The PalaceEast Hatley | Cambridgeshire | SG19 3JA

THE PALACEA delightful detached family home set in a quiet hamlet of around 30 houses and is steeped in village history. Originally two 19th century semi-detached thatched cottages on a large rural estate acquired by Sir George Downing in the 1600s which was instrumental in the founding of Downing College following the death three generations later of Sir Jacob Downing.

Having been converted into a single dwelling, the thatched roof became the victim of a fire and was replaced in 1945 by tiles. Included with the land of The Palace is a medieval moated area on which once stood the Parsonage which burnt down in 1821 and was never re-built.

Tucked away and secluded from traffic on a no-through road The Palace offers stunning panoramic views over open rolling countryside, yet still offers easy access for those wishing to commute into Cambridge which to most people’s surprise is only 13 miles away. For those wishing to commute into London then the fast train is available from Sandy or Royston offering a service of only 36 minutes.

Being the last house in the hamlet there is no passing traffic. You may hear the occasional horse passing by, taking advantage of over 30 km of good bridleways, most without having to go onto a public highway.

Tucked behind well maintained mature hedging and trees many do not know that such a delightful house with secondary accommodation, stables and grounds is even here. This house is ideal for those wanting a family home with its own grounds, or for those with equestrian needs this house ticks many boxes.

Sweeping into the driveway, which fans out, there is ample parking for the whole family and for visiting friends and relatives. With a turning area allowing easy access for horse boxes and vehicles back onto the country lane.

As you step out of the car you will be surprised at just how quiet it is. The wind in the trees and the chorus of bird song breaks the still air. Being obscured from the road you notice just how attractive the house is and immediately notice how flexible and accommodating the annexe could be. What lies beyond the front door is a lovely family home offering warmth, character and scope to make a truly stunning family home, fit for the hectic world of modern family life, but in a truly captivating setting. Welcome to The Palace.

As soon as you step inside you feel at home, it feels lived in and loved. The ENTRANCE HALL with tiled flooring, balustrade staircase to the first floor, has two glazed windows to the front elevation which ensures ample natural light. A door leads through to the kitchen and there is a useful under stairs storage cupboard.

A further door leads into the SITTING ROOM with simply stunning view over the rear garden and panoramic views across the fields and beyond. The large walk-in bay window with floor to ceiling side windows and double French doors lead out to the rear garden. Many days have been spent watching the distant clouds roll in across the fields and evening sun sets are simply spectacular. The Adam style fire surround with slate hearth and inset fire grate has been the focal point for many lazy evenings sat in front of an open fire watching the flames dance and listening to the sounds of the wood burn.

A half glazed door leads into the DINING ROOM is of good size and is ideal for inviting the whole family over for those special occasions or just a good get-together. Having a dado rail surround and secondary glazed bay window overlooking the rear garden the room also has ample natural light. The brick fire surround with wood mantle and open fire grate used to be lit regularly. A half glazed door leads through into the kitchen.

BREAKFAST / FAMILY ROOM is lovely and one can imagine sitting here in the morning watching the sun rise whilst having breakfast. The room is bathed in natural light and is often now used as a reading room for this reason. There is an uPVC entry door giving access to the garden.

The KITCHEN is practical and can easily cope with the demands of every day family life. Having ample work surfaces, inset single stainless steel sink and drainer with tiled splash backs mixer tap and a matching breakfast bar, a wide range of base and eye level storage units, fitted electric halogen hob, double electric oven, additional appliance space and large walk-in pantry. Doors leading back into the hallway and dining room.

FIRST FLOOR

The landing is of good size and has ample natural light due to a window which gives gardens views. There is enough space to accommodate a small reading chair or child’s desk.

There are THREE DOUBLE BEDROOMS all of which give lovely views. There is a coloured BATHROOM SUITE and a large walk-in-store / study.

Planning permission has been obtained to extend the house creating a MASTER BEDROOM over the current breakfast room.

FROM THE BREAKFAST ROOM

ANNEXE ONE

Independent to the house but linked so ideal for an elderly relative is the first of two annexes. Being totally self-contained and offering an ENTRANCE HALL, double BEDROOM, LOUNGE with garden views, KITCHEN and BATHROOM. To the front is a covered canopy area leading out onto the front driveway.

ANNEXE TWO

Previously occupied by the stable manager this annexe is also self-contained and has independent access from the main house, a door to the right hand side of the garage gives access to a staircase.

