Home Farm

History and Heritage

Home Farm was given Grade II listed status in May 1984 as a property of particular historical and architectural interest. The oldest part dates from the late 17th century with 1696 marked on some bricks. It is of timber frame construction with whitewashed brick infill. The left part of the front was rebuilt in the 19th century in red and white chequer brick which is now also whitewashed. The gabled porch over the front door was added in the 20th century and has a timber frame with a herringbone brick infill.The half hipped tiled roof has recently been repaired by the vendors with the underlying felting completely replaced, the tiles checked and replaced where needed, chimneys checked and new flashing added.

History cont'd

The vendors have extended the property, adding the vaulted Border Oak garden room off the kitchen. The vendors also added the annexe about 12 years ago, building on the footprint of an original cow barn which had fallen into disrepair. The building has timber clad elevations and a partly thatched roof and provides over 1,400 sq. ft. of additional accommodation which could be used for guests or for multi generational families who want to live together while maintaining some independence.

Ground Floor

The timber front door is sheltered by the 20th century porch and opens into an entrance hall which has stairs to the first floor with an underfloor storage cupboard, and a cloakroom which has a WC and washbasin, and folding doors to a storage cupboard which spans one wall. The utility/boot room has a window and door to the drive and is the entrance to the property which is generally used. It has a built-in cupboard for coats and shoes, a butler sink with wooden drainers either side, storage units, and space for a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Reception Rooms

The sitting room is dual aspect with three windows overlooking the front garden and windows and bi-fold doors to the terrace in the garden. It has exposed ceiling beams and timbers, built-in shelving, and a brick fireplace with an ornate surround, a slate hearth and a log burning stove.The dining room has the original exposed wood parquet flooring, exposed beams and timbers, and an open fireplace with a timber beam over and a slate hearth. The fireplace is currently blocked off but could be reinstated if required.An opening from the dining room leads to the vaulted garden room which is also open plan to the kitchen and has windows to the side and bi-fold doors to the rear garden and paddock land beyond. The vaulted ceiling has exposed oak A frames, and there is travertine tiled flooring with underfloor heating.

Kitchen

The travertine flooring continues into the kitchen which has exposed ceiling beams, and dual aspect windows to the front and side. It is fitted in a range of Wickes heritage painted units which include glazed display cabinets, a pull out larder, and pan drawers, and there is a matching island with additional storage and a butcher’s block surface. The wood block work surfaces incorporate a two ring electric hob, and a Villeroy and Boch two bowl butler sink with integrated draining area and an Insinkerator waste disposal. Other appliances include a built-in fridge, a new built-in dishwasher, and a Rayburn which provides the heating and hot water in addition to cooking.

First Floor

The landing has a built-in storage cupboard with hanging space, and windows to the rear with far reaching views over the garden, paddocks and countryside beyond. The dual aspect principal bedroom also has a window with these views to the rear. There are two further double bedrooms which both overlook the front garden. One bedroom has an en suite shower room and the other has a built-in double wardrobe. There is also a single bedroom which has a window to the rear and is currently being used as a study. The family bathroom has dual aspect obscure glazed windows, a bath with shower attachment, a separate corner shower cubicle, a WC and washbasin. There is also an airing cupboard and a hatch with a pull down ladder to access the partly boarded loft.

Detached Self Contained Annexe

The annexe was added by the vendors about 12 years ago. It is single storey of Border Oak timber framed construction with timber elevations, double glazed windows, and underfloor and radiator heating. It has its own front door which opens into a small hall with a cloakroom and access to the sitting room and the kitchen/dining room. The triple aspect sitting room has a high vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and timbers, a travertine tiled floor with water underfloor heating, and two sets of double doors to a paved terrace at the rear with views over the garden and countryside beyond. The kitchen/dining room has dual aspect window to the front and rear, and a door to the rear. The dining area is carpeted and has space for a dining table and chairs as well as a seating area.

Annexe cont'd

The dining area gives access to the two bedrooms. One bedroom overlooks the annexe’s front garden and has a three piece en suite shower room. The principal bedroom has wood effect tiled flooring with electric underfloor heating and an en suite which has a freestanding bath, a separate shower cubicle with rainwater and standard showerheads, a WC and a vanity washbasin. There is also a shelved double cupboard which has a hatch for loft access.

Gardens and Grounds

The property is set back from the road with a gated driveway at the side which gives access to the house and annexe and continues to an extensive parking area at the rear with access to the stable block and other outbuildings.The front garden is bordered by a low hedge with gated access to a path to the front door. The garden is mainly lawned with paved areas, established flower and shrub beds and borders, and mature trees interspersed including a flowering cherry tree.

Gardens cont'd

The rear garden faces south east. An extensive paved terrace spans the width of the property and is accessed via the bi-fold doors from the garden and sitting rooms. There is ample space for al fresco dining and entertaining with far reaching views over the surrounding countryside. The rest of the garden is lawned with established trees and shrubs including a walnut tree, an Aylesbury plum, and a shaped box hedge bed with lavender bushes. There is also a working well with a brick built surround. The rear garden backs onto the paddocks owned by the property which have trees interspersed, water troughs, and are currently home to a flock of rams.

Outbuildings

The rear terrace gives access to a summerhouse which is currently used as a playroom. The summerhouse is double glazed and has a tiled floor, power and heating and could be used as an office for working from home if desired.The stable block has two stables and a hay barn which is currently being used as a workshop. There is also an open fronted cart lodge which houses one of the oil tanks with the other against its side wall. Behind the cart lodge there is a vegetable garden which has a greenhouse and several raised beds.

Situation and Schooling

The village of North Marston has a village hall and a C of E combined primary school, and there is a village shop selling local produce, and a public house. Waddesdon is located about 5 miles away. North Marston is in the catchment for the Royal Latin (Grammar) School in Buckingham. Buckingham is about 17 minutes’ drive from the property and it is less than 30 minutes’ drive from the amenities of Milton Keynes which has which has one of Europe’s largest covered shopping centres as well as a theatre, cinemas, indoor skiing and other attractions, and commuter trains to Euston in just 32 minutes.