House For Sale £2,000,000
Significant village manor house with exceptional provenance.
Description
Harlington Manor is a most splendid Grade II* detached period manor house that takes centre stage within this popular Bedfordshire village, which is located just 40 miles north of central London. Currently, part of Harlington Manor is run as a very successful high end and most luxurious Bed & Breakfast retreat. Notwithstanding the retreat use, only three bedrooms in the house are used for that purpose and no structural alterations are required to use it for purposes of a single residence. The house really does offer a buyer with a fabulous lifestyle change and certainly lends itself to other opportunities such as yoga and health retreats]/weddings/wakes/house tours, to name but a few. There is also a great workshop which the current owners use to run a niche business from, giving the house a further dimension.
Notwithstanding the potential business aspect of the property, Harlington Manor represents a wonderful family home that oozes character and charm, whilst mixing many modern day fixtures and fittings with significant and impressive period features.
The gardens and grounds have been carefully landscaped in order to provide a high level of privacy and seclusion and certainly create an overall feeling that one is standing in rather more ‘stately home’ surroundings. There is a fantastic range of period brick and timber outbuildings, including a recently renovated barn which has been converted into two superb bedroom suites.
On approach to the main gates, extensive private parking outside the walled garden can be found, whilst once through the electronically operated secure gates, further parking across a gravel driveway can be found.
Brief History
English Heritage, in their listing notice, ascribe Harlington Manor to the 16th century, though it is highly likely, having regard to architectural, documentary and locational information, that the house dates, in fact, to the late 14th century and possibly even to an exact date-1396. The proto-feminist, lady of letters and Wingate relation, Anna Letitia Barbauld, claimed, in her memoirs, published posthumously, that her uncle remembered a nameplate bearing that date. The ground floor plan follows, as to the earliest part of the house, classic hall house configuration, whilst flat laid, trestle-sawn, joists in the Little Parlour, evidence of a screens passage, proximity to the church and the layout of individual rooms all strongly suggest a medieval construction date. The cellar would originally have been separate from the main house and probably pre-dates it.
The house was initially owned by the Burwell Family (who eventually emigrated, in the 17th century, to Virginia), from around 1400, but it passed, through intermarriage, to the Wingate family in the early 17th Century. It was, the listing notice claims, actually owned by Edmund Wingate, mathematician and tutor to Queen Henrietta Maria.
Famously, John Bunyan, the English divine, was interrogated by Sir Francis Wingate and briefly imprisoned in the house, in November 1660. Bunyan was sent to Bedford gaol where, over the next 12 years, he wrote The Pilgrim's Progress. It is thought that Harlington Manor is the only building, still standing, at which Bunyan is known to have stayed.
Charles II is said to have stayed briefly at the house in the late 17th century, possibly to thank Sir Francis Wingate for his help in dealing with the potential sedition of John Bunyan, or, perhaps more probably, to attend the wedding of Sir Francis, to the daughter of the Earl of Anglesey. Certainly, Sir Francis was knighted around the time of the marriage-marriage into the aristocracy being a common reason for elevation into the aristocracy.
Architecture
The house is of complex plan, having been extended no less than four times (in the late 1590's, early 17th century, early 19th century and, as noted below, in the late 1930's) and possesses some fine early 17th century paneling, as well as four-centered Tudor fireplaces, molded beams and a Tudor foliate boss. There is an unusual modillion cornice adorning the eastern elevation which was, until the early 19th century, the main entrance to the house. At some point after 1813 the entrance was relocated to the rear of the house. The former main door was blocked in and the use of the hallway to which it gave access was amended to that of principal drawing room.
In 1937, the architect, Sir Albert Richardson (responsible for works to Somerset House and the designer of the North London Collegiate School, Manchester Opera House and numerous other high profile commissions) designed an extension forming a new north wing.
Location
Approx. Mileages: Harlington station 200 metres with direct line to St Pancras International from 44 minutes, M1 junction 12- 1.6 miles, London Luton Airport - 13.6 miles, central Milton Keynes - 16.6 miles, Harpenden town centre - 16.0 miles, Bedford town centre - 16.0 miles.
The property is situated within the pretty and historic Bedfordshire village of Harlington and just 50 metres from the village green and the commencement of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village centre includes two traditional pubs, both lower and upper schools; doctor’s surgery; newsagent, post office and general store; cafe and deli.
One of the village’s main assets is its mainline railway station, which offers a direct service into St Pancras International from 44 minutes, but also offers the direct line down to Brighton. The station is a three minute walk from the house. For those travelling by car, the M1 (Junction 12) is approx. 1.6 miles distant and facilitates direct access to London and the North. The city of Milton Keynes, Bedford and Harpenden all offer excellent schooling – both state, private and Grammar for all age groups as well as comprehensive shopping and recreational facilities. Other popular and historic towns within easy reach include Ampthill, Flitwick and Woburn.
Square Footage: 8,343 sq ft
Additional Info
Services
Mains gas, electricity, water and drainage
Local Authority
Central Bedfordshire Council
Easements, Wayleaves and Rights of Way
The property is offered for sale subject to any public or private rights of way and all easements and wayleaves, whether referred to in these particulars or not.
