4 Bed Detached House For Sale Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5

An incredible country residence set in around 11 acres. This sizeable and prestigious property has been tastefully upgraded by the current vendors to an exceptional standard throughout. The principal residence has an array of Matthew Marsden fitted cabinetry and joinery giving a really classical feel to the house. The accommodation is positioned around a private courtyard and includes a stunning kitchen, 5 further reception rooms, 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. There is also annex accommodation and extensive garaging completing this beautiful space.
Beyond the main courtyard are the equestrian facilities here there is an Andrews Bowen manege, stabling and an entertainment room.

In around 11 acres (4.5 ha) in total, this incredible property has beautifully designed gardens with superb outdoor entertaining areas. The remainder of the property is grassland.

The house benefits from HIK Vison CCTV surveillance and a fully automated smart home 'CONTROL 4' system throughout the entire house, ensuring complete control of the whole property when you are away from home no matter where you are in the world, you've got full control. There is a Triad Audio system installed in all the ceilings in every room also linked to the main Control 4 system.

In more detail, the property is approached via a tarmacadam drive which leads through to impressive steel gates that sit within an oval arch, they open to reveal the private courtyard. There is a turning circle centrally and an attractive water feature to one side.

The open porch has the substantial front door which opens to reveal an impressive yet welcoming space demonstrating how sumptuousness of this property from entry. This bright and welcoming space opens and leads to various ground floor rooms. There is a fabulous WC which includes a running water glass feature wall which is lit, twin wash handbasins set on a spectacular varnished timber surface with storage below.

The entrance hall is open into the hub of the family home which is the stunning living kitchen.

A gorgeous and lively kitchen that includes a range of shaker style “in frame” kitchen units with contrasting work surfaces, a large central island with breakfast bar and built in table and seating. A La Canche cooker is currently positioned underneath a feature ‘Bickerstaffe House’ canopy which provides a wonderful feature and focal point to the room. Integrated appliances include two dishwashers, Quooker tap and a wine cooler. There is also a large porcelain sink and further sink.. The large Fisher and Paykel fridge freezer will remain at the property. Large sliding doors leading out to the stunning rear gardens making this fantastic for entertaining both outdoors and in.

The kitchen opens into a living area which has patio doors out to the rear gardens. A woodburning stove is set in an attractive fireplace with a beam over giving a cosy feel to the room. There are vaulted beams and Velux windows ensuring that this is a fantastic bright space.

There is a well-equipped utility room with two Siemens washing machines and two Siemens dryers along with a sink along with fitted units to compliment the kitchen.

The rear boot room has plenty of coat and boot storage. There is a special room for our canine friends with bespoke fitted dog bed and a dog shower. A part glazed stable style door out to an area designated as a large dog run. Access to the loft is provided from this area. A WC is found off the boot room and has a large porcelain sink, high level WC.

The snug is tucked round the corner from the living kitchen and includes a contemporary gas fire with built in storage along with contemporary display shelves.

The study is an atmospheric room with a country feel, this is the perfect place to work from. The control cupboard is also found tucked away within the cabinetry area.

Part-glazed double doors open from the hall to the main lounge, this gorgeous bright space has sliding doors to the rear gardens and an attractive fireplaces ensures that this is not only a great room in summer but also ambient in the colder months.

A spacious and atmospheric dining room has views to both the front and rear of the property and patio doors leading out to the extensive patios and gardens beyond. There is a gas fire set in an attractive stone surround giving a lovely focal point to the room.

A door from the dining room opens into the fabulous cinema room which is well equipped. A bar area is provided within this room which when blended with the dining area can make for some fantastic entertaining space for some of the best nights ! The bar area includes plenty of storage, a fridge and a sink along with an integrated dishwasher.

The cinema equipment will be included with the sale of the property.

An attractive staircase rises up to the first floor where there is an impressive landing space with views over the courtyard. The principal bedroom is positioned at one end of the house and is a fantastic bright space with windows to three sides and a superb ensuite. The ensuite has a wet room shower, WC and a wash handbasin set in a storage unit. The bathroom and wardrobe lighting it automatic. The dressing room is fully fitted and includes drawers, hanging space and shoe racks.

The second bedroom is another lovely bright room which also had fitted wardrobes and drawers with views to three sides of the property. The ensuite has a built in double ended bath with a showerhead fitting, wall mounted WC and a wash handbasin set in a storage unit along with a heated towel rail.

Both bedrooms three and four have views out to the rear of the property and include fantastic shower ensuites. Each of these bedrooms have a range of beautiful fitted wardrobes by Mathew Marsden.

Annex accommodation :
There is garaging with dog door openings out into the courtyard and a WC in one corner. The staircase rises up above the garaging where there is a studio annex which has plenty of space for living. There is a kitchen which includes a breakfast bar, an integrated gas hob with an extractor over, oven, 1 ½ sink and drainer. There is plenty of space for living and for sleeping. The shower room has a wet room style shower, WC, wall mounted wash handbasin and a heated towel rail along with built in storage.

Equestrian Facilities :
The comprehensive equestrian facilities have a separate access and include stable block (with brick outer), a building/barn which has been used by the vendors as an entertainment facility (the perfect place to watch those riding!), an Andrews Bowen menage which is floodlit and separate store. There is a 6 bay steel portal frame building, open fronted with concrete lower course, timber boarding above with a concrete base. 4 of the bays have a solid gate at the front., the remaining 2 bays are open.

The stable block includes stables, two with views out over the paddocks to the rear all set within an area which will allow the equestrian enthusiast to work indoors. Attached to the stable block is a hay and log storage barn. There is a further range of timber built stables comprising two stables and a store, in front of these is a turnout paddock. The remainder of the land is down to agricultural land and is currently used for the grazing of horses.

The “barn” has previously been used to entertain guests!. There is a woodburning stove in one corner set in a brick surround. There is also a kitchen to include a sink and drainer, integrated double ovens, point for a fridge and dishwasher. There are views out to the paddock at the rear. Double doors open out on the equestrian facilities and a part glazed door opens to the side of the property.

External :
The gardens and grounds are truly impressive. The front courtyard area has block paving surrounded by a turning circle and step up to the front door. There is extensive garaging available off the courtyard and the enclosed rear gardens include and expanse of lawn, raised beds, stunning pond with water features providing a fabulous focal point to the gardens. There is a superb outdoor kitchen barbecue and pizza oven area along with a breakfast bar and a seating area which surrounds a log burning fire, a covered hot tub point completes this area. There are extensive patio areas perfect for outdoor entertaining.

There are three entry points to the house, each to ensure that the practicalities of running such a large home are easier.. To the side of the property there is a natural water swim pond with a further water fountain surrounded by mature trees

Garaging :
There is garaging for up to six vehicles that can be accessed from the dog room and stairs leading up to a large reception room above the garages that has the potential for many uses from a fantastic games room, large offices , art studio or a further three bedroom annex subject to gaining any necessary consents.

This spacious property has a large array of garaging off the courtyard for at least 6 vehicles. One garage is currently used by our vendors as a gym.

The space over the garage was once used as a bar and snooker room.

The property was built in 2000, to an exceptionally high standard with block walls throughout and a solid bice and beam floor to the first floor making for a very solid construction.