Ashwell Common, Graveley, SG4

Property Insight:

Some houses are pretty from the lane. This one keeps that promise all the way through.

Behind its oak-framed porch and sage green front door, this beautifully reworked cottage combines period character with thoughtful, high-quality finishes more often found in much larger homes. Natural stone flagstones, oak ledged doors, plantation shutters and brushed brass detailing create a cohesive feel that runs from the hallway through to the bathrooms.

A softly panelled hallway in muted green leads into the sitting and dining room, where wide pine floorboards sit beneath a reclaimed beam mantel and an exposed brick fireplace housing a wood-burning stove. The kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of the home, with sage shaker cabinetry, oak block worktops, a Belfast sink with brass bridge tap and a Rangemaster set against rustic brickwork beneath an original timber beam. With the breakfast table overlooking the garden and the back door opening out onto the terrace, it is a space designed equally for everyday living and relaxed entertaining.

Upstairs, vaulted ceilings add a wonderful sense of height and space to the bedrooms, while the bathroom feels like a spa in miniature. A fluted bath, twin vessel basins and backlit brass mirrors sit against warm, natural stone tiling, creating a calm and beautifully considered finish.

Outside, the garden is just as impressive and has been thoughtfully divided into two distinct areas. Closest to the house, a generous paved terrace provides the perfect spot for outdoor dining, complemented by a covered barbecue shelter and festoon lighting alongside soffit lights, creating a welcoming atmosphere for entertaining guests or enjoying warm evenings outdoors. A planted pergola leads through the lawns towards a charming brick archway. Beyond this, a second garden opens out to further lawn, raised vegetable beds, a greenhouse and two timber outbuildings. To the rear of the garden, there is also a large shed alongside a smaller timber-framed outbuilding, which is insulated and plasterboarded, with a tiled roof, internal lighting, power and an external power point.

It is a garden with genuine versatility: somewhere to entertain, grow your own, relax and give children space to play, all within one beautifully maintained plot.

Location:

Graveley is a charming North Hertfordshire village set between Hitchin and Stevenage, offering a peaceful rural setting with excellent connections close at hand. The village has a strong sense of community, centred on the historic St Mary's Church, the village hall on the High Street and two well loved pubs: The George, recently and tastefully refurbished, and the Waggon and Horses, which overlooks the village pond. Surrounded by open Hertfordshire countryside, Graveley is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors, with footpaths right on your doorstep. The historic market town of Hitchin is only a short drive away, with its cosmopolitan town centre and wealth of restaurants, bars and independent boutiques, while Stevenage offers extensive shopping and leisure facilities. For commuters, the A1(M) is close by and Stevenage station provides fast trains to London Kings Cross in around 20 minutes. Graveley Primary School (Ofsted rated good) is located close by. 

These particulars are intended to give a fair and reliable description of the property but no responsibility for any inaccuracy or error can be accepted and do not constitute an offer or contract. We have not tested any services or appliances (including central heating if fitted) referred to in these particulars and the purchasers are advised to satisfy themselves as to the working order and condition. If a property is unoccupied at any time there may be reconnection charges for any switched off/disconnected or drained services or appliances. All measurements are approximate.

Parking - Driveway