House For Sale £435,000
This 250 year-old detached cottage is probably the prettiest home we've ever sold. Standing proudly in the historic Puzzle Gardens conservation area, our biggest puzzle is what to shout about first! We could enthuse about the beautiful facade, the wonderful landscaped front garden and the crisp white interiors throughout - but we have to conclude that our favourite feature is the simply stunning 15 mile view over Wirksworth rooftops and down the Ecclesbourne Valley from the upper garden.
Set in an elevated position in a tranquil spot within this beautiful hillside, the double-fronted cottage has fitted wooden shutters throughout - which only add to the fantastic first impression. There is a breakfast kitchen and sitting room on the ground floor, bedroom/home office and family bathroom on the first floor and then private staircases up to each of the two bedrooms on the second floor.
Set within a natural bowl to the front of the house is a beautiful landscaped garden with patio area, borders and lawn. At the rear of the house, accessed from the first floor, is a private garden with those stupendous views over Wirksworth and the Ecclesbourne Valley.
This would be a perfect family home or holiday home and we anticipate high levels of interest in this characterful cottage.
Wirksworth itself is a pretty market town known as 'The Gem of the Peak'. The independent retailers, bars and cafes are still thriving thanks to the support of local residents and holidaymakers, making this a bustling, positive community. Nearby are the High Peak Trail, Carsington Water, the Stardisc and the popular market towns of Ashbourne, Matlock, Bakewell, Belper and Buxton. Chatsworth House and the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site are all within easy reach too.
Front Of House
The approach to this home is truly breathtaking! Approaching up the hill from the parking area on Greenhill, the cottage is in a dominant position, overlooking the natural bowl of the landscaped circular front garden. To the left of the main entrance door is a small raised patio area, perfect for a spot of light breakfast whilst proudly surveying that garden. The three-storey stone cottage has an outside light, hanging basket brackets, a postbox and two lavender borders. The fitted wooden blinds in the windows add to the beauty of the first impression.
The part-glazed timber front door is set in walls that are 45cm thick and these walls ensure the home is warm and cosy in winter and pleasantly cool in summer.
Kitchen (3.2 x 3.2 (10'5" x 10'5"))
Stepping into the perfectly-square kitchen, you are immediately struck by how bright the home is. It has been freshly painted in white throughout, including all of the wooden floors and ceilings. The kitchen has a high ceiling with spotlights and beams, together with a west-facing double-glazed window overlooking the front garden.
The solid wood worktop has an inset stainless steel sink with chrome mixer tap. There is an integrated AEG electric oven with four-ring gas hob and retractable stainless steel extractor fan over. Many of the kitchen cabinets were hand-crafted by local cabinet maker Peter Cousins, with the cabinets fitted below the stairs giving perfectly-sized extra storage space. The cabinets include space for a full-height fridge-freezer and there are an integrated Indesit dishwasher and washing machine.
Two vertical radiators add a modern flourish to the room and there is space for a breakfast bar or drop-leaf dining table. As you face the front door and step down to the sitting room, you notice the substantial original oak beam over the front door, which has been left partially exposed and looks beautiful.
Sitting Room (3.3 x 3.2 (10'9" x 10'5"))
This beautiful bright room benefits from the freshly-painted white walls and floorboards, which really set off nicely against the captivating solid fuel burner and fireplace. The room also has lovely features including that original large oak beam which stretches above the 'false' part-glazed timber door looking out over the front garden and a cute alcove with a stone lintel in the left-hand corner of the room. This alcove has a handy storage area which is currently used as a bar space. The solid fuel burner has a flue and is sited on a thick stone hearth and has a solid stone surround and lintel. Like all other windows in this home, the three double-glazed windows have fitted wooden shutters and ornate iron latches. There is a vertical radiator and a built-in TV cabinet with storage underneath. The white painted ceiling has spotlights and beams.
