Felday Glade, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking, Surrey

Dating from the early 20th century, The Old Bakery is one of several attractive historic houses that contribute to a picturesque village centre, with its shop-front architecture reflecting its origins. With a blend of vintage charm and modern comfort, period features include sash windows, high-ceilinged rooms with cornicing, picture rails and ornamental fireplaces. The property has been renovated and maintained by the present owners with a commitment to high quality workmanship and materials throughout. There is chequered tiling and a stately handbuilt staircase in the generous reception hall where the double-height ceiling affords glimpses of the galleried landing above. Steps lead down into the bright, elegant drawing room with two box-bay windows and views over the village green, whilst the adjoining formal dining room features a canted bay window. Fitted with farmhouse-style cabinetry, the spacious kitchen has a red 4-oven Aga at its heart and offers plenty of space for informal dining, with a door leading to the light-filled conservatory, which in turn links to the study. The house is wellinsulated; most of the ground floor windows are double-glazed in timber frames and there
is high quality secondary glazing at first floor level. The first floor offers five bedrooms including the principal bedroom with a dressing room and luxurious en suite bathroom. Further accommodation is available to the rear and above the garage, with a lower-level studio and upper-level office, sitting area and bathroom.

Two timber, five-bar gates mark the access to a driveway at the side of the house, which extends to the garage and provides hardstanding for parking. With a woodland backdrop, the rear garden has a series of raised beds filled with established shrubs. Steps provide access to an expanse of lawn surrounded by a curved bank planted with architectural, colourful and scented shrubs with year round interest. At the top of the garden, a private gate provides access to the Hurtwood and a further lawn affords elevated and far-reaching views to the parish church and the Surrey Hills.

The village of Holmbury St Mary enjoys an idyllic setting on the shallow upper slopes of the greensand ridge that forms the Surrey Hills. Local amenities include a village hall which hosts clubs, societies and events, a small village shop, a coffee shop and two public houses. The excellent Kingfisher Farm Shop is nearby at Abinger Hammer. The market town of Dorking is also close by, providing a comprehensive range of everyday amenities, including High Street and independent retailers, restaurants (including Sorrel owned by Michelin star chef Steve Drake), coffee shops, a cinema and a theatre. Further retail, cultural and leisure opportunities are available in Guildford. Well-regarded schooling in the vicinity includes Cranleigh School, St Catherine’s, St John's, Charterhouse, Reigate Grammar, Royal Grammar School, Guildford High School and Duke of Kent School.