Property description
Dating from 1565, Abbey House is believed to lie on the site of the original Thorney Abbey, which was described as one of the great Benedictine Monasteries of Mediaeval times. After the dissolution of the Abbey, the property was erected as a manor house using parts of the demolished monastery in its construction by the Second Earl of Bedford. Abbey House was then over the years, passed down through the reputable family's line. Mentioned with prominence within the local history books, the house then became synonymous with the vast drainage works of the area completed by the Fifth Earl. Living in political exile at the time, the Fifth earl is responsible for much of the property's development that can be seen today. By 1660 the residence had been extended and Abbey House became the east wing of a much larger residence incorporating the neighbouring property known as Thorney Abbey House. Upon the death of the Earl, the house remained occupied by notable local families and continued to be used as a single residence. Restructured again in the 18th century, the east wing (Abbey House) was updated from the original Tudor Frontage, to the Georgian façade that can be seen today. At a later date during the 1900's the property was separated into two separate residences. The interior today reflects the property's rich history and Abbey House is a breadth with prominent period features and the character and charm of a welcoming family home.
Accommodation
A panelled timber door beneath a flat leaded covered porch with porthole window opens into the Entrance Hall.
Entrance Hall
With original flagstone floor, door to the Inner Hall and Cellar. Sash window with original shutters to front. A short flight of stairs lead to the main Drawing Room
Drawing Room - 19' 0'' x 18' 3'' (5.79m x 5.56m)
This charming room benefits from an open fireplace, and stone hearth which is believed to have been taken from the original Monastery. The room is flooded with light from the three sash windows that overlook the front with views of the Abbey. There are stairs that lead to the Master Suite with an under stairs cupboard, exposed beams to ceiling and panelling to some walls. To one wall there are exposed 16th century stone mullion windows that used to form the original frontage of the property.
Inner Hall
Doors to Kitchen, Snug/Dining Room and Utility Room, Stone mullion window to rear, exposed beams, fitted cupboard, picture rail and stairs to first floor landing.
Family Room/Dining Room - 22' 1'' x 16' 1'' (6.73m x 4.90m)
This versatile room too has a large open fireplace inset with a cast iron wood burning stove. There are recesses to either side of the fireplace, high ceilings with exposed beams, leaded windows and double doors that open to the rear private courtyard.
Kitchen Breakfast Room - 21' 6'' x 16' 2'' (6.55m x 4.92m)
A door opens into the charming country-style kitchen which forms the relaxed centre of the home. The kitchen is fitted with a range of painted wall and base units with solid-wood work surfaces and a Belfast sink with mixer tap. The kitchen benefits from a gas fired Aga inset to fire place and further separate Aga companion, Victorian base cupboard with solid elm work surface, spit mechanism over fireplace, recessed pantry, original beams and mullioned leaded bay window which overlooks the fabulous garden and Abbey Fields beyond. There is a rear door leading directly onto a patio area and into the garden.
Raer Lobby
Stairs to first floor and under stairs cupboard
Utility Room
Fitted with a range of base and eye level cupboards with contrasting solid oak work surface over with inset butler sink, space and plumbing for automatic washing machine and tumble dryer, window overlooking courtyard and door to garden.
Cloakroom
Comprising low level WC and hand basin with mirror above, Amtico floor and window to rear elevation.
Cellar - 18' 6'' x 15' 5'' (5.63m x 4.70m)
First Floor
From the inner hall stairs lead to a half landing with stone mullion window overlooking the rear garden, the stairs continue to:
First Floor Landing
Fitted with an extensive range of wardrobes and cupboards which provide plenty of storage, exposed ceiling beams and window overlooking the courtyard.
Master Bedroom Suite - 18' 10'' x 16' 4'' (5.74m x 4.97m)
Five sash windows overlook the front elevation towards the Abbey. Feature stone 16th century fireplace with oak beam with ornate carved Tudor rose. There is also an inner landing off of the bedroom area which provides access to the stairs from the drawing room and also a personal door to bedroom three.
Dressing Area
Range of Fitted Wardrobes
En Suite Bathroom
Suite comprising hand wash basin with tiled surround, bidet, low level WC, panelled bath in recess with mirrored surround and two windows to the side elevation.
Bedroom Two - 21' 9'' x 16' 0'' (6.62m x 4.87m)
A large room with dual aspect windows, feature fire place with cast iron inset and exposed beams to ceiling.
Bedroom Three - 16' 8'' x 15' 9'' (5.08m x 4.80m)
Bay window with window seat and views of the garden, exposed beams and panelling to walls, feature fireplace, fitted shelved cupboard and personal door to Master Bedroom.
Family Bathroom
Suite comprising, Claw foot roll top bath, pedestal hand wash basin, bidet, high level WC, Shower cubicle with glass shower screen, partial panelling to walls, shelved cupboard, heated towel rail, wood effect flooring, and dual aspect windows.
Laundry Room - 17' 8'' x 8' 6'' (5.38m x 2.59m)
Extensive range or fitted cupboards & airing cupboard and window to side elevation.
Second Floor Landing
Stairs from the first floor landing lead to the second floor
Bedroom Four - 20' 5'' x 14' 10'' (6.22m x 4.52m)
Bursting with character this bedroom benefits from a vaulted ceiling with a wealth of exposed beams and a feature brick fireplace & chimney breast with inset cast iron fire, stone mullion window to side elevation with views over rear garden and parkland and door to loft space. (Subject to listed building and building regulations approval this area could potentially be converted into additional accommodation).
Bedroom Five - 23' 7'' x 12' 2'' (7.18m x 3.71m)
Dormer window to front elevation with views of the Abbey. A further door leads to a room which is currently used for storage.
Bathroom
Suite comprising, low level WC, pedestal wash hand basin, panelled bath with tiled surround, dual aspect windows and exposed beams.
Outside
Double Garage - 30' 10'' x 15' 10'' (9.39m x 4.82m)
With twin up and over electric garage doors, ample parking for two cars plus workshop/storage area at side, power and lighting, wall mounted gas boiler, personal door to rear garden.
Gardens
Immediately to the rear of the house is a private courtyard garden area with arcaded loggia overlooking the formal gardens. Beyond this there are extensive lawned areas with well stocked formal borders as well as a large selection of mature trees including Mulberry, Cedar, Wellingtonia and Oak trees. A ha-ha runs along the side of the garden which offers uninterrupted views over protected parkland. Gated access leads to the rear section of the garden which is the formal orchard also includes a large picturesque pond.In total, the grounds to the property are approximately 1.5 acres.
Property Features :
- A CHARMING HISTORIC PROPERTY WITH HANDSOME PERIOD FEATURES AND EXTENSIVE GARDENS, IN A PEACEFUL, RU
- Entrance Hall
- Drawing Room, Family/Dining Room
- Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room
- Cellar