An enchanting detached Grade II Listed cottage sitting in a commanding position, nestling within this picturesque village, providing breathtaking front facing views, and easy access to local amenities, Royston, Cambridge and Saffron Walden. The cottage offers accommodation that seamlessly combines timeless period charm with modern practicality, characterised by abundant natural light flooding into generously proportioned rooms through dual aspect windows.

TIMBER PANELLED ENTRANCE DOOR with single glazed panelled pane leading through into:

ENTRANCE HALLWAY with terracotta tiled flooring, exposed timber beams, wooden upstand, radiator, panelled single glazed windows with secondary glazing to either side aspects, panelled glazed doors leading into respective reception rooms.

LIVING ROOM with continuation of the tiled flooring from entrance hallway, exposed original timber beams, large brick built Inglenook fireplace with recess shelves to either side and a tiled hearth, large timber mantel, collection of wall mounted lighting, double panelled radiators, panelled timber door with stairs rising to Bedroom 2, set of panelled single glazed windows with secondary glazing to front aspect, set of panelled double glazed windows and door overlooking garden as well as providing access to the large patio.

DINING ROOM with continuation of the tiled flooring, wealth of original exposed timber beams, former Inglenook brick built fireplace sitting centrally on one of the walls has been cleverly converted into a large storage cupboard with fitted shelving and still enjoys the characteristics of the large timber mantel and a brick hearth. Adjacent to this is the former bread oven providing further useful storage space and enjoying the original temperature indicator stone adding charm and character to the wealth of original features this wonderful property has to offer. The room has a double panelled radiator, wall mounted lighting, single glazed panelled windows with secondary glazing to front aspect, set of panelled double glazed doors leading out to the garden and a panelled glazed door leading into:

INNER HALLWAY with continuation of the tiled flooring, stairs rising to first floor accommodation, exposed original timber beams, wall mounted lighting, understairs storage cupboard, double panelled radiator, timber panelled door leading through into:

CLOAKROOM comprising a two piece suite with low level w.c. with concealed dual hand flush, wash hand basin with hot and cold mixer tap, tiled surround, storage cupboard beneath wash hand basin, full height built-in storage cupboard, tiled flooring, radiator, exposed timber beams, double glazed panelled windows looking out onto garden.

OPEN PLAN KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM which is accessed via a panelled glazed door from the inner hallway. Kitchen comprising a wealth of both wall and base mounted storage cupboards and drawers with an inset work surface, inset one and a quarter bowl porcelain sink with hot and cold mixer tap and drainer to side with Stoves Range cooker, 4 ring hob (2 induction, 2 halogen) and hot plate with three compartment oven below, tiled splashback, concealed extractor hood above and a recess in a former chimney breast providing further valuable storage with downlighting, space and plumbing for dishwasher, fridge/freezer, further space for microwave, further storage cupboards include a display cabinet with panelled glazed doors, full height pantry cupboards, inset downlighters, tiled flooring, set of single glazed panelled windows with secondary glazed units providing uninterrupted views over the undulating countryside. On the opposite side of the kitchen leading through into:

CONSERVATORY with a wash hand basin with hot and cold mixer tap, tiled splashback and surround with storage cupboard beneath, tiled flooring, radiator, set of panelled glazed windows and doors providing panoramic views over the garden as well as enjoying fitted blinds on both the ceiling and windows, wall mounted lighting.

ON THE FIRST FLOOR LANDING with loft access, wealth of exposed timber beams, original timber panelled door providing access to the airing cupboard with fitted timber shelving, single glazed panelled window with secondary glazing out onto front aspect, panelled doors leading through into:

FAMILY BATHROOM comprising a 4 piece suite with panelled bath with separate hot and cold taps, shower cubicle with wall mounted power shower, low level w.c. with concealed dual hand flush, wash hand basin with hot and cold mixer tap, tiled surround, heated towel rail, base mounted built-in storage cupboards and shelving, radiator, wood effect herringbone floor, further loft hatch access, inset downlighters, set of windows fitted with privacy glass out onto side aspect.

PRINCIPAL BEDROOM with a wealth of exposed timber beams and exposed chimney breast providing a wonderful focal point to the room, set of full height built-in wardrobes fitted with railings and shelving, double panelled radiator, wall and ceiling mounted lighting, panelled door leading through into:

BEDROOM 2 which also enjoys access via the second set of stairs from the living room and once again a collection of original exposed timber beams as well as exposed chimney breast, full height built-in wardrobes fitted with railings and shelving, double panelled radiator, ceiling mounted lighting, single glazed panelled windows with secondary glazing units to both front and rear aspect. Panelled door from bedroom provides access to:

BEDROOM 3 with a collection of exposed original timber beams, full height built-in wardrobes, double panelled radiator, panelled single glazed window with secondary glazing out onto side aspect.

