House For Sale £1,850,000
Melbourn Street, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8

Grade I* Jacobean family residence offering sprawling accommodation

Description

This exceptionally imposing Grade 1* listed family residence sits at the very heart of Royston and is instantly recognisable to anyone that knows the local area. From its original inception in 1600 the property this Jacobean merchant’s house is steeped in history and awash with intricate design and architecture. It is noted that King James I stayed at the property in 1603 to use as a hunting lodge on his hunting visit to the area. The beautifully restored ceiling murals offer a striking uniqueness to the property and are what gives the property its listing, alongside the hand crafted and elaborate mantlepieces that were completed in 1635.

Sat behind wrought iron fencing the grandeur of the Georgian façade is clear to see, the sprawling internal accommodation is set over four floors which includes a cellar level which offers storage and the housing for the boiler system and all under pitched tiled roofs. The front door leads you directly in to the grand entrance hall which sets the theme throughout the home of grand open spaces and high ceilings, the inglenook fireplace is a feature of note within the hall along with its panelling. Leading directly off the entrance hall is one of the two main sitting rooms which has been restored to a very high standard with being fully panelled and offering intricate hard wood flooring all set around a feature fire place. The second sitting room has the benefit of offering direct access to the rear gardens as well as a cloakroom area with its own wash basin, this could then offer ground floor bedroom facility if required. The formal dining room faces to the rear of the and sits alongside the kitchen which comprises of wall and floor storage, integrated sink, Aga located within the chimney breast as well as conventional cooking facilities. The utility room is located opposite the kitchen and works well as a boot room as well as offering further storage and plumbing for laundry facilities. From the dining room you can gain access to the office and the old dispensary when part of the property was run as a chemist. The ground floor is completed by two separate cloakrooms, one located by the entrance hall and the second by the office.

The grand turning staircase leads you to the first floor, before you reach the first floor you will find a half level which gives access to the family bathroom comprising of a panel bath with shower over, two wash basins and low level WC. On the first floor there are five exceptional double bedrooms. The two front bedrooms benefit from beautiful ceiling murals that have been extremely well maintained, creating a unique feature of the home along with this three of the five bedrooms are fully panelled. The principal bedroom offers its own ensuite bathroom that benefits from a sunken bath, walk in shower, wash basin, separate cloakroom area with low level WC and further wash basin. Located between bedroom three and four is an additional staircase which gives access to the mid landing between the first and second floors. The main staircase continues up to the second floor to further generously sized bedrooms. There are an additional further four double bedrooms on the second floor all benefit from the charm and character of exposed beams throughout. Bedroom five has the added benefit of its own ensuite bathroom comprising of a bath with shower over, low level WC and wash basin. Bedroom eight is very unique as it offers access to two mezzanine levels and additional living area which could be used as a dressing room.

Outside the home sits within grounds extending to approximately half an acre. A double gated private driveway sits to the side of the property and leads to an off road parking area for a number of vehicles. The private gardens are enclosed by walls on all sides and offers a very high level of privacy creating a great sense of seclusion. The main lawn runs through the middle of the garden and is flanked by mature trees and shrubs. A single track leads you to the rear of the gardens where you will greeted by the old coach house and barns which offer fantastic re development/refurbishment potential for a number of uses which could include a separate dwelling/annexe or business base. All of course subject to acquiring the correct planning permissions. An old Victorian greenhouse is also located to the rear of the garden which would require refurbishment but could be restored to its former glory. The brick built store completes the garden and is located by the front gates and incorporates a gardeners loo.

Location

Melbourn Street is situated at the edge of Royston town centre, which provides a good range of day-to-day shops together with schooling, recreational and leisure facilities. The Royston Leisure Centre offers a gym, indoor sports hall and swimming pool. Therfield Heath is a nature reserve that covers an area of 420 acres.

There are a wide variety of sporting clubs, a golf course and woodland footpaths, a popular spot for dog walkers. There are also an extensive range of facilities in the nearby historic city of Cambridge, approximately 13 miles away.

Royston is excellent for commuters with regular direct services to Cambridge from 14 minutes, and London’s Kings Cross from 38 minutes via Stevenage, through the Thameslink stations, Gatwick airport and on to Brighton without a change of trains. For road commuters, there are good road links via the A505 and A10 to London, Stansted Airport, the A1 (M) and the M11 via the A505.

Independent schooling is available in nearby Cambridge including the renowned King’s College and St John’s College Schools, The Perse schools, and Letchworth with St Christopher’s & St Francis.

All distances and times are approximate.

Square Footage: 6,234 sq ft


Acreage: 0.64 Acres