Description
Harlington Manor is a most splendid Grade II* detached period manor house that takes centre stage within this popular Bedfordshire village, which is located just 40 miles north of central London. Currently, part of Harlington Manor is run as a very successful high end and most luxurious Bed & Breakfast retreat. Notwithstanding the retreat use, only three bedrooms in the house are used for that purpose and no structural alterations are required to use it for purposes of a single residence. The house really does offer a buyer with a fabulous lifestyle change and certainly lends itself to other opportunities such as yoga and health retreats]/weddings/wakes/house tours, to name but a few. There is also a great workshop which the current owners use to run a niche business from, giving the house a further dimension.
Notwithstanding the potential business aspect of the property, Harlington Manor represents a wonderful family home that oozes character and charm, whilst mixing many modern day fixtures and fittings with significant and impressive period features.
The gardens and grounds have been carefully landscaped in order to provide a high level of privacy and seclusion and certainly create an overall feeling that one is standing in rather more ‘stately home’ surroundings. There is a fantastic range of period brick and timber outbuildings, including a recently renovated barn which has been converted into two superb bedroom suites.
On approach to the main gates, extensive private parking outside the walled garden can be found, whilst once through the electronically operated secure gates, further parking across a gravel driveway can be found.
Brief History
English Heritage, in their listing notice, ascribe Harlington Manor to the 16th century, though it is highly likely, having regard to architectural, documentary and locational information, that the house dates, in fact, to the late 14th century and possibly even to an exact date-1396. The proto-feminist, lady of letters and Wingate relation, Anna Letitia Barbauld, claimed, in her memoirs, published posthumously, that her uncle remembered a nameplate bearing that date. The ground floor plan follows, as to the earliest part of the house, classic hall house configuration, whilst flat laid, trestle-sawn, joists in the Little Parlour, evidence of a screens passage, proximity to the church and the layout of individual rooms all strongly suggest a medieval construction date. The cellar would originally have been separate from the main house and probably pre-dates it.
The house was initially owned by the Burwell Family (who eventually emigrated, in the 17th century, to Virginia), from around 1400, but it passed, through intermarriage, to the Wingate family in the early 17th Century. It was, the listing notice claims, actually owned by Edmund Wingate, mathematician and tutor to Queen Henrietta Maria.
Famously, John Bunyan, the English divine, was interrogated by Sir Francis Wingate and briefly imprisoned in the house, in November 1660. Bunyan was sent to Bedford gaol where, over the next 12 years, he wrote The Pilgrim's Progress. It is thought that Harlington Manor is the only building, still standing, at which Bunyan is known to have stayed.
Charles II is said to have stayed briefly at the house in the late 17th century, possibly to thank Sir Francis Wingate for his help in dealing with the potential sedition of John Bunyan, or, perhaps more probably, to attend the wedding of Sir Francis, to the daughter of the Earl of Anglesey. Certainly, Sir Francis was knighted around the time of the marriage-marriage into the aristocracy being a common reason for elevation into the aristocracy.
Architecture
The house is of complex plan, having been extended no less than four times (in the late 1590's, early 17th century, early 19th century and, as noted below, in the late 1930's) and possesses some fine early 17th century paneling, as well as four-centered Tudor fireplaces, molded beams and a Tudor foliate boss. There is an unusual modillion cornice adorning the eastern elevation which was, until the early 19th century, the main entrance to the house. At some point after 1813 the entrance was relocated to the rear of the house. The former main door was blocked in and the use of the hallway to which it gave access was amended to that of principal drawing room.
In 1937, the architect, Sir Albert Richardson (responsible for works to Somerset House and the designer of the North London Collegiate School, Manchester Opera House and numerous other high profile commissions) designed an extension forming a new north wing.
Location
Approx. Mileages: Harlington station 200 metres with direct line to St Pancras International from 44 minutes, M1 junction 12- 1.6 miles, London Luton Airport - 13.6 miles, central Milton Keynes - 16.6 miles, Harpenden town centre - 16.0 miles, Bedford town centre - 16.0 miles.
The property is situated within the pretty and historic Bedfordshire village of Harlington and just 50 metres from the village green and the commencement of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village centre includes two traditional pubs, both lower and upper schools; doctor’s surgery; newsagent, post office and general store; cafe and deli.
One of the village’s main assets is its mainline railway station, which offers a direct service into St Pancras International from 44 minutes, but also offers the direct line down to Brighton. The station is a three minute walk from the house. For those travelling by car, the M1 (Junction 12) is approx. 1.6 miles distant and facilitates direct access to London and the North. The city of Milton Keynes, Bedford and Harpenden all offer excellent schooling – both state, private and Grammar for all age groups as well as comprehensive shopping and recreational facilities. Other popular and historic towns within easy reach include Ampthill, Flitwick and Woburn.
Square Footage: 8,343 sq ft
Additional Info
Services
Mains gas, electricity, water and drainage
Local Authority
Central Bedfordshire Council
Easements, Wayleaves and Rights of Way
The property is offered for sale subject to any public or private rights of way and all easements and wayleaves, whether referred to in these particulars or not.
