Guildford Lane Cottages, Albury, Guildford, Surrey

With elevations of white painted brickwork and the exposed ancient timber frame, Down Cottage is an enchanting dwelling which showcases a wealth of period characteristics in a glorious setting. Vintage beams and post, exposed brick walls and beautiful, decorative cast-iron fireplaces reflect the property’s heritage, with the ground floor accommodation comprising a spacious reception hall which offers a spot to cast off and store outdoor wear, with an open aperture to the adjoining kitchen. The part-vaulted ceiling adds character to the kitchen space, which is fitted with rustic, sunny yellow wall and base-level units and a raft of display shelving. A step level change offers access into the adjoining dining room and a sitting room which enjoys the warming ambience of a wood-burning stove. Providing a relaxed, light-filled setting, the conservatory offers a space where the garden and the adjoining landscape can be appreciated throughout the seasons.
On the first floor, the roomy landing displays the open, timber post structure at the top of the staircase, and gives access to the three bedrooms and a family bathroom, which complements a useful cloakroom on the floor below. The principal en suite room benefits from both north and westerly aspects which afford elevated vistas across to the countryside.

The gardens and grounds at Down Cottage offer a naturalistic, outdoor haven with the benefit of the borrowed landscape of the terrain beyond. A paved terrace, which is edged by beds containing fragrant lavender bushes, adjoins the conservatory offering opportunities for al fresco dining and relaxation ‘with a view.’ A fish pond provides a water feature within the lawned section of the garden, with a rustic pump and pretty marginal planting and there is picket fencing at the boundary which allows a visual connection to the adjoining grounds. A series of outbuildings within the grounds offer versatile-use options, with stabling for equestrian-enthusiasts; a quaint shepherds hut, and an outbuilding offering 2173 sq ft of adjoining storage spaces and ‘rooms’ including a shower room facility.

Nestled within the stunning landscape of the Surrey Hills, the property enjoys a rural setting on the northern fringes of the village of Albury on the River Tillingbourne, with local amenities including a village store, post office and a public house. Guildford is within easy reach with its comprehensive shopping, cultural and recreational facilities including The Surrey Sports Park, G Live and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Both the A25 and the A3 are easily accessible for journeys into Central London, to the M25, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports and southwards to coastal destinations. Commuters have access to rail services at Chilworth, Clandon and Guildford stations for regular services to London Waterloo, Reading, Gatwick and Portsmouth. There are excellent schools in the vicinity including Charterhouse, Prior’s Field, St. Catherine’s, Cranleigh, Aldro and St. Hilary’s School.