Ayot St. Peter, Welwyn, Hertfordshire

Listed Grade II of being of architectural and historic importance, Ayot Bury is a handsome early 18th century family home constructed of mellow red brick under a pitched clay tile and slate roof. The central façade has a perfect symmetry with later 19th century additions to the west and east. Internally the house combines elegant light and spacious reception rooms with comfortable bedroom accommodation on the first and second floors. Of particular note is the magnificent ballroom measuring 42ft x 28ft and centred on a beautifully carved marble fireplace. Equally majestic is the drawing room with hand painted silk panels, a hardwood floor and fine views through the mullioned windows to the parkland beyond.

Ayot Bury has been carefully restored over recent years with enormous attention to detail. In addition to new heating and electrical systems a sympathetic programme of redecoration has been undertaken throughout the house; the kitchen is hand built and finished in a soft white under black granite worktops with access to the family room, second kitchen and walk-in larder.

On the first floor are five substantial principal bedrooms each with en suite facilities whilst on the second floor there are three additional bedrooms and a treatment room. Accessed through the house or independently is the annexe cottage; a very comfortable, self contained house ideal for a dependent relative or staff.

Outbuildings
A particular feature of Ayot Bury is the exceptional range and versatility of the outbuildings, the majority of which have been restored to a high standard. These include: The Old Bakehouse: Constructed of timber frame with a clay tile roof providing storage.

The Old Barn: Built of brick under a clay tile roof providing stabling, machinery store and storage. Office: Constructed of brick under a clay tile roof and used as an independent home office.

Gym/Storage: Built of brick, part weatherboarded under a clay tile roof.

Garage Block: A range of six garages with further large machinery store. Newly refurbished and built in brick, part weatherboarded under a clay tile roof.

Farm Office: A well presented office/work space with central office, WC, shower and kitchen. Constructed of brick under a clay tile roof.

Gardens and Grounds
Ayot Bury lies centrally in its own gardens and grounds which are laid mainly to lawn and studded with a selection of mature specimen trees including oak, ash, Cedar of Lebanon and Wellingtonia. In early spring there is a carpet of spring bulbs including a magnificent display of daffodils. Later colour is provided by deep banks of rhododendrons and throughout the summer a range of scented roses interspersed with well stocked herbaceous borders. A York stone terrace overlooks the peaceful sunken garden with well established rose beds beyond which lies the
principal lawn with central gravel path leading to the pond which lies in the shade of a mature copse.

To the north a further expanse of lawn slopes gently away from the house and adjoins the traditional parkland. Tall hedges shield the floodlit all-weather manège and separately the tennis court and pavilion.


Machinery Store: Constructed of timber and open fronted.

Overlooking well maintained agricultural land, Ayot Bury stands on the edge of one of Hertfordshire’s prettiest rural villages, Ayot St Peter, in a secluded, mature setting. Largely undisturbed over the years, the village comprises a peaceful cluster of cottages and houses with a popular church at its centre. Local amenities are available in Welwyn 1.3 miles away whilst more comprehensive facilities are to be found in Welwyn Garden City 2.2 miles distant which includes John Lewis and Waitrose stores amongst others.

Communications are excellent by both road and rail. The A1(M) is within 2 miles giving direct access into Central London and the M25. Fast and frequent trains leave Welwyn Garden City reaching London Kings Cross in 29 minutes. Heathrow Airport is 36 miles away