Valley Lane, Markyate, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3

A stunning Grade II listed house which offers equestrian facilities.

Description

Welcome to 'White House', this wonderful Grade II listed house which in part dates back to the 18th Century and which is nestled in beautiful countryside.

Located in the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just outside the villages of Markyate and Flamstead, this stunning home offers flexible and spacious accommodation internally and a multitude of uses externally. Ideal as a country retreat, a wonderful equestrian facility or a beautiful family home White House is set in grounds of about 8 acres and is full of charm and character.

Coming up the long gravel driveway gives an appreciation of the privacy the house offers. Extending to approximately 2,230 sq.ft and arranged over two floors, the house has a real sense of warmth and charm.

On the ground floor there are three delightful reception rooms, each of which can be used in many ways. The large kitchen/breakfast room is a more recent addition to the house, featuring a beautiful AGA, a wonderfully high-beamed ceiling and double doors leading out to the south facing garden. Further features on this floor include a large utility/boot room area, with an original bread oven, a guest shower room WC, two staircases up to the first floor and further room which is currently used as a guest bedroom.

The second floor accommodates three double bedrooms. A private staircase leads up to the main bedroom and en suite bathroom; built in wardrobes and a large cupboard which interconnects with bedroom two provide ample storage. There is also a beautiful family bathroom featuring a stunning roll-top bath and a separate WC.

Externally the house offers a plethora of individual spaces to enjoy. There is a formal garden area with a large terrace, a greenhouse and an amazing vegetable patch ideal for growing fruit and veg all year round, a private mature woodland area and three paddocks with a field shelter. There is also a stable block for equestrian purposes or storage, comprising two stables, a large tack room, a log store, and a hay store room.

Also positioned in the garden, close to the woodland area is a recently-added garden pod. This has been used in various ways over the past few years, it has been an office, a nice retreat on a hot summers day and guest accommodation, making this a really versatile addition to the house.

Location

Mileages Approx: Luton Parkway Station 6.7 miles (St Pancras from 25 minutes), Harpenden 7.3 miles (St Pancras from 26 minutes), St Albans 9.6 miles, M1 Junction 9 – 2.8 miles, London Luton Airport 9 miles, London Heathrow Airport 29 miles.

The nearby villages of Markyate and Flamstead are delightful Hertfordshire villages with a strong community spirit enjoying pubs and local conveniences including a pharmacy, post offices, bakery and well-stocked village stores. For larger shops including Waitrose and Marks & Spencer Simply Food, the house is equidistant from Berkhamsted and Harpenden. Education is well provided for with local village schools and a nursery, and the ever-popular Beechwood Park school is located just under one mile away. Buses for both state and private schools in the surrounding area pick up from the local villages.


There are a multitude of leisure facilities close at hand with numerous country walks and bridle paths on the doorstep linking to the Gaddesden Estate. There is an excellent gym in Markyate, a branch of David Lloyd Health Club 7.5 miles drive away at Capability Green and a great choice of golf clubs at Harpenden and Redbourn. For the commuter, the closest railway station is at Luton Airport Parkway with a fast train into St Pancras and the City of London running every quarter of an hour. Junction 9 of the M1 is just under three3 miles away providing easy access to the motorway network and the M25.

Square Footage: 2,230 sq ft