OUTSIDE To the front the property is approached off Heydon Road via a dropped kerb with a resin set gravelled driveway leading up the side of the plot and providing access to the rest of the parking area and Annexe. The front garden comprises a collection of brick built and raised bedded areas laid to gravel with a number of mature shrubs particularly lavender. Steps lead up to the front entrance door. Photograph number 15 shows the view from the front aspect.

To the rear of the property is a wonderfully mature and expertly maintained private rear garden with a large paved patio area accessed directly from the rear of the property by all the relevant reception rooms, providing a wonderful space to both relax and entertain. This is enclosed via a brick wall which in turn supports a collection of raised beds which are well stocked with a number of mature shrubs and trees as well as flowering plants. A set of steps provides access to the remainder of the main garden which is predominantly laid to lawn and further enclosed by some well stocked bedding full of mature shrubs, trees and flowering plants. A walk up the lawned area leads to a wonderful summerhouse with a paved patio area providing wonderful view looking back to the house. Beyond the summerhouse the resin set gravelled driveway is enclosed by beech hedging on one side and some further tall mature hedging on the other creating a separation between the garden and the driveway.

The driveway then leads onto the DETACHED ANNEXE/STORE ROOM and adjoining this are two large timber storage sheds with a covered wood store The annexe can be accessed via a set of panelled glazed doors and leads to the main living area.

ANNEXE The detached annexe enjoys electric car charging point, outside taps.

To the rear of the detached annexe, nestled in this tucked-away position, is a secondary and extremely private garden which is enclosed and bordered by well stocked borders and mature hedging and to the very rear is a block paved patio providing a wonderful space to both relax and entertain with water feature and hot tub. The accommodation comprises:

OPEN PLAN STUDIO STYLE LIVING AREA with wood effect flooring, central timber beam, kitchen area with collection of both wall and base mounted storage cupboards and drawers, with stone effect work surface with inset stainless steel sink with hot and cold mixer tap and drainer to side, tiled splashback, space for refrigerator, built-in storage cupboards to either side with fitted shelving, one housing the electric immersion heater. The remainder of the open space can be used with high degrees of versatility and enjoys wall mounted lighting, electric storage heaters and panelled double glazed French doors and windows looking to both front and rear and providing access to the secondary garden, panelled door leading through to:

BATHROOM comprising a 4 piece suite with large corner bath with hot and cold mixer taps, large corner shower cubicle with Powershower, low level w.c., with concealed dual hand flush, wash hand basin with separate hot and cold taps, all with a tiled surround, heated towel rail, wood effect flooring, extractor fan, lighting, panelled door leading through into:

UTILITY ROOM which can not only be accessed via the bathroom but also stable doors to the front. The utility area comprises space and plumbing for additional fridge/freezer, washing machine and dryer, sink with electric heater tap, water softener, panelled door providing access back into the bathroom, set of double glazed windows onto side aspect, a set of timber stairs leads up to the loft room.

LOFT ROOM This is a versatile space running the width of the building with under-eave storage cupboards on both sides, double glazed windows at each end and 2x Velux roof lights.

SELLERS INSIGHT "We fell in love with Rectory Cottage the first time we saw it. We had been looking for some time for a character house in a lovely quiet village with a pub, and walks and bike rides from the door but within easy reach of Cambridge. It is in a peaceful spot with lovely views, in a very lively village with lots of different organisations and activities to get involved in. The cottage and Great Chishill ticked all our boxes. Originally built around 1640,it is located in the centre of the attractive village which lies on the edge of South Cambridgeshire bordering Hertfordshire and Essex.
The village is perfectly located for access to Cambridge with its University, World renowned research and medical facilities, including Addenbrookes and Royal Papworth Hospitals about 12 miles away. GSK Research is only 22 miles away in Stevenage. The area is served by fast rail links into Kings Cross and St Pancras stations by the station in Royston (4.5 miles) and Liverpool Street from Audley End station (6 miles). Junction 10 of the M11 is less than 8 miles away giving quick access to Stansted Airport, a total of 18 miles from the village. Luton Airport is only 22 miles away.
Great Chishill has a very vibrant community with a wide range of activities to suit all ages. The modern village hall is in almost constant use, offering dancing classes, yoga, men’s exercise, pilates, badminton, fitness classes, bowls and new age kurling. It also has an outside gym area. The parish church, St Swithun’s, located in a prominent position at the crossroads, holds regular coffee mornings and has a very active bell ringing band. The United Reformed Church is the focal point for many other activities such as Scottish dancing, film nights, whist drives, bridge club and more. There are two choirs in the village. The local pub, The Pheasant, nearby serves the local and wider community with excellent food and has many special food events spread through the month, and features a very popular monthly quiz night.
The spacious self contained annexe has not only been invaluable for extra accommodation for family and visiting friends, but has also proved to be an excellent extra source of income. We will be sorry to leave our lovely home after 16 happy years, but feel that now is the right time to move closer to our family."