Rooms

PERFECT THATCH
The couple’s experience of owning a Grade II-listed property has been nothing but positive. “We weren’t really looking to move when I saw the advert 20 years ago,” Melanie recalls. “Since childhood, I’d always aspired to living in a thatched house and when we saw this had an annexe too, where Jon could work from home, it seemed perfect.” The couple visited the property and were immediately impressed. “It was really pretty and yet we could also see it could be a wonderful family home because it had so much space,” she continues. “It had a good-sized garden and our son, who was four years old at the time, could have a playroom. There was also lots of space for entertaining.”

COUNTRY LIVING
The Maulden location of the property was also ideal, Jon remembers. “We wanted to move further out from London but needed to be somewhere with good transport connections and this location was perfect – for several years I commuted into London. I cycled to the station and – door to door – could be in the city in one hour and 15 minutes. We are also within easy reach of the A1 and M1.” The property is well located for supermarkets, shops and good schools. There are good country pubs, as well as picturesque places, including Maulden Wood, in the area. “You can walk out from here and within five minutes you are in open fields with stunning views,” Melanie adds.

SUMMER DAYS
Originally two cottages and featuring brick from the London Brick Company, in nearby Stewartby, Thatchwell Cottage became one home in the 1970 or 80s. It was creatively converted to offer a good flow, as well as ample space, says Jon, and still encompasses two staircases. The picture-postcard house is entered from the front via a lobby and then a reception hall or snug. “This was the old kitchen when we first moved here,” Melanie explains. “It could be a superb playroom for anyone with young children.” This leads into the splendid new kitchen, breakfast and family room, with its vaulted ceiling, bi-folding doors and chic kitchen featuring a breakfast bar and quartz work surfaces. “We use this room all the time for daily living and entertaining,” Jon says. “In the summer we pull the doors right back on to the secluded courtyard, which is a wonderful suntrap.”

FLEXIBLE HOME
Also downstairs are the dining room and adjoining, triple-aspect drawing room. Both these characterful rooms still have inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams. “We love the drawing room at Christmas time, when the wood burner is lit, and the dining room, with space for 12 people to sit around the table, is great for entertaining.” The drawing room opens into the study, where there is a utility room, a cloakroom and French windows on to the garden. “This is a great place to work – or it could equally be a lovely garden room,” Jon adds. “I used to work in the apartment above the garage but this has now been completely renovated to become self-contained accommodation with its own bedroom, shower room and kitchen/diner and sitting room . We tend to use it for guests but it could also be ideal for short-term lets.”

WHERE THE HEART IS
The other bedrooms are all on the first floor of the main house. The master bedroom is the largest and has a door through to a generous Jack-and-Jill bathroom. “This is a lovely bedroom as it has a dual aspect,” says Melanie. The bathroom adjoins another bedroom. There is also a family bathroom at one end of the house and a family shower room at the other. “We have upgraded all three of the bathrooms,” Jon explains. “Our main guest bedroom has a balcony with beautiful views. People always really enjoying staying in here.” The couple agree they will miss the character, warmth, and space of their unique home when they leave. “It has been such a comfortable place to live,” Melanie adds. “It really will break our hearts to leave.”

Disclaimer
Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.