Detached house for sale in Castle Lane, Whitchurch, Aylesbury HP22

A chocolate box thatched country cottage offering a wealth of character and charm and generous gardens in the heart of Whitchurch.

Dating back to the 16th century with additions added in the 17th century, this Grade II listed, timber-framed home is set in stunning mature grounds with uninterrupted views over the valley. Built of brick infill and rendered plinth to the front, and color-washed brick and rubble stone to the rear, under a Thatched roof, creates an idyllic home. The property has undergone sympathetic renovation by the current owners while maintaining the historical features, such as red brick surrounding fireplaces, exposed timbers, and stone from the original village Castle.

The ground floor offers an entrance hallway with stairs leading to the first floor and three reception rooms, a breakfast room, a sitting room and dining room. The dining room leads to the downstairs bathroom and a hallway, which is currently being used as a study. Beyond is a kitchen/breakfast room with made-to-measure kitchen units and access to the garden. The first floor is divided into two sections, offering flexibility. The three bedrooms are all doubles, and one benefits from an ensuite.

The gardens are a feature of this beautiful Thatched Cottage. The walled garden has well-established beds with a lavender path leading to a seating area for drinks on the terrace. This particular seating area has views across the paddock/land and valley beyond. The garden features three seating areas in total which are perfect for entertaining. The property also has a productive orchard with eating and cooking apples and plum trees. Below features a ha-ha wall and large pond. The pond hosts a variety of plants and is securely fenced off and rises and falls water table.

The Land offers an excellent opportunity for equestrian use and has previously acted as a great social space for events.

There is a parcel of garden to the front of the property, this is surrounded by an established hedge and picket gate. This front garden has the potential to be made into a vegetable garden or additional parking with the correct permissions. The property has a garden shed in the Walled Garden as well as a large shed in the lower garden near the paddock for small tractors. For equestrian enthusiasts, there is a suitable space behind the lower shed for an L-shaped stable block with the correct planning permission. The property also has a garage and parking. The orchard and land are accessed both via the Walled Garden but also by a 5-bar gate to the left of the property. There is ample room for a driveway and oak-framed garage block with the correct planning permissions.

The village of Whitchurch is full of history and was considered by Sir John Betjeman to be one of the best Buckinghamshire villages. Tucked away behind the High Street and within the grounds of this property lies Castle Mound, the remains of Bolebec Castle, built in the 12th Century by Hugh de Bolebec as one of eighteen such castles in the country. It also benefits from ancient footpaths and circular walks through the surrounding countryside.

The area is well served with schools including - pre-prep schools Swanbourne House, Akeley Wood, Thornton College and Ashfold and a very highly regarded state primary - Whitchurch Combined School. Secondary schools, most with bus services from the village, Stowe, Berkhamsted School, Waddesdon Church of England Secondary and the highly sought-after Aylesbury Grammar Schools.

Commuter communications are very good, with a fast train service available from Leighton Buzzard to London Euston (approx. 30 minutes fast service) and from Aylesbury to London Marylebone. The motorway network is accessed at Junction 7 or 10 of the M40 and Junction 14 of the M1..