Ground Floor
A solid oak door leads to a porch with a vaulted ceilingrand quarry tiled floor. The sitting/dining room has been transformed to a large triple-aspect, open plan space with two woodburning stoves. Both areas have oak panelling and the dining room leads directly to the garden. A secret door connects the dining room to the kitchen. rrThe kitchen/breakfast/snug has oak flooring and oak panelling, and two wood burning stoves. The kitchen area has a large central island with a quartz work surface, a wine fridge, double fridge/freezers, a built-in dishwasher and microwave, and a butler sink with a copper Quooker tap. The breakfast and snug areas have beams and the kitchen extension has a roof lantern which, in addition to the two sets of French doors, floods the room with light. There is a deep-set window seat overlooking the patio which benefits from the morning sun. There is also a larder for additional storage. The space works well for modern family life and socialising, with ample space for the familyrto be together using different areas at the same time. The snug has a remote controlled hatch providing access to the cellar, which is suitable for wine or other storage or as a hobby room. Off the snug is the boot room with space for dogs, boots and coats, and access to a cloakroom and a laundry room.
Upper Floors
There are two staircases from the ground floor, one from the snug and one from the main sitting room. The snug staircase leads to the principal bedroom which has its own bathroom and dressing room. The stylish bathroom has a vintage copper bath with shower mixer tap, a vaulted ceiling and views over the garden and paddock. The second bedroom can be accessed from the second staircase or the principal bedroom, via a corridor with a range of built-in oak cupboards. This bedroom has stairs to the top floor where two useable attic rooms provide office/ homeworking space or ancillary bedrooms. The two remaining first floor bedrooms overlook the gardens and are serviced by a three piece shower room with adjoining airing cupboard.
Outside
At the front, double electric timber gates open to the gravelled drive which provides parking in front of double garage doors. The front garden is landscaped, and is mainly laid to lawn with mature shrub and rose beds, climbing clematis and a spectacular wisteria. The enclosed rear garden has three separate seating areas and is enclosed with mature trees, including two productive apple trees, and established borders. There is a storage barn to the side. The Forge owns the gravel drive at the side of the house providing two access points if needed.
Annexe
The annexe has its own council tax rate and could be rented out. It is accessed by stairs at the side of the garage and provides a large open plan space with new kitchen, and bi-fold doors to a balcony. There is a separate bathroom with walk-in storage and a roll top bath.
Party Barn
The barn was purchased from the Crown and fully converted. It has an over 22 ft by 15ft dining area with a wood burning stove, and a spiral staircase to a similar sized first floor cinema room with built-in surround sound.rA patio area at the front of the barn has ample space for al fresco gatherings and barbeques. It looks onto the paddock beyond and enjoys the evening sun.
Situation and Schooling
The property is situated at the entrance to the old village with fields to the rear and to the front neither of which can be built upon. A bus stop a momentu2019s walk away gives direct and quick access to Hitchin and Hitchin schools. Miles of walking, running, cycling and hacking are available from the doorstep. Lilley is a small, vibrant and social village with an active village hall, church and local pub. Events regularly take place including Christmas carols, New Yearsu2019 Eve parties, summer gatherings and BBQs and the Lilley Cinema Club. It takes approximately 8 minutes to drive to Hitchin which has a range of schools including Ofsted Outstanding rated schools. Hitchin is a historic market town with numerous bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in addition to Waitrose, M&S Food, the White Company and Waterstones. Train routes to London from Hitchin or Parkway are regular and reliablerwith travel to London taking approximately 30 minutes.
