Striking and elegant Grade II listed period home, steeped in character and local history, situated in the centre of this conveniently located South-Cambridgeshire village
Avenells is a beautiful and historic village property the like of which is rarely seen coming to the market. With Medieval origins at the back, the principal rooms at the front were built in 1680 with some remodelling carried out around 1900 by Waring and Gillow in a Queen Anne style. The house is an exceptional example of its eras and boasts features that warrant an entry in Pevsner’s Buildings of England. The property is a wonderful balance of Victorian/Edwardian stylish elegance and grace matched perfectly with the more cosy elements to the rear. There is an abundance of original features which include exquisite wood panelling and staircase, parquet and tiled flooring, open marble and cast iron fireplaces, exposed timbers and stunning moulded cornicing and architraving, all reflecting the different eras of the house. Across the front are three superb and impressive reception rooms with high ceilings and large windows leading back to lovely panelled sitting room and the kitchen and breakfast room which offer the perfect place for family living and entertaining. Accessed from the breakfast room is a good size utility room, larder and china pantry with the original crockery cupboards, a cloakroom and a large dry cellar. In 1996 the owners added a sympathetically constructed conservatory which looks over the walled garden and opens to the terrace. The bedrooms all lead off a split level landing with five double bedrooms on the first floor, all with original fireplaces, three bathrooms (one en-suite) and a stunning library, formerly a billiard room, fitted with extensive book shelves and cupboards. On the second floor are three attic rooms, two with original fireplaces, which could easily be used as extra bedrooms, playroom etc.
The property is approached through a five bar gate opening to a large, gravelled driveway which in turn gives access to the detached triple garage. The house sits on a substantial plot extending to over half an acre with the largest proportion of the gardens at the rear of the house, offering good levels of privacy and benefiting from a westerly aspect. The gardens are walled and mainly lawned with well-stocked borders and terraces, perfect for al-fresco dining and relaxing. There is a covered utility area with a log store and a gardener’s loo.