Description
A Grade II listed brick under tile three bedroom Edwardian house built as an additional wing to the Georgian St Ibbs House off the London Road. The former site of a coaching inn, St Ibbs was converted into a clergy house in 1786 by Rev. Thomas Pinnock, who also landscaped Ippolyts Field over the road to resemble the Backs at the University of Cambridge. The West Wing was added in 1914 and the house was divided into separate dwellings in the late 1960s.
The property has approximately 2,165 sq. ft. of accommodation over three floors. The centrepiece of the house is a 30 ft. by 20 ft. first floor sitting room and entertaining space, with a balcony to the rear, a gallery to the front presently used as a library, and an open fireplace.
At the front there is an ornamental pond, a paved seating area, and a home office with built-in storage and separate workshop, both of which could be converted back into garages or an annexe (subject to planning permission). There are mature front and rear gardens and parking for three cars.
Ground Floor The property is accessed via double doors with matching arched glass side panels which lead into an almost 20 ft. square dining hall which has double doors to the rear garden, stairs to the first floor and a fireplace. The kitchen/breakfast room has a door to the side and a range of built-in units and cupboards, and integrated appliances including a dishwasher, electric ovens and a Calor gas hob. There is also a coats cupboard and a cloakroom.
First Floor The sitting room has a brick built open fireplace with built-in book shelves and cupboards either side. There is a side gallery area which is presently used as a library. Double doors lead to a balcony which has a spiral staircase down to the garden. Bedroom two has built-in wardrobes and a walk-in bay window to the east. The bathroom has a bath, a separate shower cubicle and a vanity unit housing a WC and a washbasin.
Second Floor The principal bedroom has built-in wardrobes and a door to a balcony with views over the garden. The en suite bathroom has panelling to dado height. Bedroom three has built-in wardrobes and room for a study area. On the landing there are further built-in cupboards.
Situation and Schooling The village of St Ippolyts is surrounded by rolling Hertfordshire countryside and has a primary school, general store and church. Nearby Hitchin offers a further range of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and arts venues as well as a long-standing, twice-weekly, open-air market. Hitchin Swimming Centre has both outdoor and indoor pools and there are rugby, cricket, hockey, and football clubs. Hitchin Boys' and Hitchin Girls' Schools both have Ofsted outstanding status.