Stairs And First Floor Landing
Directly in front of the entrance to the home are the stairs up to the first floor landing. The exposed floorboards are painted white and there is a wooden handrail. On the landing are doors to the family bathroom and Bedroom One, together with double timber part-glazed doors opening out onto the upper garden at the rear. Doors at each end of the hallway lead to separate staircases which themselves ascend to the two bedrooms on the second floor. All doors are wooden, 'tongue-and-groove' with attractive iron latches. There is a heritage radiator on the landing and ceiling spotlights.
Family Bathroom (3.35 x 1.7 (10'11" x 5'6"))
We love this calm, whitewashed sanctuary! The crisp white walls and wooden floors are complemented by the double-glazed windows at each end of the room, pouring light through this stylish space. Stepping into the bathroom, there are fitted shelving and cupboards in front of you - the cupboard houses the Worcester combi-boiler. At the left end of the room is a large h-shaped bath with rainforest shower head over - making it perfect for a relaxing evening soak or a blast of morning freshness! Something for everyone. The sink has a glass screen and modern chrome mixer tap and white rectangular tiles up to the ceiling.
The windows are fitted with wooden shutters and there is contemporary grey timber tiling around the bath, giving the room the feel of a luxury hotel bathroom. There is a WC and modern square-shaped sink, plenty of shelving and deep window sills for extra storage. A vertical heated towel rail, ceiling spotlights and Manrose extractor fan complete the room.
Bedroom One (3.35 x 2.6 (10'11" x 8'6"))
Located on the first floor, opposite the door out onto the upper garden, this room is currently used as a home office. It is carpeted and has ceiling spotlights, a north-west facing double-glazed window and overlooks that magnificent front garden. A small storage area under the stairs is useful additional space.
Bedroom Two (3.45 x 3.3 (11'3" x 10'9"))
From the first floor landing at the same end as the bathroom, a timber door leads through to a private staircase up to the second bedroom. This has white painted wooden floorboards and windows facing north-west and south-east at each end, flooding light into this bright space. The fitted shutters work well with the two heritage radiators to create a classy feel. Those windows look out to the lush greenery of the old quarry and over the upper garden and rooftops down the valley. There are ceiling spotlights and plenty of power points, making this another ideal room for a home office (if you can tear yourself away from those views!).
Bedroom Three (3.4 x 3.4 (11'1" x 11'1"))
In keeping with Bedroom Two, this bedroom is also accessed via a timber door from the first floor and up it's own private staircase. This is most definitely the main bedroom in the home, with a carpeted floor and lots of bespoke hand-made wardrobes and cabinets, again by local craftsman Peter Cousins. The windows at both ends of the room have the ubiquitous wooden fitted shutters and splendid views. There is a heritage radiator and ceiling spotlights. A loft hatch goes up into really useful extra storage space - the loft is boarded and although it has a low roof, there is space for 15 decent-sized boxes.
Front Garden
Known locally as Middle Pingle, this important area was historically the drying yard for all of the houses in the Puzzle Garden conservation area. The current owners have created this uplifting, eye-catching circular garden within that natural bowl, which is the epicentre of the Puzzle Garden area.
Bounded by a stone wall, this beautiful landscaped garden has a half-moon lawn, gravelled patio area, lush planted borders and a water butt. It is a simply wonderful place to sit and listen to the birdsong and quiet tranquillity all around.
For the keen gardeners reading this, we spotted a range of plants and shrubs including lots of yellow corydalis, saltspray roses, weigela, golden marguerite, Mediterranean spurge and meadow geraniums.
Upper Garden
It is so hard to decide whether we love the immaculate landscaping of the front garden or the unrivalled views of the upper garden...the good news is that whoever lives here doesn't have to choose and can have both! From the first floor door onto the garden, you ascend seven stone steps up to a patio area which sits halfway between the level of floors one and two. Going up four more steps and with an entrance into this upper garden through a timber gate on the left, you alight onto another raised patio area. This has space aplenty for a large shed or bike storage. In front are a raised lawn and border plants including more weigela and lots of green shrubbery.
We've taken this long to mention them, but the views over the rooftops of the neighbouring houses stretch over the town of Wirksworth below and then for 15 miles along the Ecclesbourne Valley. Not only that, but you can turn 360 degrees and enjoy other views of the quarries, the houses and land rising up Greenhill towards the Stardisc and through other houses towards Bolehill. We are envious of whoever buys this and gets to see the changing of the seasons in all of these views. Coupled with the beauty of the house and front garden, it all feels like too much! Best to just sit and relax and drink it all in...
