House For Sale £2,000,000
Dog Kennel Lane, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3

Reception hall, Dining room, Inner hall, Cellar, Library, Drawing room, Study, Garden room, Kitchen, Utility, Office suite (originally built as a further bedroom with adjacent shower room), Five bedrooms (one with mezzanine), All with en-suite facilities, Sixth bed/sitting room, Hobbies room, Loft/storage

The eponymous apple tree stands by the five bar gate opening onto the gravel driveway leading to Appletree Farm House. This former mediaeval manor house was converted into a farmhouse during the late 17th century. Known to be the country home of Sir Henry Wood (founder of The Proms) at the beginning of the 20th century, Appletree served as a weekend retreat for well-known musicians and composers who partook in orchestral rehearsals during the Blitz.

The principal reception rooms form the oldest part of the property and include the drawing room and dining room to either side of the reception hall. The latter is double aspect and features a magnificent inglenook fireplace, perhaps dating back to the early 17th century. The library still has its original Tudor brick floor and recently added bespoke oak bookcases. The house retains many original features including Mediaeval ritual marks on timber frames with an exposed wall painting dated to the 15th century judged to be unique. The large cellar has been restored to original buttery conditions and is ideally suited to wine storage and tasting.

The kitchen is at the front of the property and has granite work surfaces, a gas-fuelled Aga and a Bristol sink. A newer extension has been added to Appletree; the current utility room could be converted to a kitchen, thereby creating self-contained guest accommodation or space for an au pair.

Returning to the main part of the house, three of the bedrooms are dual aspect and one bedroom features a mezzanine level. A concealed staircase leads from the en suite master bedroom to the loft and hobbies room.

Situation

The property is highly desirable being in a semi-rural setting of Dog Kennel Lane, yet 1.1 miles from the lively centre of Chorleywood, which has a good selection of local suppliers, such as a butcher, baker, bookshop and newsagent, combined with a variety of cafés and restaurants. The mainline station is within the town centre and usefully serves both the Chiltern mainline and Metropolitan underground. Nearby schooling is of a high calibre, with the ‘Good’ local primary school half a mile away, in addition to Merchant Taylors School for Boys, the Royal Masonic School for Girls and the Watford Grammar Schools. Chorleywood Common is worthy of special mention, encompassing 200 acres of wooded common land. Chorleywood golf course maintains a nine hole course on the common as is the Chorleywood Cricket club for seniors and juniors. Moor Park golf course and The Grove, one of South East England’s top Country Clubs and golf courses, are a short drive away.

Outside

The gardens and grounds are a joy to behold, combining the best of Gertrude Jekyll’s original 1920s designs for the herbaceous borders, pleached beech trees, a sunken croquet lawn and an informal wildfl ower meadow and pond. Fruit trees include pear, quince, medlar and plum and the garden room is home to a healthy vine. Recently planted wisteria climbs the rear of the house and roses grow in abundance. In addition to the ample parking space at the front of the house, there is also a double garage with an adjoining workshop.

Additional Information

Local Authority – Three Rivers District Council tel.

Features and Services – Mains electricity, gas and water.

Tenure – Freehold.

Additional Information – Please note: There is additional information about this property which we will be happy to provide upon financially qualifying your interest in the property.