House For Sale £800,000
*EXECUTIVE DETACHED RESIDENCE THAT IS STEEPED IN HISTORY* Penrose Estate Agents are proud to present this timeless character property which offers spacious early 20th century grandeur which is still versatile and sympathetic for modern day living. Situated within one of Luton’s premium areas it must be seen to fully appreciate its unique splendour.
Formally known as 'The W.B.C. Apiary, Old Bedford Road' in the late 1800's and early 1900's, it is locally known for being the former home of author, scholar, inventor and 'bee keeping' expert William Herrod-Hempstall. Believed to date back to around the 1870's, the 'old apiary' is believed to have been extensively renovated to its current 'grand' form in the late 1930's.
Cellar
Below ground level, the property has two original cellar rooms with a unique tunnel which runs beneath the garden and connects the main house to the detached brick garage to the rear.
Ground Floor
At ground-floor level you enter at the side of the property through an elegant wood panelled reception room which boasts an original 18th century inglenook fireplace, bay window and feature staircase leading to the first floor. Off this space are two further spacious reception rooms (currently used as a dining and living room), a large kitchen, and access stair down to the cellar.
The spacious naturally lit south-facing living room situated at the rear offers original timber floors, an open (working) fireplace and large Crittal windows/ doors providing panoramic views across the garden.
The front room is arguably the jewel in the crown and offers an intimate and cosy setting for both family or social dining. It has a feature bay window, open (working) fireplace, timber flooring, 3/4 height wall panelling and central chandelier to create a unique ambiance.
The generous sized kitchen is located adjacent to the dining room with direct access via a 'food service hatch'. This space enjoys large amounts of natural light and has a separate utility room with external door and access to a ground floor WC/shower room.
First Floor
The first-floor is well laid out and includes four bedrooms and a generously sized bathroom. Three of these bedrooms are arguably 'king size' in comparison to modern space standards. Two have large bay windows and the third (master bedroom) contains an ensuite (shower/WC).
Roof Space
Accessed through a ceiling hatch is a 'boarded-out' double height roof space extending over the full footprint of the property (circa. 1,000 sq. ft) providing a unique opportunity to create a spacious third floor with a sympathetic access stair easily accommodated in the hallway by relocating the main bathroom door (subject to Building Control approval).
External
The curtilage of the property consists of three distinct garden areas.
The front garden (North and West) provides sloped soft landscaping over two levels (accessed via steps) with adjacent hard landscaped parking area for five vehicles which wraps around the North and West sides.
The rear garden (South) is generously proportioned with a gravelled patio area, lawn and flower beds. Original features (currently dry) include a concrete pond and stream that could be brought back into use.
The secure raised east garden is connected to the rear one via a rockery and the front via a gate and could make the perfect location for a 'kitchen garden'.
Outbuildings
An elegant mock-Tudor clad brick garage can either be used to accommodate a mid-sized car or easily converted into a gym or office should either of these be desirable.
In front of the garage (behind the double gates) is secure parking space for one vehicle.
This property is truly one of a kind which rarely enter the open market. There is also a great opportunity to significantly expand the floor area efficiently and with limited impact to its current external appearance. An internal viewing is strongly advised if you are looking within this location and budget.
Floor Areas - Approximate
Basement- 279.862sqft.
Ground Floor- 968.752sqft.
First Floor- 968.752sqft.
Total- 2,217.366 Sq. ft
Additional- Approximate
Loft- 968.752sqft. (538.196 sqft. -area with height above 5ft)
Garage- 156.0767sqft.
Total- 1,124.8287sq.ft
