Property description
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Set amid twenty-five acres of beautiful grounds is Oaklands Park, a lovely family home that is thought to have been constructed in 1907 as a gatehouse for a much large property that was never actually built. Known locally as “the castle” due to its turret and crenellations that adorn the tops of the two towering chimneys, this is indeed a very unique property that over the past fifteen years has been transformed into a spacious and beautifully presented family home by its current owners.
“We originally moved to the area from London,” says Andrew, “and at the time we were looking for a home that was the antithesis of everything we had in the city. We wanted space, land and peace and quiet, but in a location that had good connectivity.” “The moment we set eyes on this house and its magnificent grounds we fell in loved with it,” says Jan. “It had absolutely everything we had been looking for.”
“Although we hadn’t been looking for a project, as such,” says Andrew, “I have to say that the house was a mess when we bought it. However we could see that it had huge potential to be a really fabulous home, a potential that I’d say has definitely been realised.” “At the time it was just a small, three-bedroom cottage,” says Jan, “but bit by bit we have gone through it and completely renovated the entire house, and we’ve also added a large extension which has almost doubled it in size.” “To the side of the house was a lovely old barn,” says Andrew, “which we first converted into an annex, and then a few years later we created a glazed walkway to connect it to the main house. It’s a fantastic space that has a kitchen, a shower room, a bedroom and a living area, and as it’s set away from the house it’s a place that the children have particularly enjoyed. They can hang out with their friends and make as much noise and mess as they like.”
This impressive home is set well back from a quiet lane and enveloped by around three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The back garden then leads into a large expanse of ancient woodland, which in turn flows into a pretty meadow, at the end of which is a manege. “This is an extremely quiet location,” says Andrew, “but then we have this huge expanse of our own private space to enjoy; it’s a bit like owning a country estate. The garden is quite formal to the front of the house, but then the rest is very open and surprisingly easy to maintain. Having the woodland has been wonderful, particularly for the children when they were young. It’s a very safe space and so they had the freedom to go off, build camps and have hours of fun playing hide and seek.” “And having so much space has enabled us to host some fabulous parties,” adds Jan. “We’ve had huge BBQs, bonfire night celebrations, pre-prom parties for the children, the list goes on.”
“This has been a wonderful home for us all for the past fifteen years,” says Andrew, “but the time really has come for us to downsize a touch. However the peaceful nature of the environment combined with its convenience means that we won’t be venturing far.” “We’ll definitely miss living at Oaklands Park,” concludes Jan, “but we’ll take with us some fabulous memories.”Entering through the main entrance hall off which the stairs lead to thefirst floor and there is a downstairs cloakroom.
Double aspect living room with French doors and fireplace.
Living kitchen/breakfast room with island, French doors and separate utility.
Family room and dining room beyond with glazed doors to the rear.
A boot room separates the main house from the versatile Barn Annexethat could easily serve as ancillary accommodation, an office complexor simply additional living space. The ground of the barn annexe comprises a hallway/storage area, main room and kitchenette as well as a study/office. On the first floor are two additional multi-purpose rooms that could serve as bedrooms or office
Reverting to the main house, with what comprises the tower to one corner and a staircase off to the second floor, featuring the main bedroom accommodation.
The master bedroom comprises a suite of bedroom, dressingroom and en suite and a balcony.
Bedroom two, the guests bedroom, also offers an en suite.
There are three additional bedrooms and a shower room with each bedroom offeringfitted or built-in cupboards.
The second floor comprises a lookout room and balcony with fabulous views from the tower.
With entry via double wrought iron gates, the outside of the property offers anextensive parking and turning area as well as a double car port. The grounds extend to some 25 acres consisting of a large landscaped garden, natural bluebell woodland and parkland. There is great scope for the equestrian enthusiast with potential paddock, a two-bay stable block and tack room and menàge.
Property Features :
- Charming Unique Family Home with Crenulated Tower
- One Bedroom Barn Annex
- Kitchen/Dining Room
- Three Reception Rooms
- Master Bedroom with Balcony
Property Info: