8 bedroom detached house for sale

Wearing its Victorian birthright with pride, the gables of Highfields stretch up above the warmth of its cheerful redbrick façade.
EPC Rating: D A Home with Heritage Born in the twilight of the Victorian age, Highfields, built on the threshold between the 19th and 20th centuries in 1899, retains a wealth of original features. Restored by previous owners, modern comforts now mark its passage into the era of 21st century living. Set back from Oundle Road and with plenty of parking available on the block paved, gated, in-and-out driveway, a green sheen of lawn laced by a verdant hem of mature trees provides a buffer of privacy, screening the home from view. A Warm Welcome A wide front door opens into the porch, whose high ceiling with layered cornicing sets the scene for a home that slowly unwraps itself one room at a time, with unexpected treats tucked into every corner. From corner window seats to the mahogany staircase in the central reception hall, framed by ornate arches, the elegance of the era is perfectly captured. Practical Places Beyond the show-stopping entrance, Highfield’s quieter wings hint to its Victorian heritage. Inner hallways connect spaces, their modest scale a nod to their original purpose as servants’ passages, in subtle contrast to the grand reception rooms. A cloakroom tucked discreetly to one side echoes the past with black and white tiled floor and what may well be an original wash basin. A true ‘home of two halves’, a dry cellar accessed beneath the former servants’ staircase and a generous plant room with utility space offer plenty of room for storage, an extra fridge-freezer and all the practicalities of modern life. Entertain And Unwind From elegant evenings to slow Sunday mornings, the living spaces at Highfields adapt with ease. Relax and unwind in the main sitting room, an inviting space, with a bold red feature wall, period detailing, wood floors and a bay window, all basking in the warmth from the logburning stove. A second sitting room offers garden views, another fire, with a slightly more modern feel, and plenty of space to stretch out and entertain. Wine And Dine A room designed to elevate every gathering, the dining room adapts to every mood, from romantic candlelit suppers to full-scale family Christmases. An ornate fireplace and log burner, recessed archways, layered cornicing and a commanding bay window create a setting worthy of a period drama. Transformed for modern living, the former butler’s quarters - or potentially what was once a scullery - lined with glass-fronted cabinets and tall shelving, is now reimagined as the study, peaceful and with eye-catching views over the garden. For moments of pause, the sun room at the front is a cosy retreat, opening onto the terrace through bifolds that draw in the light. Feast Your Eyes The soul of the home, the kitchen serves up welcome, a sociable hub that caters to everything from quiet coffee mornings to lively evenings with friends. For those who love to hold court while cooking, the central gas hob atop the L-shaped breakfast-bar island makes the perfect stage, placing the host at the heart of the conversation. Warm wood cabinetry and granite worktops lend a classic elegance, while a sash window frames garden views, and a drinks fridge keeps refreshments within easy reach. And So To Bed... Up the sweeping mahogany staircase, a light-filled landing offers leafy views of the copper beech below. Highfields is home to eight majestic bedrooms over two floors. Beyond the elegant arches on the landing, the principal suite is a spacious sanctuary, dressed in rosy tones, served by a large dressing room, sash-lit en suite and with possibility-laden access out via a glazed door to the flat roof overlooking the garden. Four further bedrooms await on this floor, two with en suites, enhanced by period features and contemporary comforts, from sash windows and ornamental fireplaces. A separate family bathroom evokes Victorian glamour in its colour scheme and fittings, while a large, walk-in linen cupboard keeps everyday essentials close at hand. On the second floor, three further bedrooms nestle into the eaves, one with an en suite, offering ideal space for guests, teenagers, or working from home. Once the servants’ quarters, their character remains, now reimagined for modern life. Garden Delights Shielded from the world by a stately line of mature trees, including a copper beech resplendent in all seasons, the gardens at Highfields envelop the home, providing a private sanctuary that counterbalances the convenient accessibility of the home. Striped lawn stretches across the front, framed by climbing roses that flank the formal entrance and add a note of romantic charm to this formidable Victorian home. Hidden Eden To the rear, the mood softens, with a secure, south-facing garden unfolding beyond picket fencing; private, peaceful and perfectly enclosed for children and pets to roam freely. A leafy ‘hide and seek’ corner is tucked discreetly to one side, bordered by yet more trees, with terraces for al fresco dining and sheltered spots including a covered verandah and summer house providing welcome shade on summer afternoons and sociable evenings. An original redbrick wall forms the backdrop to a pergola walk, separating the main garden from that of the potential annexe, where raised beds and log stores can be found. Already 70% converted, this bonus building offers the potential for a gym, studio or guest suite. The Finer Details Freehold / Detached / Built 1899 / Not listed / Plot approx. 0.96 acre / Gas central heating / Mains electricity, water and sewage / AT 5 cabling throughout / Peterborough City Council, tax band G / EPC rating D Dimensions Basement: approx. 32.9 sq. metres (353.7 sq. feet) / Ground Floor: approx. 235.9 sq. metres (2,538.9 sq. feet) / First Floor: approx. 203.7 sq. metres (2,192.2 sq. feet) / Second Floor: approx. 107.4 sq. metres (1,156.3 sq. feet) / Main Home Total: approx. 579.8 sq. metres (6,241.1 sq. feet) / Annexe Ground Floor: approx. 95.9 sq. metres (1,032.7 sq. feet) / Annexe First Floor: approx. 40.9 sq. metres (440.3 sq. feet) / Annexe Total: approx. 136.8 sq. metres (1,473 sq. feet) Out And About Enjoy all the highlights of city living, including local doctors’ surgeries, chemists, art galleries, restaurants, supermarkets (Waitrose is less than ten minutes away in the car) and a hospital, whilst being on the cusp of the countryside. Nearby, Nene Park is the region’s favourite place to get outdoors and enjoy nature. At the heart of the park is Ferry Meadows, the ideal destination for a family day out whether you’re looking to walk, cycle, fish, try some watersports, or just explore the meadows, lakes and woodland and visit one of the cafes, there is something for everyone at Ferry Meadows. Peterborough Station is only five minutes’ drive from the door, ideal for commuting. Meanwhile, families can have their choice of local schools, with the independent Peterborough School just five minutes’ drive away, and further options available in nearby Stamford and Oundle. There is also a wealth of nearby primary and secondary schools. Local Distances Peterborough Railway Station 3.3 miles (8 minutes) / Oundle 11 miles (18 minutes) / Stamford 14 miles (20 minutes) / Huntingdon 19 miles (24 minutes) Watch Our Property Tour Let Lottie guide you around Highfields with our PJ Unique Homes tour video, also shared on our Facebook page, Instagram and YouTube, or call us and we'll email you the link. We'd love to show you around. You are welcome to arrange a viewing or we are happy to carry out a FaceTime video call from the property for you, if you'd prefer. Disclaimer Pelham James use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. The matters in these particulars should be independently verified by prospective buyers. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary planning, building regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested. Purchasers should make their own enquiries to the relevant authorities regarding the connection of any service. No person in the employment of Pelham James has any authority to make or give any representations or warranty whatever in relation to this property or these particulars or enter into any contract relating to this property on behalf of the vendor.