5 bedroom house

A distinctive Victorian country house, occupying an idyllic setting in 23 acres of glorious gardens and grounds with far reaching views.

Cambridge 9 miles, M11 (Junction 12) 7 miles, Royston (King’s Cross 37 minutes) 11 miles, Stansted Airport 37 miles (distances and time are approximate).

Bourn Lodge provides an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a privately situated country house with over 23 acres of gently undulating land in this highly accessible west Cambridgeshire village. Formerly The Dower House to the Bourn Hall Estate and dating from 1866, the present owners purchased the property in 1966 and it is believed this is only the second time that it has been offered for sale in 100 years.

Constructed with brick elevations under a slate roof, the house has a distinctive castellated facade with stone dressed bay windows. The principal reception rooms and bedrooms have dual aspects and benefit from wonderful views over the gardens and grounds, Bourn village and rolling countryside beyond.

The well proportioned accommodation is arranged over two floors and is ideal for a good sized family. This secluded setting provides considerable potential for further alterations and additions, subject to any necessary planning permissions.

Outside
The property is approached over an approximately 200 yard long private concrete driveway to an extensive parking area in front of the former Coach House/Stable Block. This triple gable fronted building is constructed with brick elevations under a slate roof and comprises 2 Garages and 2 Loose Boxes (currently used as storage) and an excellent first floor Office with a pitched ceiling incorporating 4 skylights and a useful Kitchenette. [Cold water only and no foul drainage]The main house is approached over a gated, gravelled driveway with extensive gravelled parking space to the west of the house.

The Gardens
The house stands centrally in over 1 acre of beautifully landscaped gardens. The principal areas lie to the south, west and east, comprising gently rolling lawns interspersed with well stocked shrub and flower beds and borders. There are also a number of fine specimen trees including horse chestnuts, sycamore and 4 walnuts. To the north-west of the house is an extensive area of productive vegetable garden and a large fruit cage, Greenhouse, Potting Shed and Store Room. Former brick Water Tower (dated 1866) currently used as a dog kennel with adjoining run.Discretely positioned in the north-eastern corner of the garden is a heated Swimming Pool 47' x 20' (14.33m x 6.10m) fully enclosed and sheltered by walling, partly clad with wisteria. Alongside is a hard Tennis Court, enclosed by chain link fencing and walling & evergreen hedges on 2 sides.

Meadows/Paddocks
There are over 20 acres of gently undulating meadows providing a wonderful amenity for walking and an ideal opportunity for equestrian enthusiasts with 3 well fenced paddocks, varying in size. The main paddock lies to the south and east of the house which benefits from 2 large natural ponds creating a wonderful habitat for wildlife. Over the last 4 decades, the present owners carried out an extensive tree planting scheme to create a number of deep belts along the rear field boundaries which together provides a further screen and privacy to the property. Alongside the former Victorian Coach House/Stable Block are two timber Stables (each 11' 2" x 9' 5"/3.40m x 2.87m) with power and light. There is also a nearby Tractor Shed/Store in the starvation pen and a Field Shelter in the northern paddock.In all the property comprises about 23.44 acres (9.488 hectares).

Services
Mains water (metered) and electricity are connected to the property. Drainage is to a private system Licenced by the Environment Agency Ref WSX202114. There is an oil fired central heating system to the house and electric night storage heaters to the office. Photovoltaic (solar panels) have been fitted (out of sight) to the house and former Coach House/Stable Block.

Wayleaves, Easements and Rights of Way
The property is sold, subject to and with the benefit of all wayleaves, easements and rights of way. In particular, the property is sold subject to (i) a right of way over the concrete driveway for the adjacent farmer to access the field adjoining the western boundary of the property; (ii) the same farmer’s right to water (with a submeter) to his nearby cattle tank and with the benefit of an easement for the main water supply from the CWC main stop-cock to the west of Lodge Cottage

Development Overage
The property will be sold, subject to a development overage of £100,000 to be paid if planning permission is obtained for re-development of the former Coach House/Stable Block to separate and individual residential dwelling(s) within 15 years of completion of the sale. The overage will not apply if the building is to be converted to an annexe ancillary to the main house – but if subsequently sold or let separately within 15 years the overage would become payable. The overage will be triggered on commencement of the development for letting or on the sale of the former Coach House/Stable Block with the benefit of planning permission, whichever is the sooner.

Enquiries
Chris Carey07768 936485chris.carey@bidwells.co.ukLucy Banks01223 347178

Agents Note
In accordance with the Estate Agents Act 1979, Section 21, it is for note that an employee of the joint selling agent, Savills, has a personal interest in the property.