5 bedroom detached house

Historic Grade II* Listed five bedroom village property with mature gardens and river frontage

Description

The Old Guildhall, as with many buildings of this period, has had a rich history over the centuries. Understood to have been built on Pembroke College land between 1520 and 1527 by the Guild of the Holy Trinity, it later became a 'Town House for entertainments and weddings by the village' until about 1697 when it became the farmhouse for the 100 acre Rectory Farm. In 1912, the building was sold as a private house for the first time and has had only nine owners since, amongst them the Nobel prize winning biochemist Sir John Kendrew who is understood to have lived here in the 1960’s. With its timber framing now exposed with a jettied story in keeping with it’s period, there are so many stunning features in the house, the early exposed timber framing includes a fine example of a Dragon beam, many of the timbers are carved and there are a number of early medieval pointed arches and a variety of mullions, leaded lattice paned and sliding sash windows.

More recently, the property was sympathetically extended in 2015 to cater for modern living requirements which resulted in the creation of a welcoming and spacious part vaulted kitchen/breakfast room which connects directly to the terrace and gardens and is conveniently adjacent to the dining room. Brick shaped pamments (with underfloor heating in the kitchen) compliment the style of the house.

Entering through the kitchen door is the lobby/boot room with a useful bench. This leads directly to the kitchen which has been fitted with a range of useful drawers and larder cupboards with painted bespoke hinged doors. There are Oak and Welsh slate worktops, a butler sink, two ovens, a warming drawer, induction hob and doors concertina to the terrace – perfect for al-fresco dining. The dining room adjoins with its Inglenook fireplace and Esse Ironheart solid fuel stove (for heating and cooking), two fitted dresser units and ornately carved double doors to the drawing room.

The drawing room is a stunning space, with a double aspect, extensive exposed timbering, stairs to the first floor and a brick fireplace with woodburning stove. A triple aspect reception room is accessed beside the chimney breast and is divided into two zones with sitting area beside the fireplace and its woodburner, a wine store with lead lined store beneath and a study area beyond the early pointed arched former doorways – all overlooking the garden. A cloakroom completes the ground floor accommodation.

On the first floor are five bedrooms from the landing with barley twist ballustrades and wide floorboards. Both of the bathrooms have underfloor heating - the family bathroom incorporates a tiled shower cubicle and roll topped bath. One of the bedrooms is vaulted, two have (unused) brick fireplaces and the two larger bedrooms overlook the front and have views to the church.

The spectacular gardens incorporates a 16th century Grade II listed timber framed thatched barn which provides a utility/store room, stores, an open bay wood store connecting to the far end. Beyond is a spacious studio with electric heating and covered workshop areas adjoin. The mature gardens divide into a wonderful variety of 'rooms', with mature specimen trees, lawns and curved organic beds planted with a range of perennials and shrubs. There is a secret garden with formal hedging, ornamental pond and fruit trees, with a curved path leading onto to the river through a woodened glade of acers, fritillaries, cow parsley and daffodils. The gardens are completed by a kitchen garden with fruit cage, raised vegetable and herb beds, and a hen house. In all about 0.81 acres.

Location

Linton is a popular thriving village with excellent everyday facilities including the very popular Linton Kitchen, two bakeries, a Co-op general store, a number of pubs, Indian restaurant and a newsagent/post office. There is also a primary school and the well regarded Linton Village College which has a leisure centre.

The university city of Cambridge is approximately 10.6 miles to the north west with comprehensive shopping, recreational and cultural facilities. The medieval market town of Saffron Walden is approximately 6.5 miles away has a wide range of shopping and recreational facilities, including an excellent historic market that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday. There are independent schools in Saffron Walden and a full range of renowned schools for all ages in Cambridge.

For the commuter the A1307 leads west to the A11 at Fourwentways which leads north to the A14 and south to the M11 (Junction 9a), the M25, Stansted Airport and London. Audley End & Whittlesford railway stations offer frequent services to Cambridge and London on the Liverpool St line (all distances and travel times are approximate).

All distances and times are approximate.

Square Footage: 2,860 sq ft



Additional Info

The property has an EV charging point.