Set in an elevated position in a tranquil spot within this beautiful hillside, the double-fronted cottage has fitted wooden shutters throughout - which only add to the fantastic first impression. There is a breakfast kitchen and sitting room on the ground floor, bedroom/home office and family bathroom on the first floor and then private staircases up to each of the two bedrooms on the second floor.
Set within a natural bowl to the front of the house is a beautiful landscaped garden with patio area, borders and lawn. At the rear of the house, accessed from the first floor, is a private garden with those stupendous views over Wirksworth and the Ecclesbourne Valley.
This would be a perfect family home or holiday home and we anticipate high levels of interest in this characterful cottage.
Wirksworth itself is a pretty market town known as 'The Gem of the Peak'. The independent retailers, bars and cafes are still thriving thanks to the support of local residents and holidaymakers, making this a bustling, positive community. Nearby are the High Peak Trail, Carsington Water, the Stardisc and the popular market towns of Ashbourne, Matlock, Bakewell, Belper and Buxton. Chatsworth House and the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site are all within easy reach too.
Front Of House
The approach to this home is truly breathtaking! Approaching up the hill from the parking area on Greenhill, the cottage is in a dominant position, overlooking the natural bowl of the landscaped circular front garden. To the left of the main entrance door is a small raised patio area, perfect for a spot of light breakfast whilst proudly surveying that garden. The three-storey stone cottage has an outside light, hanging basket brackets, a postbox and two lavender borders. The fitted wooden blinds in the windows add to the beauty of the first impression.
The part-glazed timber front door is set in walls that are 45cm thick and these walls ensure the home is warm and cosy in winter and pleasantly cool in summer.
Kitchen (3.2 x 3.2 (10'5" x 10'5"))
Stepping into the perfectly-square kitchen, you are immediately struck by how bright the home is. It has been freshly painted in white throughout, including all of the wooden floors and ceilings. The kitchen has a high ceiling with spotlights and beams, together with a west-facing double-glazed window overlooking the front garden.
The solid wood worktop has an inset stainless steel sink with chrome mixer tap. There is an integrated AEG electric oven with four-ring gas hob and retractable stainless steel extractor fan over. Many of the kitchen cabinets were hand-crafted by local cabinet maker Peter Cousins, with the cabinets fitted below the stairs giving perfectly-sized extra storage space. The cabinets include space for a full-height fridge-freezer and there are an integrated Indesit dishwasher and washing machine.
Two vertical radiators add a modern flourish to the room and there is space for a breakfast bar or drop-leaf dining table. As you face the front door and step down to the sitting room, you notice the substantial original oak beam over the front door, which has been left partially exposed and looks beautiful.
Sitting Room (3.3 x 3.2 (10'9" x 10'5"))
This beautiful bright room benefits from the freshly-painted white walls and floorboards, which really set off nicely against the captivating solid fuel burner and fireplace. The room also has lovely features including that original large oak beam which stretches above the 'false' part-glazed timber door looking out over the front garden and a cute alcove with a stone lintel in the left-hand corner of the room. This alcove has a handy storage area which is currently used as a bar space. The solid fuel burner has a flue and is sited on a thick stone hearth and has a solid stone surround and lintel. Like all other windows in this home, the three double-glazed windows have fitted wooden shutters and ornate iron latches. There is a vertical radiator and a built-in TV cabinet with storage underneath. The white painted ceiling has spotlights and beams.
Stairs And First Floor Landing
Directly in front of the entrance to the home are the stairs up to the first floor landing. The exposed floorboards are painted white and there is a wooden handrail. On the landing are doors to the family bathroom and Bedroom One, together with double timber part-glazed doors opening out onto the upper garden at the rear. Doors at each end of the hallway lead to separate staircases which themselves ascend to the two bedrooms on the second floor. All doors are wooden, 'tongue-and-groove' with attractive iron latches. There is a heritage radiator on the landing and ceiling spotlights.
