Sterling are instructed to sell this stunning Grade II listed manor house in north Hertfordshire enjoying excellent transport links and sitting in a plot of approximately 10 acres.

The History Of High Elms Manor 1800 - 1890 - Augustus Cavendish Bradshaw was the originator of High Elms. He appears to have purchased the Estate in the early 1800s and either built High Elms or made very substantial alterations to a small existing building.[3] He and his wife Mary Ann were a very notable couple at this time.

John Ryley was born in 1786. In 1806 he married Charlotte Catherine Coxe, who was the daughter of General Coxe of Cavendish Square. He worked for some years in the Bengal Civil service and after that was a Magistrate for Hertfordshire for thirty years

The next owner of High Elms was Arthur Currie. The 1851 Census shows that he and his wife Dora were living on the Estate and states that Arthur was a Magistrate and distiller. Arthur was born in 1804 at Bromley by Bow. He was first married to Charlotte Judith Smith but unfortunately she died in 1840. In 1845 he married Dorothea (Dora) Seymour who was the daughter of Admiral Sir Michael Seymour.

In 1863 Robert Pryor acquired High Elms after he retired from the Bar. He was born in 1812 in Hamstead. His father was Thomas Marlborough Pryor. He was educated at Cambridge and graduated in 1834 after which he was called to the Bar and for many years practiced as an Equity Barrister and conveyancer. In 1844 he married Elizabeth Caroline Birch the daughter of Wyrley Birch of Wretham Hall, Norfolk.

After Robert came to live at High Elms, he became Chairman of the Quarter Sessions at St Albans in 1867 and was made a deputy lieutenant of the County in 1874. For over 20 years he was Chairman of the Watford Board of Guardians and occupied many other public positions. He died at High Elms in 1889 at the age of 78. In 1890 the property was advertised for sale in The Times

1890 - Present Day - During the 1890s Claude Watney bought High Elms as his country house. He and his wife Ada Annie Watley lived there until 1911. Sometime during the 1890s the name of the house was changed from High Elms to Garston Manor.

In 1911 the property, (now referred to as Garston Manor) was purchased by Walter William Bourne, who was the founder of the Department store Bourne and Hollingsworth. In 1921 Walter died at the age of 56 at Garston Manor. The Probate register shows that he left a large fortune to his family. Clara retained ownership of Garston Manor until 1932 when she put the house on the market. An advertisement for its sale appeared in The Times".

In about 1951 Garston Manor was sold to the Hospital Board and it became a rehabilitation centre for many years until it closed in 1997 and was sold to the present owner Sheila O'Neill. She restored the property and it became a school.

The Property Today - Although the property has been run as an independent school for a number of years the property could easily be returned to a residential dwelling, a spa, a luxury country retreat...the options are almost limitless. Some of the main features of the ground floor include a ballroom, banqueting hall, drawing room and a morning room. currently the first and second floor have been converted into five flats but could be easily modified to suit you own needs.

The Grounds - To the front of the driveway gated access opens to a carriage driveway which sweeps past the front of the main house. To the left hand side of the main house are timber framed out-buildings which are currently being used as school class rooms but could make ideal staff quarters. Surrounding the borders of the properties boundaries are a number of mature trees and woodland. The main garden area is level and laid to lawn with a terrace directly to the rear of the main house.

Agents Information For Buyers - Please be aware, should you wish to make an offer for this property, we will require the following information before we enter negotiations:
1. Copy of your mortgage agreement in principal.
2. Evidence of deposit funds, if equity from property sale confirmation of your current mortgage balance i.e. Your most recent mortgage statement, if monies in bank accounts the most up to date balances.
3. Passport photo ID for ALL connected purchasers and a utility bill.