The House
Originally a Tudor vicarage, the house was extended in the Georgian period, and then substantially again in the 1870s and 1880s when it took on its present appearance with its distinctive oak panelling. Since then it has been improved by the addition of 6 bathrooms, a new smart central heating system and other modern comforts, to make a house which combines a formal dining room and drawing room with informal kitchen, catering kitchen, sitting rooms and games room.
The front door opens onto a panelled Front Hall hung with trophies brought back in the 1830s and 1840s by General Fred Markham. The Inner Hall, also panelled, contains a comfortable sitting area around a wood-burning stove.
The large Drawing Room with fireplaces at both ends seats 19 in comfort on sofas, and contains a 1913 Bechstein grand piano which guests are welcome to play. It has 17th century oak chimney pieces and is hung with family portraits.
Across the hall is the mainly panelled Dining Room which can seat 16 (or 18 with a change of chairs) at one splendid mahogany table. An oak refectory table can be used as a sidetable for carving, and an alcove contains a smaller table seating up to 6, perhaps for children. The walls are a deep red, and table lamps and an open fire make a warm welcoming room for a special dinner.
The Back Hall leads to several more rooms. The large white-painted Kitchen contains new modern kitchen units including a tall fridge, dishwasher, two side-by-side Bosch ovens and hobs and a 1½ sink. A superb oak dresser and grandfather clock stand guard over a round oak dining table, ideal for informal breakfasts and teas. We can provide up to 2 high chairs as necessary. The Back Kitchen contains a second dishwasher, a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a second fridge, and a tall freezer. Steps lead down to the back door.
Also off the Back Hall is the Snug, containing a TV/DVD player and a wide selection of books - hardback and paperback, fiction and non-fiction, old and new, for all ages. Free unlimited super-fast WiFi is available in all parts of the house.
Beyond is the south-facing Games Room, complete with pool table and many games, jigsaws, and puzzles. It also has a 40" TV, Wifi-connected DVD player with some smart features, and music system with a large sofa, armchair and other chairs - great for watching the big match.
There is also a Caterer’s Kitchen, which can be used by outside caterers serving dinners and meals, thereby avoiding the use of the family kitchen. Accessible from the courtyard, there's a lockable room for storing bicycles, and a room full of outdoor games equipment.
Every room in the house is full of history, and we are sure the curious will discover fascinating and intriguing objects and items to delight in and wonder at.