Family Bathroom (3.35 x 1.7 (10'11" x 5'6"))
We love this calm, whitewashed sanctuary! The crisp white walls and wooden floors are complemented by the double-glazed windows at each end of the room, pouring light through this stylish space. Stepping into the bathroom, there are fitted shelving and cupboards in front of you - the cupboard houses the Worcester combi-boiler. At the left end of the room is a large h-shaped bath with rainforest shower head over - making it perfect for a relaxing evening soak or a blast of morning freshness! Something for everyone. The sink has a glass screen and modern chrome mixer tap and white rectangular tiles up to the ceiling.
The windows are fitted with wooden shutters and there is contemporary grey timber tiling around the bath, giving the room the feel of a luxury hotel bathroom. There is a WC and modern square-shaped sink, plenty of shelving and deep window sills for extra storage. A vertical heated towel rail, ceiling spotlights and Manrose extractor fan complete the room.
Bedroom One (3.35 x 2.6 (10'11" x 8'6"))
Located on the first floor, opposite the door out onto the upper garden, this room is currently used as a home office. It is carpeted and has ceiling spotlights, a north-west facing double-glazed window and overlooks that magnificent front garden. A small storage area under the stairs is useful additional space.
Bedroom Two (3.45 x 3.3 (11'3" x 10'9"))
From the first floor landing at the same end as the bathroom, a timber door leads through to a private staircase up to the second bedroom. This has white painted wooden floorboards and windows facing north-west and south-east at each end, flooding light into this bright space. The fitted shutters work well with the two heritage radiators to create a classy feel. Those windows look out to the lush greenery of the old quarry and over the upper garden and rooftops down the valley. There are ceiling spotlights and plenty of power points, making this another ideal room for a home office (if you can tear yourself away from those views!).
Bedroom Three (3.4 x 3.4 (11'1" x 11'1"))
In keeping with Bedroom Two, this bedroom is also accessed via a timber door from the first floor and up it's own private staircase. This is most definitely the main bedroom in the home, with a carpeted floor and lots of bespoke hand-made wardrobes and cabinets, again by local craftsman Peter Cousins. The windows at both ends of the room have the ubiquitous wooden fitted shutters and splendid views. There is a heritage radiator and ceiling spotlights. A loft hatch goes up into really useful extra storage space - the loft is boarded and although it has a low roof, there is space for 15 decent-sized boxes.
Front Garden
Known locally as Middle Pingle, this important area was historically the drying yard for all of the houses in the Puzzle Garden conservation area. The current owners have created this uplifting, eye-catching circular garden within that natural bowl, which is the epicentre of the Puzzle Garden area.
Bounded by a stone wall, this beautiful landscaped garden has a half-moon lawn, gravelled patio area, lush planted borders and a water butt. It is a simply wonderful place to sit and listen to the birdsong and quiet tranquillity all around.
For the keen gardeners reading this, we spotted a range of plants and shrubs including lots of yellow corydalis, saltspray roses, weigela, golden marguerite, Mediterranean spurge and meadow geraniums.
Upper Garden
It is so hard to decide whether we love the immaculate landscaping of the front garden or the unrivalled views of the upper garden...the good news is that whoever lives here doesn't have to choose and can have both! From the first floor door onto the garden, you ascend seven stone steps up to a patio area which sits halfway between the level of floors one and two. Going up four more steps and with an entrance into this upper garden through a timber gate on the left, you alight onto another raised patio area. This has space aplenty for a large shed or bike storage. In front are a raised lawn and border plants including more weigela and lots of green shrubbery.
We've taken this long to mention them, but the views over the rooftops of the neighbouring houses stretch over the town of Wirksworth below and then for 15 miles along the Ecclesbourne Valley. Not only that, but you can turn 360 degrees and enjoy other views of the quarries, the houses and land rising up Greenhill towards the Stardisc and through other houses towards Bolehill. We are envious of whoever buys this and gets to see the changing of the seasons in all of these views. Coupled with the beauty of the house and front garden, it all feels like too much! Best to just sit and relax and drink it all in...
