The Elms
Thicket Road | Houghton | Huntingdon
16 THE ELMS
KEY FEATURES
Discover the perfect blend of period charm and modern living in this spacious ground-floor apartment, set within a beautifully restored Grade II listed Victorian mansion. The Elms is nestled in six acres of private, landscaped gardens and woodland, this exceptional home offers a serene retreat while being conveniently located for local amenities and transport links.
The spacious kitchen/diner is perfect for entertaining, offering ample space for dining and socialising. A highlight of the home is the charming Victorian conservatory, providing a delightful setting to relax while enjoying the picturesque garden views.
The apartment features two generous double bedrooms, both beautifully proportioned and filled with natural light.
Elegant period features such as high ceilings, large sash windows, and ornate detailing enhance the character of the property, seamlessly blending history with modern comfort. Allocated parking ensures convenience, while the property benefits from being within an exclusive gated community, adding to the sense of privacy and security.
Part of The Elms, a carefully designed development that sympathetically combines the grandeur of an 1868 Victorian mansion with contemporary living, this apartment offers a rare opportunity to enjoy historic charm with modern luxuries. The expansive grounds create a peaceful and scenic environment, making this a truly unique and desirable home.
SELLER INSIGHT
When we first stepped into 16 The Elms, we were immediately captivated by its grandeur—the soaring ceilings, the abundant natural light, and the expansive sense of space,” say the current owners. “Nestled within six acres of beautifully maintained Victorian gardens, the home offers a serene retreat that harmoniously blends historical charm with modern comforts. The apartment itself is part of a beautifully restored Grade II listed mansion, constructed in 1868 by local philanthropist Potto Brown for his son, George W. Brown, and converted in 2008 with thoughtful attention to its historic character, retaining features that have gracefully withstood the test of time.”
“The Elms stands as a testament to the Florentine Renaissance revival style,” the owners continue, “and we have made just a few enhancements during our time here—adding two wood-burning stoves (with an endless supply of logs from the grounds) and upgrading the boiler. The 2008 conversion of the mansion into apartments was executed with such attention to detail that no further modifications were necessary.”
“The heart of our home is undoubtedly the kitchen and conservatory—a luminous, spacious area that naturally draws friends and family together,” the owners say. “Opening onto a south-facing patio, it seamlessly extends into the verdant gardens, making it an idyllic setting for gatherings and celebrations. The gardens themselves are a living tapestry, echoing the passion of George W. Brown, who meticulously documented their evolution in his Victorian Garden Diary. His entries reveal a deep connection to the land, noting the planting of ornamental gourds and the arrival of seeds from renowned growers. Living here, we have been privileged to witness the seasonal pageantry: snowdrops heralding the new year, daffodils painting the landscape in gold, and bluebells creating a serene blue haze by April. The presence of wildlife, from graceful roe deer to the haunting calls of tawny owls, adds to the enchantment.”
“Houghton village enriches this experience with its community-owned shop, charming tea rooms, traditional pubs, and the historic Houghton Mill under the care of the National Trust,” continue the owners. “The village thrives with events like Feast Week and the festive Christmas Lights, fostering a strong sense of community. For outdoor enthusiasts, the proximity to boating, riverside walks, and cycling routes offers endless opportunities for adventure.”
“As we prepare to pass this cherished home to its next custodian, we reflect on over a decade of treasured memories—from raising our son amidst its storied walls to hosting community gatherings that echoed with laughter and camaraderie. 16 The Elms is more than a residence; it is a living piece of history, awaiting its next chapter.”*
*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
The pretty riverside village of Houghton lies between the market towns of Huntingdon to the west and St Ives to the east. The villages of Houghton and Wyton lie side by side along the bank of the River Great Ouse and combined form the Houghton & Wyton Parish of Huntingdonshire. Much of Houghton and Wyton fall within a Conservation Area with many buildings of architectural interest together with the flood meadows and pretty countryside. Local amenities within the two villages include: three small shops, a community owned general store which houses a post office, a village hall, two pubs and a primary school in Houghton. The village hall hosts a range of activities from baby and toddler groups, Pilates, karate and dancing and is also available for private hire. Nearby Wyton and Hartford marinas provide a range of leisure facilities. There are more comprehensive shopping and leisure facilities in nearby Huntingdon and St Ives including most major supermarkets. Cambridge is about 20 miles away and offers a wide range of cultural, leisure and shopping facilities together with its well renowned University colleges.
Transport
There is good road access north and south via the A1 and east and west by the A14. The new guided bus service now provides direct access into Cambridge. Nearby Huntingdon has a mainline train station providing fast services into London in approx. 50 minutes and to the North via Peterborough.
Education
There is a playgroup and primary school in Houghton and is in the catchment area for St Peter’s secondary school in Huntingdon. Other nearby primary schools include: Wyton on the Hill Community Primary School, Thorndown Primary School in St Ives and Hemingford Grey Primary School. Other nearby secondary schools include; St Ivo School in St Ives and Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon. Well regarded state schooling is within easy reach in nearby villages and St Neots. Kimbolton School, an independent day and boarding school is about 16 miles away and has a dedicated school bus service from the village.
• Ground Floor Apartment in Beautifully Restored Grade II Listed Victorian Mansion
• Six Acres of Private, Landscaped Gardens and Woodland
• Exclusive Gated Community
• Stunning Conservatory
• Two Double Bedrooms
• Elegant Period Features
Agents Notes
Tenure: Leasehold
Year Built: Victorian - 1868
EPC: Exempt – Grade II Listed
Local Authority: Huntingdonshire District Council
Council Tax Band: B
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 28.04.2025
FINE & COUNTRY
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