Lodge House and attached converted barn in Preston, near the market town of Hitchin
Grade II listed Lodge House and attached converted barn, situated in the picturesque village of Preston, Hertfordshire, four miles from the market town of Hitchin and within commuting distance of London
Stunning Grade II listed Lodge House and attached converted Barn, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built around 1904. Situated in the picturesque village of Preston, winner of the 'Best Kept Village In Hertfordshire', some 4 miles from the historic market town of Hitchin.
The Location:
The property is set well back from the lane and stands in beautiful, unspoilt countryside. Preston is a highly sought after village with a beautiful cricket green and an award-winning real ale pub, which is owned by the village.
Easy access to both the A1M and M1 motorways. Mainline stations are within easy reach with access to London (30 mins), Cambridge and the North. Close to Princess Helena College, a private girls school, and in easy reach of highly regarded girls and boys schools in Hitchin.
The Buildings:
One of a unique group of Lutyens designed agricultural buildings. Brick construction and tiled roof with a combined living surface area of over 250 square metres on a plot of over 1000 square metres. Access by gravel driveway from a country lane on the outskirts of the village.
The Lodge House:
Ground floor:
Porch.
Entrance hall with original wide wooden staircase to second floor.
Large living room with triple aspect windows and french doors to cottage garden. Cast iron open fireplace with stone surround and hearth. Dado rail.
Dining room with windows to front and rear. Picture rail. Open fireplace (not in use).
Large Kitchen / Breakfast room, recently refitted with all appliances and extensive range of fitted wall and floor cupboards. Large window overlooking cottage garden and feature window to front.
Rear lobby with doors to garden and to the drive. Doors to oil fired central heating boilers (one for house, one for barn).
Cloakroom with white washbasin and low level WC.
Upstairs:
Large master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and windows overlooking countryside.
Second double bedroom with windows to side and rear and fitted airing cupboard housing hot water tank.
Recently refitted, fully tiled bathroom with separate shower and white bath, washbasin and WC.
Outline plans were granted for third bedroom.
The Barn:
Ground floor:
Door from drive opens directly on to a magnificent open plan living area with original honey-coloured hornbeam exposed beams and rafters. Swedish Junckers solid hardwood floor with carpeted surround. Galleried landings at both ends. Feature brick fireplace with open fire, swan grate and tiled hearth. French doors to garden.
Archway leading to Dining room with window overlooking cottage garden.
Glazed doors and steps down to Kitchen, recently refitted with high quality Bosch appliances and units. Mexican terracotta flooring and Travertine marble wall tiles.
Large bathroom with separate shower and steel bath, washbasin and WC.
Upstairs:
Spacious master bedroom with exposed beams, eaves storage and views to the countryside.
Second double bedroom with exposed beams.
Outside:
Gravel driveway lined with laurel hedges leads to parking spaces and garage, with ample room for several vehicles.
Gated access to concealed oil tank and wood store under main Archway with original weather vane.
The property's large front garden is mainly laid to lawn, surrounded by hedges.
The cottage garden is laid with flower beds and lawn, separating the lodge and the barn.
This a rare opportunity to acquire a distinctive and truly stunning property, designed by one of England’s foremost architects, located in a very desirable location, yet within easy reach of London.
