Little Heath Lane, Little Heath, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4

Exceptional plot of over 13 acres with planning consent for two outstanding contemporary houses

Description

Occupying a truly magical position on the outskirts of Berkhamsted and set within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this superb plot of approximately 13.16 acres has planning permission to build two stunning contemporary homes. The proposed scheme, a contextually conceived design by local, award winning architects Kirkland Fraser Moore, has a ‘Main House’ which will be a six bedroom, two storey structure built into the hillside with a guest annexe to be located at the southern end of the site, designed to maximise the uninterrupted, panoramic views across the rolling countryside. The 'Orchard House’ will be a four bedroom, single storey contemporary structure, tucked privately into the northern end of the site in what is currently an orchard.

The existing house is a very substantial detached property of about 9,600 sq ft and offers nine bedrooms and versatile ground floor accommodation that includes great storage and garage space. It is a requirement of the planning that this building is to be demolished when the new properties are built but it could be occupied by any incoming purchaser until they have completed the build process.

Although resolutely contemporary in design, the houses will hark to the local rural vernacular, designed with light, views and materials in mind and the orientation will optimise passive solar gain to the main living spaces from expanses of southeast-facing glazing. Conceived to ensure high standards of sustainability with a low carbon footprint, the plans propose a set of versatile and voluminous living spaces with extensive levels of glazing and a simple palette of polished concrete and warm locally manufactured brick with lime mortar. The result will be handsome, contemporary homes in a beautiful rural setting, with a plan layout maximising and framing the sweeping surrounding vistas. Green, fully planted roofs to both dwellings and tall brick chimneys designed as "ecology towers" will ensure that the built-up areas will uplift the flora/fauna biodiversity of the overall plot and contribute to the water attenuation and visual impact within the open setting.

Main House
The main house will be set further into the plot than the existing building and will contain an innovatively designed basement effectively inset into the land contours overlooking a sunken walled garden, whilst affording the most wonderful countryside views. It will incorporate a separate annexe with ensuite bedroom, kitchen and open plan living area and a double garage, suitable for two cars. The annex will be accessed independently from the main house whilst sharing a roof connection and sit amongst the main courtyard of the property.

The courtyard, with a focal olive tree, will form the entrance space to the northeast of the property. There will be a large lawn lined with trees to the North East, the retained sunken garden with rockery to the South East and a formal garden with kitchen planting to the West. A swimming pool and fire pit will be integrated into the sunken garden to create an outdoor entertainment area, with outdoor kitchen and pergola.

As presently configured, the accommodation will extend to approximately 8,000 sq ft. The courtyard gives access in to a large and welcoming foyer with ample coats storage and a door to the den or study. Beyond is an inner hallway with guest cloakroom and stairs to the lower level. Double doors lead to a sociable open-plan kitchen dining family space with steps down to a sitting area, perfectly suited to the practicalities of family life and relaxed entertaining. Attuned to easy living, this expansive living area will have exceptional quality of ever-changing light with swathes of floor-to-ceiling glazing offering breath taking views of the sloping topography and access to extensive patios. Four bedroom suites occupy the flanking wings with direct access to individual patio or balcony areas and there is a laundry room and boot room. The lower level offers extensive and versatile accommodation planned with leisure and entertaining in mind. In addition to a fifth bedroom with ensuite, there is a games room, gym, a large sitting area with kitchenette and guest cloakroom, cinema room, plant room and a library or sixth bedroom.

Orchard House
Set within an existing orchard on the Northern boundary of the site, Orchard House will have its own vehicular entrance and could either be split off from the main house and grounds or used as additional accommodation for family members or staff. The property is single storey and again is oriented to the South East with extensive glazing and will extend to approximately 2,600 sq ft. The entrance hall gives access to a guest cloakroom, plant room and boot room and leads through to the open plan kitchen, dining, family room that has sliding doors to a further sitting room, all with extensive South East facing glazing and access to patio areas. There are four bedrooms all with ensuite, with the master bedroom enjoying an additional walk-in dressing room. Two of the bedrooms benefit from access to private patios. A double garage is set to one side with parking area and gated vehicular access.

Planning consent has been granted - "Pending HRA Outcome" which will be dealt with prior to exchange of contracts.
Full details of the planning application can be found here


Location

Rosa Maria Farm is conveniently located approximately 2 miles from the centre of the highly desirable commuter town of Berkhamsted. Berkhamsted is well connected with a mainline train station that provides a regular and direct link to London Euston from 35 minutes, whilst the major road connections nearby include the M25 (J20) and the M1 (J8), both of which are around 8 miles away.

Berkhamsted provides a wide range of shopping opportunities, including independent boutiques and eateries and a major Waitrose store. There is an excellent range of leisure facilities in the area including walking and horse riding and biking throughout the Ashridge Estate. Nearby Championship golf courses include Ashridge, Centurion, Berkhamsted, Mentmore and The Grove at Langleybury.

There are a number of excellent preparatory and senior schools in the area including Berkhamsted Collegiate School for Boys and Girls, Beechwood Park, Westbrook Hay and the Tring Park for the Performing Arts.

Square Footage: 10,600 sq ft


Acreage: 13.16 Acres