene

Soham has an active community and a good range of sports, cultural and leisure facilities. The Viva Theatre, within easy reach of the property, offers a programme of live theatre, touring productions, comedy, cinema, National Theatre Live screenings and community events.

The town also has a sports centre and gym, library, bowls club, Soham Town Rangers Football Club and a variety of clubs and community organisations. Annual events form an important part of town life, including the popular Soham Carnival & Heavy Horse Show and the Soham Pumpkin Fair.

Nearby Ely and Newmarket provide a wider choice of shops, restaurants, leisure facilities and cultural attractions. Newmarket is internationally renowned as the home of British horseracing, with two racecourses and a programme of racing and major summer events.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the surrounding Fenland countryside provides numerous opportunities for walking and cycling, with Wicken Fen also within easy reach.

Schools

Soham offers educational facilities from nursery and preschool through to secondary level. The town's principal secondary school, Soham Village College, was rated Outstanding following its most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2024.

Primary education includes The Shade Primary School, St Andrew's C of E Primary School and The Weatheralls Primary School, while a number of nurseries and preschools provide further options for younger children. The Shade Primary School's most recent Ofsted inspection in October 2024 resulted in Good judgements across all inspected areas.

Eateries and Shops

For everyday needs, Soham combines independent local businesses with larger food stores and supermarkets. The town also offers a good choice of pubs, cafés, restaurants and takeaways, with nearby Ely and Newmarket providing considerably greater choice for shopping, dining and entertainment.

With its rail connections, schools, shops, theatre, sporting facilities, community events and surrounding countryside, Soham offers the amenities of a growing and well-connected town while retaining the character and community spirit of a smaller community.

Garden

Outside, the property enjoys a fully enclosed garden, providing a private and pleasant space for relaxing and entertaining. The garden is predominantly paved with established borders and mature shrubs, while the side of the property provides excellent additional storage, currently used as a wood store and offering useful space for bicycles, kayaks and garden equipment. There are also two large lockable storage sheds and off-road parking for at least two vehicles. To the front is a further paved area with established hedging and a fenced border, creating a private and easily maintained approach.

Parking - Off street

There are two large lockable storage sheds and off-road parking for at least two vehicles. To the front is a further paved area with established hedging and a fenced border, creating a private and easily maintained approach.

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.