SELLER INSIGHT

Our first visit to Ivy House was in the bitter cold of a blizzard,” say the current owners. “We didn’t stay long, and even tore up the brochure when we got home. Yet, there was something about the house which drew us back to it, and having pieced the torn paper back together again, we bought the property 18 months later. That act of repair continued to the house itself, in a process of restoration, redesigning and extending to meet our family’s changing needs. I will never forget the day we brought the children to view the house: it was so derelict that the upstairs was full of butterflies, which flew around our heads and landed on our daughters’ outstretched arms! Since then, we really have put our hearts and souls into harnessing the charm and history of the Grade II listed house and made many happy memories here over three generations and 30 years of family life.”

Indeed, this is first and foremost a family home. “The old lady who sold the house to us was keen to have a family living here,” the owner continues. “She even insisted we hang a swing in the tree in the garden, which of course our children and grandchildren have loved. Our grandson says this is the hub of the family, and he’s right: everything from Christmases and birthdays to weddings and a millennium have been celebrated together here. This is the perfect property for everyday life and entertaining alike, whether playing games in the lounge or enjoying a drink in the garden as the flowers begin to bloom in spring.”

The property has plenty of potential as a home business, too. “I happily ran a Bed & Breakfast here for many years,” the owner says, “and loved the chance this gave me to meet new people and ensure the house was used and loved to its fullest. We also converted the double garage workshop into a guest suite which has been great for family and friends.”*