Royston, Cambridgeshire

KEY FEATURES

A period home nestled in a highly desirable location offering a remarkable blend of charm and modern convenience. With a generous plot measuring 0.25 of an acre, this property provides an idyllic setting for peaceful living, all while being well connected to nearby amenities and transport links.

Upon entering, you are welcomed into a vestibule that leads to a spacious cloaks area, complete with an adjoining bathroom. The generous living room is a true centrepiece, showcasing exposed beams and a captivating brick inglenook fireplace with a wood burning stove. dining room, also featuring a wood burning stove, seamlessly flows into a study, separated by a central chimney breast. French doors open onto the enchanting west-facing rear garden, flooding the space with natural light and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

The kitchen completes the ground floor and boasts exquisite marble worksurfaces and ample space for a breakfast table, providing an ideal spot for casual dining. Additional French doors lead out to the garden, allowing for a delightful al fresco experience. Throughout most of the ground floor, solid oak flooring accentuates the historical charm while effortlessly complementing the period features.

This remarkable property offers flexibility with two staircases granting access to the first floor. The principal bedroom is enhanced by a dressing room, which can alternatively serve as a fifth bedroom, providing versatile accommodation options to suit your needs. A spacious bathroom featuring a freestanding bath, a cloakroom, and the conveniently located ground floor bathroom ensure comfort and convenience for all residents and guests.

Situated gable end on to the road, the cottage enjoys a tranquil setting with a large grass verge and a shrub hedge, offering an excellent level of privacy. The rear garden is a haven of natural beauty, adorned with mature trees and backing onto open fields, allowing the serenity of nature to envelop the property. The ample parking space provided by the drive leads to a self-contained one bedroom annexe, boasting a kitchen diner, a bathroom, and two garden rooms, offering additional living space or a private retreat.

My wife and I were living in London in a nice house but we harboured an enthusiasm for heritage properties and the commute was becoming tiresome. We toured rural areas around London and happened across this very attractive village with thatched buildings everywhere. When we first saw this property, we absolutely loved it, as it’s beautiful and elegant with an elaborate thatch and a lovely front yard. My wife shouted, STOP THE CAR, and we had a conversation with the owner, put in an offer, and here we are,” says the vendor.

“The property is around 400 years old and has an exciting history, most of which has been lost in the midst of time, but it once served as home to student priests in times of dissidence, and in the 1930s, we believe that it was used to carry out part of the infamous affair of novelist Graham Greene. I’m almost tempted to apply for a blue plaque!”

“Intriguing history aside, characterful features are prevalent throughout, such as the big fireplaces and narrow, atmospheric staircases. My office overlooks the back garden and it’s a truly wonderful space, whilst the dining room served as a place of work for my wife during the pandemic. It’s also a fabulous room for parties and we have hosted many get-togethers here with friends and family. The previous owner gifted us the dining table which has been part of the property for many years and we can easily fit a lot of people around it.”

“The garden has been well planted and I love the informal setup. It’s private and peaceful - perfect for BBQs and picnics - and there’s always a sunny or shady spot to be found. It’s a haven for bees (who adore the wildflowers) and deer find it irresistible too. Seasonal blooms burst into life and it’s filled with stunning iris. The front garden is more formal and has an abundance of roses of every colour.”

“We have made some significant changes during our time here which are in keeping with the charm and history. Bespoke, handmade storage has been added upstairs, and the ceiling in the open plan living area has been restored with lime and horsehair plaster. The thatch has been replaced twice and the property has been tastefully decorated throughout.”

“It’s very easy to live here. Cambridge is nearby and we have a mainline station in the village, excellent family pub, and a thriving village hall. The whole area is honeycombed with scenic dog walks, so we have everything we need right here.”*

*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.

Village Information

Meldreth is a small village in South Cambridgeshire about 10 miles south-west of Cambridge and 4 miles north of the market town of Royston. The village is surrounded by arable land and orchard farms and there is a conservation area around the church and village stocks. The village has a post office/ shop, two farm shops, a butcher, take-away restaurant and hairdressers. The church and village hall provides the setting for various social groups/activities and there is a recreation ground with children’s playground, football pitch, tennis courts, bowls and croquet lawns. The popular village pub, The British Queen, was refurbished and reopened in 2010 and serves food. There are about 10 miles of public footpaths around the village and Melwood, a Local Nature Reserve, are popular with ramblers and dog walkers. The market town of Royston has a bustling high street with brand name and independent shops as well as a variety of cafes, pubs, restaurants and leisure/sports facilities.

Transport

Meldreth is well placed for the A10 for trips into Cambridge with Trumpington Park & Ride about 7.5 miles away and easy access to the M11 and A505 with links to the motorway network. Meldreth has its own train station and sits on the London King’s Cross to King’s Lynn line. Journeys from Meldreth to King’s Cross take about 65 minutes. Nearby Royston train station offers fast services into London King’s Cross and London Liverpool Street.

Schools

Meldreth has its own pre-school and primary school, with most students transferring to either Melbourn Village College or Bassingbourn Village College for secondary education – all Ofsted Rated “Good”. There is also a wide selection of Sixth Form Colleges and independent schools in Cambridge.

INFORMATION

• Grade II Listed

• Period Property

• Highly Desirable Location

• Self-Contained Annexe

• 0.25 Acre Plot

• Immaculately Presented

Agents Notes

Tenure: Freehold

Year Built: circa 1680

EPC: Exempt

Local Authority: South Cambridgeshire District Council Council Tax Band: G

To conform with government Money Laundering Regulation 2017, we are required to confirm the identity of all prospective buyers. We use the services of a third party, Lifetime Legal, who will contact you directly at an agreed time to do this. They will need the full name, date of birth and current address of all buyers. There is a nominal charge of £60 including VAT for this (for the transaction not per person), payable directly to Lifetime Legal. Please note, we are unable to issue a memorandum of sale until the checks are complete.

We may refer you to recommended providers of ancillary services such as Conveyancing, Financial Services, Insurance and Surveying. We may receive a commission payment fee or other benefit (known as a referral fee) for recommending their services. You are not under any obligation to use the services of the recommended provider. The ancillary service provider may be an associated company of Fine & Country or Thomas Morris Sales & Lettings.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate 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. Printed 20.06.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

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