A fabulously appointed ironstone Manor House, set back within 1.8 acres of south facing gardens, on the edge of a fabulous village
The Manor is a beautifully appointed ironstone residence with a rich and compelling history. Dating from the early 18th century, with a sundial marked 1729, this Grade II listed house stands on the site of an Augustinian Priory and was once the home of Sir Erasmus Fontaine, whose crest still sits proudly above the front door. In the late 1800s, it became the home of Tory MP and social reformer Sir Francis Burdett. Later 20th century additions and sensitive alterations have complemented the original structure, while the current owners have undertaken a tasteful refurbishment that elevates the house’s presentation, volume and impact. The result is a superb blend of period character and contemporary comfort, with an exceptional feel and flow throughout.
Accommodation
A centrally positioned porch with beautiful pediment moulded keystones opens into an impressive vaulted reception hallway with polished marble flooring, oak panelling and a striking stone fireplace. The space is both grand and welcoming, with a beautiful oak staircase that rises to a galleried landing above.
To the west, the oak floored dining room features fitted cabinetry within an inglenook fireplace, a stone mullioned window and double doors to the Orangery, and access to the drawing room. The drawing room is a wonderful dual aspect space with stone mullioned windows, a high beamed ceiling and a marbled fireplace housing a hooded woodburning stove.
From the reception hallway to the east, a more intimate dual aspect living room offers oak panelling, working shutters and a handsome pedimented stone fireplace with a woodburning stove.
At the heart of the house, the marble floored family kitchen has a high beamed ceiling, partly exposed stonework and open access to both the Orangery/Breakfast Room and the generous Family Room, creating a superbly sociable living space and core to the home. The fabulous kitchen suite offers extensive storage beneath quartz, granite and wooden worktops, with a double Belfast sink, Lacanche range (available separately) and induction and hotplate hobs, wine fridges, dishwasher, coffee machine and space for an American style fridge freezer.
The adjoining Orangery/Breakfast Room has a glazed roof, largely glazed walls and French doors opening onto a stone flagged courtyard garden framed by the house. Three steps descend from the kitchen into the Family Room, a spectacular contemporary space with an east facing double height granary style window, west facing bifold doors to the courtyard, oak flooring and a modern woodburning stove. A staircase rises to a mezzanine office or library above the family room.
The Orangery/breakfast room links through to the dining room and a rear hall, where there is a cloakroom/WC and a notably large, well fitted utility room with external access to the parking area. Adjacent is the gym, fitted with a SaunaMed sauna and offering access to the courtyard garden and the integral garage.
First Floor
The oak staircase rises from the reception hall to a split landing, dividing into east and west wings, together providing five luxurious en suite bedrooms.
To the east, the principal bedroom is vaulted with an exposed A frame truss, east facing windows and west facing roof lights. It includes a fully fitted dressing room and a beautifully appointed en suite bathroom with separate double shower. Bedroom two is an elegant double with semi vaulted ceiling, intricate timbers, an east facing picture window and a full suite en suite with clawfoot bath and separate shower.
Across the landing to the west, bedroom three is a double with built-in wardrobe and en suite shower room. Dual aspect bedroom four includes a dressing room and full suite en suite with clawfoot bath and shower. Vaulted bedroom five has west facing windows, east facing roof lights, a built in wardrobe and an en suite shower room.
The oversized integral garage, with electric roller door, accommodates several vehicles. A staircase leads to a large first floor store room offering potential for ancillary uses (subject to consents).
Outside
The Manor is approached through electric gates and along a long gravelled driveway through the gardens to a turning sweep at the house and the oversized integral garaging.
The house is set back within the landscaped lawned gardens, that extend to 1.81 acres, or thereabouts, in total. They are arranged principally to the south and east of the house and lawned, with mature deciduous trees (one with a TPO) and mature hedgerow boundaries, which ensure privacy, whilst there are pleasant rural pastural views.
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The Manor is one of those houses that stays with you long after you leave. Every room has presence, every detail has been considered, and the flow of the living spaces is exceptional. It’s a home that feels alive with history yet wonderfully contemporary in spirit.
James AbbottProperty agent