2 bedroom semi-detached house for sale

Historic cottage nestled between Esher and Claygate.

Description

Willow Cottage is a beautifully presented and charming Grade II listed Georgian property dating back to circa 1810, incorporating elements which date back to 1749. The house is thought to have been built by the Claremont Estate, and to have housed King Louis Philippe of France's household staff during his time in exile at Claremont. Its symmetrical plan, graceful proportions and sash windows are typical of the era, with the distinctive weatherboarded finish part of the historic character.
The house, previously extended to the rear, offers a combination of flexible living and cosy cottage charm and has been beautifully restored by its current owners.
Downstairs there are two generous reception rooms with attractive wood flooring throughout, original wood panelling, and historic fireplaces providing wonderful focal points. Beyond these you find the beautiful south-facing open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room. The kitchen provides a good selection of wall and base mounted cream units with wooden worktops, white metro wall tiles, a large butler sink and integrated appliances including a wine fridge. This space is flooded with natural light from the French doors which open, south-facing, onto the beautiful patio and garden beyond. In the sitting room, a beautiful fireplace houses an electric wood-burner; perfect in the colder months. A modern shower room and WC completes the ground floor.

The staircase has original Georgian panelling leading up to two double bedrooms and an en suite bathroom. The front bedroom has an original fireplace, exposed beams, and a built-in cupboard. The back bedroom retains its original form, with exposed wood panelling and beams, and provides access to a bathroom in the eaves. The sash windows throughout the house are fitted with either louver or solid panelled shutters and discrete new slimline secondary glazing.
Externally, to the front of the property there is a large gravelled driveway which provides off-street parking for several cars. Beyond this, a private courtyard leads to the front door, with side access available through a useful lean-to store room. To the rear is a sun-trap patio, accessed via the dining/sitting room; perfect for outdoor entertaining with planning permission for a pergola. There is a well-maintained lawn bordered by mature plants, shrubs and trees on both sides as well as a numerous varieties of roses, alongside a beautiful mature Willow tree.
At the far corner, a log cabin summerhouse offers more flexible space, for example as a hobby room or a home office.

Location

This delightful cottage is nestled between Esher and Claygate with their respective mainline stations 1.2 miles and 0.7 miles away. These provide regular and direct services into London Waterloo from 23 minutes and 27 minutes. There are also good bus connections to Kingston and Surbiton. The nearby A3 provides direct road access to central London with Heathrow and Gatwick airports easily accessible via the M25.
The surrounding woods and commons provide a green backdrop ideal for walking and cycling, in addition to a range of sports clubs and leisure venues, including Esher Cricket Club, tennis club, and Sandown Park racecourse.

Esher offers a cinema, several coffee shops and a Waitrose supermarket, as well as a great range of international restaurants and bars. There is an impressive array of both independent and state schools in the local area.

Square Footage: 1,166 sq ft