Rose Cottage

History and Specification

he cottage was given Grade II listed status in May 1984 as a property of particular architectural or historical interest. The oldest part, which dates from circa 1650, was originally part of two cottages and comprises the two principal reception rooms on the ground floor and the two bedrooms above. The property was extended in Victorian times which added the current dining room, cloakroom and utility with two bedrooms above. The vendors extended to the rear about five years ago to create a kitchen/breakfast room. This extension also allowed the existing bedrooms to be enlarged and reconfigured.The vendors have undertaken a comprehensive and sympathetic restoration programme which included new wiring, re plumbing, upgrading the central heating system and complete replacement of the slate and tiled roof.

History cont'd

The builder engaged to complete the listed building work was a specialist with extensive heritage expertise and his personal marks are apparent throughout. Internal and external brick and stonework was repointed with Lime mortar, and insulation was added using pure sheep wool which is the preferred medium for buildings of this type. Great care was taken to ensure that no original features were damaged or removed and that the quality of work done enhanced the cottages’ great features.

Ground Floor

The oak entrance door has stained glass detailing and a wing window with additional decorative stained glass and there is a further window for additional natural light. The entrance hall has oak flooring, and built-in cupboards which provide shoe storage and house the electrical fuse boxes and broadband controls. An opening leads to the original inner hall which has a restored flagstone floor and leads to two separate staircases to the first floor. The staircases are both bespoke handmade units constructed by a local joinery company.

Reception Rooms

The sitting room and the family room are both in the oldest part of the property and both rooms are dual aspect with windows to the side and windows overlooking the front garden. Both have exposed beams and timbers, exposed stonework, and inglenook fireplaces. The family room fireplace has the original salt store and houses an electric stove, while the sitting room inglenook has the remains of the original oven and houses a log burning stove. The dining room is in the Victorian section of the property and is open plan to the kitchen/breakfast room. It has oak flooring, feature exposed brick and stonework and dual aspect windows. There is space for a seating area in addition to a dining table and chairs, LED spotlights, and a built-in cupboard which conceals piping.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room

The kitchen/breakfast room is in the extension added by the vendors. It is a light and airy room with oak flooring and a part vaulted ceiling with Velux skylights, as well as dual aspect windows including a gable end window with doors to the terrace in the rear garden. The bespoke kitchen has display shelves on the wall, and a range of full height and base units, which include pan drawers with inset cutlery drawers, and a central island with additional storage and a breakfast bar to seat two. There are complementary work surfaces, sparkle glass splashbacks and an inset sink. There is cabling in place to add plinth lighting if required. Appliances by Neff include an induction hob with an extractor over and an eye level double oven and grill. There is also an integrated Bosch dishwasher and a Samsung American style fridge freezer.

Utility/Boot Room

This room was originally a washroom which has been converted into a spacious utility/boot/dog room which has a range of high gloss base units, space and plumbing for appliances, a deep sink, a window to the side and a Velux window. There is currently a large space under the work surface on one side for dog beds but this could be converted into additional storage if preferred.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

The second staircase from the inner hall leads to the guest bedroom which has an en suite cloakroom with a concealed cistern WC and a washbasin on a vanity storage unit. The bedroom has a further handmade staircase which leads up to a room on the second floor. This has a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams and timbers. This room is currently used for storage but it could be used as a small double bedroom or as a dressing room.The principal bedroom is accessed via the main staircase and is in the 17th century part of the property with a window overlooking the front garden. It has a high vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and timbers, an open brick fireplace, and a bespoke built-in triple wardrobe. There is also a dressing area.

Bedrooms cont'd

The other two bedrooms are also accessed via the main staircase and both have windows with views over the rear garden and paddock. One has a built-in double shelved airing cupboard. The other is an L-shaped room with space for two single beds or a bed and study area if preferred. The first floor bathroom has a claw footed freestanding bath with a shower attachment, a concealed cistern WC and twin washbasins set on an array of vanity storage. On the ground floor there is a contemporary shower room with a walk-in shower with low maintenance wood effect walls, a concealed cistern WC and a vanity washbasin.

Outbuildings

There is a detached oak framed timber under tile outbuilding across the drive from the house, which comprises a garage, a carport, an office, and a workshop which has access to storage in the roof space over the other areas. The workshop is a vaulted room with a Velux window and could alternatively be used for a gym or games room. The office has a window overlooking the drive.The barn in the paddock was added by the vendors about seven years ago. It has a steel frame with timber cladding and has an electric roller shutter door to the side, a door to the rear, and power, lights and water connected. It is used to store garden machinery and as a games room, and the vendors have also used it as a party barn for large social gatherings. The barn could also be converted into stabling if required and there is an additional 3 acres of paddock which could be rented if needed.

Gardens and Grounds

The property is set well back from the road and is accessed via a shared driveway which leads to secure electric double gates to the private drive. A second gate leads to a gravel parking area between the house and outbuilding. The drive continues up to the barn and paddock land at the rear. There is parking for at least six cars in the parking area in addition to the garage and carport with space for additional cars by the barn.The front garden is walled and is laid mainly to lawn with established flower and shrub beds and borders, numerous roses, and a mature tree for screening.

Gardens cont'd

The rear garden is enclosed by a combination of walls, hedges and close boarded fencing at the sides and has views over the surrounding countryside at the rear. An extensive block paved patio spans the width of the property and is accessed from the kitchen/breakfast room and utility room. It has ample space for outside dining and entertaining, and is bordered by a raised bed and a low retaining wall with step a up to the lawned garden. There is also the original well which the vendors have surrounded by a low brick wall with a built-in mesh cover for safety. The lawned garden is divided into two by the drive and has established herbaceous borders and several mature trees interspersed including fruit trees. In the top corner of the garden there is a secluded seating area which is covered by a pergola.Post and rail fencing separates the formal garden from the paddock which has wildflower areas, several raised beds for growing vegetables and soft fruit, a greenhouse and a chicken run.

Situation and Schooling

The village of Granborough has a public house and a church. There is a primary school in North Marston, while independent and grammar schools in the area include Swanbourne House School, Thornton College, Buckingham’s Royal Latin School, Aylesbury Grammar School, Stowe School and Akeley Wood School. Shopping and leisure facilities are located in Buckingham (8 miles) and Winslow (2 miles).