Property description

AGENTS COMMENTS Queen Mary Cottage has character and charm in abundance, and is the sort of property that doesn't come onto the market very often. It started life as a stable, coach house and groom's accommodation serving one of the large Victorian villas in the vicinity, before being converted to full residential use in the early part of the twentieth century. It owes its name to a large hedge in the shape of the liner 'Queen Mary' which, from the 1930s until the 1970s, occupied some adjacent land and became a popular tourist attraction, featuring on postcards and coach tour stops.



In recent years the cottage has been sympathetically extended and upgraded using, wherever possible, reclaimed brick, stone and timber to preserve and enhance its character and appearance whilst conforming to 21st century standards. It boasts a number of original features such as Victorian wooden panelling, ornamental cast iron fireplaces, sloping bedroom ceilings and the original coach house door frame in the lounge. These have been supplemented by period details such as the custom-built kitchen units made from 19th century reclaimed teak and the ornate Victorian lamp standard in the garden.



The property has a gated driveway on its eastern side with space for two vehicles, and this leads on to a delightful, professionally landscaped garden, featuring natural stone walls and a wealth of mature plants and shrubs.



Neighbouring land to the west of the cottage is owned by Southern Water which maintains a small fresh water pumping station that harnesses a nearby natural spring. Under a 935 year agreement reached in the 1920s, the cottage enjoys free domestic water supply. 

OWNERS COMMENTS We came upon this house 15 years ago when we just happened to drive past it, and were immediately taken by its outward appeal. Further inspection reinforced that first impression, and we've hugely enjoyed living here. We have found the community of St Lawrence to be quiet, friendly and welcoming, but without the excessive intrusiveness that can sometimes mar village life, and we're intending to remain within the vicinity. We both still love Queen Mary Cottage, and we thought long and hard before deciding to sell it but, as active retirees, we feel that if we are to take on a further house project before we slip into our dotage, then now is the time to do it. 

GROUND FLOOR  

ENTRANCE LOBBY  

Lounge 19'6 x 13'2  

Study 6'11 x 7'2  

Kitchen area 13'1 x 12'8  

Utility room  

Dining area 12'8 x 8'3  

Conservatory 11'11 x 6'2  

Bathroom  

FIRST FLOOR  

Landing  

Bedroom 1 13'5 x 12'5  

Bedroom 2 12'9 x 12'6  

Bedroom 3 11'3 x 6'8  

Shower room  

OUTSIDE  

Landscaped garden  

Gated driveway