The open plan LOUNGE area has two Velux windows, V shaped gable window to the front, stripped wood flooring, radiator.

KITCHEN area with freestanding kitchen units, electric cooker point and appliance space. Opening through to a STUDY area with uPVC windows enjoying views over the open farmland and beyond.

BATHROOM comprising a panel bath, low level WC, wash hand basin, wooden flooring and Velux window to the rear.

Crossing over the landing to DOUBLE BEDROOM with stripped wood flooring, Velux windows to the front and rear, double glazed window to the side overlooking the stable yard and manège, storage cupboards.

OUTSIDEThe house is a pure delight, but not to be outdone, the gardens and grounds are simply beautiful and are great for those with large families and wanting garden and grounds. However, with stables, paddocks and manège the house is also ideal for those that require equestrian facilities

To the front of the property are extensive lawns, summer house with paved patio, a variety of mature trees, south facing boundary hedging offering views over the open fields. Take your time as you walk around. A further lawn section with boundary hedging and inset rose bed. Continuation of the paved patio leads you round to the enclosed outdoor heated SWIMMING POOL 30’ x 15’ with heat pump heater and new outer plastic roof.

A further gate leading to grounds which extend all the way around the property. There is a large variety of trees including 18 old apple trees and other fruit across the grounds enticing wild life and a stunning array of bird life. Often buzzards can be seen gracefully hovering overhead. Offering approximately 7 acres of grounds which have been sectioned off into paddock areas by pole fencing. A five bar gate leads through to the stable block with three blocks of stables offering seven stables in total, being brick base and timber structure with water supply, power and lights connected. A further detached brick stable block with two stables and tack store.

From the main concrete based driveway five bar gate takes you down to the additional paddock area. Vehicle access to the paddock and then foot access over a little bridge into the main paddock.

A further detached block (approx 50 meter sq) with established domestic use and offers potential for development opportunity. It currently incorporates an OFFICE with half glazed door and window overlooking the manège, a GARAGE / WORKSHOP with up and over door, windows to the side and rear and a further brick timber and COAL STORE.

As you arrive there is a tunnel approach with railway sleeper’s bordering and a pergola leading through onto a lawn area with deep shrub borders. As you arrive you can see the vista in the background.

CARPORT and store to one side of the stables.

LOCAL AREAEast Hatley is a small Hamlet of approximately 30 houses along one road and was the centre of a large rural estate acquired by Sir George Downing, politician and diplomat in 1600’s. His London house, Downing House, stood where Downing Street is now situated. Three generations later on the death of Sir Jacob Downing in 1764 the estate was bequeathed to found a new College in Cambridge University. Downing College retained and managed the 4000 acre estate until 1945 when it was sold in lots. After 1861 the college erected a pair of semi-detached cottages and the building was then called “The Palace” in the 1871 census. It was erected for the use of the Bursar, who collected rents and supervised the farming of the surrounding land. By 1945 the thatched roof at The Palace had been burnt off in a fire and was replaced with tiles. The two cottages had already been converted into a single dwelling. TRAIN STATIONSMeldreth 6.4 milesRoyston 7.1 milesSt Neots 8.4 milesWhittlesford Parkway 13 miles

PRIMARY SCHOOLSWrestlingworth CofE VC Lower 2.7 milesGamlingay First 3.3 milesBarnabas Oley CofE 3.4 miles

SECONDARY SCHOOLSGamlingay Village 3 milesBurgoyne Middle 5.1 milesCambourne Village College 5.8 miles

*Distances are approximate and are to be used only as a guide.

LOCAL AUTHORITY South Cambridgeshire Council

COUNCIL TAX Band F

SERVICES Oil fired central heatingMains waterSeptic Tank

copyright © 2016 Fine & Country Ltd.

Viewing arrangement is by appointment only. Please contact in the first instance Gavin Human, Regional Director. Telephone or Text to 07809 339329 during or after office hours. Email gavin.human@fineandcountry.com or Cambridge Office 01223 363700

Thinking of selling? If you are thinking of selling and have yet to put your house on the market, we would welcome the opportunity to offer you a free, without obligation valuation. With over 25 years of estate agency experience Gavin Human has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with you, ensuring you receive accurate advice on pricing and how best to market your home to the widest possible audience.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent. Printed 18.08.2016

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