High Street South, Stewkley, Buckinghamshire

HISTORIC HOME

Dating back to 1850, the impressive, five-bedroom abode is believed to have been home to a first world war pilot after the Great War and then later owned by United Molasses. It still has many original features, including three fireplaces. “We have carried out a fair amount of work and ensured we have maintained the house well,” she says. “We have replaced all the windows and external doors with double-glazed units. To maintain the Victorian style of the original house, the single-glazed sash windows were replaced with top quality hardwood double-glazed units manufactured in England. We added a new en-suite bathroom, replaced two other bathrooms and the boiler. Many of the rooms have been professionally redecorated. We also fitted new units in the utility room.”

ALL SEASONS

The attractive, double-fronted property sits in just over two acres of land, which includes a meadow. The house itself is entered via a central front door and a light-filled hallway with a gorgeous parquet floor. To the right, is the elegant drawing room and, to the left, the dining room. The kitchen breakfast room, which has a central island and breakfast bar, is to the rear of the property, where it benefits from French windows on to the patio and garden. This flows into a superb family room, which in turn opens on to the garden. “The large dining room and separate drawing room work well in the winter months, especially when the open fire is lit,” she continues. “There has always been plenty of space for our grandchildren to have their toys spread out and in the summer everyone can wander out into the garden and to the swimming pool.”

AMPLE SPACE

There is a ground-floor cloakroom/boiler room and utility room. All the bedrooms are situated on the second floor of the house. These include the sumptuous master bedroom suite, with its large dressing room and en suite bathroom, the family bathroom, the en suite guest room and three other bedrooms that could equally be used as study spaces or hobby rooms should they be required. “We have access to the loft, where we have a large electric train set “for grandchildren” adds her husband. The pool house, which has under-floor heating, is a superb additional space, with its own bathroom and kitchenette. “This has been kept as a pool house by us but other people might like to use it as an external office, gym or annexe,” she adds.

SUMMER DAYS

The owners spend as much of their time as possible outside in their glorious garden. This encompasses a formal garden, the pool, which has a safety cover, its terrace and pool house, and the orchard and meadow. “The garden has been such fun,” she admits. “Our grandchildren love piling into the pool with their lilos in the summer months, especially when we turn on the ‘wave machine.’ The pool house is great for barbecues and the meadow has been fun for camping out, building wigwams, lighting camp fires and playing football, cricket and rounders. We will miss having all this lovely outside space when we move.”

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

The couple have also appreciated the convenience of life in Stewkley. They felt welcomed by the community, enjoying the village plays twice a year, fundraising lunches, breakfasts, concerts in the village hall.Meeting new friends through the history society, pilates group and the committee of the village Grapevine (village newspaper). They play golf at nearby Aylesbury Vale and enjoy their proximity to Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes. The M25 and M1 motorways are quick to reach and there is good access to beauty spots and family attractions. “We like to spend time at the National Trust’s Ascott House and Gardens, as well as Waddesdon Manor.” she says. “We are now downsizing to suit our future life but know we will look back on the whole wonderful experience of living in Clarendon House and in Stewkley.”

Disclaimer

Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.