If there were a prescription for an elegant period home perfectly suited to modern family life then The Doctor’s Old House would fulfil it. Every element of this stunning Grade II listed property has been thoughtfully considered, with no room or detail overlooked, and the owners impeccable taste means every room is just beautiful. If the handsome building and magazine worthy interiors weren’t enough, the property also has its own outdoor swimming pool and large lawned gardens to enjoy.

THE AGENT SAYS...
Georgian properties are highly desirable and The Doctor’s Old House possesses all the stunning original features that make them so: grand proportions; elegant lines; large windows (with shutters) and high-ceilings that create wonderfully light rooms with a real sense of space; cornicing; wide floorboards; and a sweeping staircase designed for making an entrance, in more ways than one. The real beauty of the property is that this wealth of period charm is not at the expense of flexible modern living. The fantastic kitchen-diner with its walk-in larder, island and AGA is just one tick on a long list of desirable features in the property, that also includes: a utility room; boot room; downstairs cloakroom (with shower); family room/snug; formal dining room and large drawing room for entertaining, both of which open to the garden with its large swimming pool; orangery (home gym/pool room); large bedrooms; and a bathroom with real wow-factor. Outside there is also a carport, workshop and private gravel driveway. With abundant character, space, privacy and a convenient village location this really is a Georgian gem.

THE PROPERTY
Ground Floor
Beautiful double doors open to the grand reception hall with its stunning chequerboard tiled floor and elegant staircase with sweeping timber balustrade and crystal newel.

To the left is the formal dining room which is decorated in rich period colours and has a handsome stone fireplace, exposed floorboards and french doors out to the garden. At the end of the hall is the expansive drawing room which shares the same features as the dining room and also has a very smart bespoke media unit and bookcase. Next to the drawing room is a small study, accessed from the hall, that leads through into the family room/snug, which is a lovely cocooning space, with an attractive fireplace, storage cupboard and bespoke bookshelf/display unit.

At the rear of the property is the superb kitchen diner, which is accessible from both the drawing room and family room, making it the real heart of the home. Bathed in light from two sash windows, overlooking the pool and garden, and a spectacular ceiling lantern (with opening roof lights) the rich blue grey of the walls is simply stunning. Traditional cream units are fitted in an L-shape and in the centre of the room is a feature island, painted in deep yellow, which provides a large and sociable space to prepare food or entertain guests. The island is just one of the many desirable features which include an AGA with decorative mantel shelf above (there is also a single built-under electric oven), granite worktops and a Belfast sink. The floor is covered with quarry tiles with an attractive mosaic border. This room really is a fantastic space, comfortably accommodating a dining table for 6-8 people, a large Welsh dresser and additional storage. There is a walk-in larder, separate utility room with sink, and tucked next to the family room/snug is a shower room with WC.

A covered walkway from the kitchen serves as a boot room, invaluable if you have children, dogs or just enjoy the outdoors. This is a really useful space with a large full-height cupboard and built-in bench seating with space below for all your footwear storage needs. The destination of the walkway is the orangery which, as would be expected, is awash with light and is a great multifunctional room, currently used as a garden/pool room and home-gym.

First Floor
Ascending the staircase from the hall to the first floor there is charming bookcase and above this an original Georgian fanlight shining attractive light patterns on to the wall. Upstairs there are three large double bedrooms and the family bathroom.

Wow! Is the only way to describe the spectacular bathroom with its regal and luxurious black and gold colour scheme and beautiful floorboards. A freestanding slipper bath takes centre stage and, not to be outdone, two steps lead up to the impressive walk-in shower which has been integrated into the wall so as not to spoil the sumptuous aesthetic - no ordinary glazed enclosures here. Clever positioning and the use of bold colour mean the sink and WC just blend into the background.

The master bedroom is a very generous size and benefits from a wash basin and pretty cast iron fireplace. Sharing these features is bedroom 2 which is marginally larger and also benefits from fitted storage. Bedroom 3 also has fitted storage, an attractive fireplace and built-in window seat.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS
The property is wonderfully private with tall wrought iron gates opening on to the gravel driveway that leads to the front of the house. A stone wall and high, double yew tree hedge separate the garden from the road, serving to create seclusion and peace. The garden lies to the side of the driveway, making the most of the south and west aspects, and is divided into two main zones. Nearest the house is the pool area with the large outdoor swimming pool (with retractable cover), sauna, a patio area outside the orangery and an astro turf al fresco dining area on the opposite side of the pool. From here there is a lovely view of the bell tower of the 13th Century Grade I listed All Saints’ Church. The french doors from the drawing and dining rooms open to a gravelled area that leads to both zones of the garden. A great feature of the property’s design is that all the major living accommodation overlooks and provides access to the garden. A low fence surrounds the pool area and separates it from the lawn behind, with the double carport and adjoining workshop at the end, adjacent to the driveway entrance. There is a further fenced area of lawn, bordered by trees, on the other side of the drive which was previously used for free-range chickens.

SERVICES
Mains electricity, water and drainage. Gas-fired central heating with radiators.