High Street, Barkway, Royston, SG8

Sitting prominently within the charming North Hertfordshire village of Barkway, 21 High Street is an enchanting Grade II listed, detached, part-thatched cottage that perfectly captures the essence of quintessential English country living.

Dating back to the 16th century, this captivating home combines a rich tapestry of original period features with a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout.

From the moment you step inside, the home’s character is immediately apparent. Exposed timbers, traditional latch doors and gently uneven floors in places speak to its heritage, while a magnificent inglenook fireplace provides a striking focal point to the principal reception room, an inviting setting for cosy evenings by the fire. The ground floor offers a well-balanced and versatile arrangement of accommodation, including a generous sitting room, an elegant dining room ideal for entertaining, and a charming music room or snug. To the rear, a well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room enjoys views over the garden and flows seamlessly into a practical boot room, perfectly suited to modern country living. A recently refurbished ground floor shower room completes the accommodation.

Upstairs, the first floor hosts three beautifully proportioned bedrooms, thoughtfully arranged across two staircases. One staircase leads to a spacious principal suite alongside a second bedroom, while a further staircase rises to the third bedroom, a peaceful and private retreat with delightful views over the gardens. This is served by a recently refurbished family bathroom.

Outside, the gardens are truly exceptional. Carefully curated and wonderfully established, they offer a magical setting filled with mature trees, flowering plants, shrubs and seasonal colour.

Winding pathways and secluded seating areas create a series of enchanting spaces to explore and enjoy, while the backdrop of open fields enhances the sense of tranquillity and connection to the surrounding countryside. A greenhouse and useful garden shed add further practicality to this idyllic outdoor space.

A detached garage and ample off-street parking complete the offering, providing convenience to complement the home’s undeniable charm.

21 High Street is more than simply a house; it is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of English heritage, an atmospheric and characterful home set within one of North Hertfordshire’s most picturesque villages.

Seller Insight
“We were immediately drawn to the cottage’s history and character,” says the owner of this remarkable Grade II listed home. “From the outside it appears quite modest, but inside it’s surprisingly spacious, a real Tardis, with a wonderful sense of light and headroom for a property of its age.”

Dating back in part to the mid-16th century, during the time of Henry VIII, the cottage began life as a traditional hall house, originally open to the rafters. “A second floor was added in the early to mid-17th century, and by the 19th century it had been divided into two properties”. “There are many fascinating signs of its evolution, and it continues to reveal its story.”

Careful improvements have been made with sensitivity to the building’s heritage. “I always wanted to preserve its sense of age, both bathrooms have been refitted to sit neatly within the beams, combining modern comfort with the original structure.” The thatched roof was also renewed four years ago. “The sitting room is my favourite space,” the owner says. “In summer, the evening sun streams in, while in winter, with the curtains drawn and the log burner lit, it’s incredibly cosy.” With a good-sized dining room, space in the kitchen to sit around a table and a private courtyard, there’s plenty of charming space for entertaining family and friends.

Outside, the garden has been thoughtfully designed in a traditional cottage style. “I wanted it to feel abundant and inspiring, with old roses and other planting arranged so there’s always something in flower.” “In summer, the scent in the evening air is just wonderful.” The lawn slopes gently away from the house, bordered by shrubs, with a greenhouse and toolshed adding practicality.

Beyond the garden lies open countryside. “You can step straight out and walk for miles. Nature is all around with bluebell woods, orchids, and so much wildlife; red kites, buzzards, and in summer with swifts overhead circling and bats in search of insects.”

Set within the village of Barkway, the property enjoys a friendly and active community. “There are village events, a primary school, and regular gatherings like coffee mornings and suppers and, for the stage minded a thriving theatrical group,” the owner notes. “It’s a lovely balance of rural peace and village life.”

“It’s been a place of real contentment,” the owner reflects. “I’ll miss the sense of history, the garden, and will be taking with me memories of the happiest years of my life.”

Village Information
Barkway is a highly regarded and attractive village in North Hertfordshire, characterised by an appealing mix of period homes set along picturesque lanes. The village enjoys a strong sense of community and offers a range of local amenities, including a well-regarded primary school with nursery provision, a playgroup held within the village hall, and a generous recreation ground with playground, football pitches and a recently developed community space, making it particularly appealing to families.

Despite its rural charm, Barkway is well connected. The nearby towns of Royston (approximately 4.2 miles) and Buntingford (around 5.7 miles) provide a good selection of shopping, leisure and educational facilities, while the larger centres of Bishop’s Stortford and Cambridge, both within approximately 16–18 miles, offer more extensive amenities. Royston’s mainline railway station provides regular services to London King’s Cross, with additional connections to London Liverpool Street available from Audley End, Bishop’s Stortford and Ware. For road users, the A10 lies around 2 miles to the west, linking to the M25, while the A505 to the north provides access to the A1(M) and M11, ensuring excellent connectivity across the region.

Agents Notes
Tenure: Freehold
Year Built: Mid 16th Century
EPC: Exempt – Grade II Listed
Local Authority: North Hertfordshire
Council Tax Band: F

Important information for potential purchasers
We endeavour to make our particulars accurate and reliable, however, they do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract and none is to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact. The services, systems and appliances listed in this specification have not been tested by us and no guarantee as to their operating ability or efficiency is given. All photographs and measurements have been taken as a guide only and are not precise. Floor plans where included are not to scale and accuracy is not guaranteed. If you require clarification or further information on any points, please contact us, especially if you are travelling some distance to view. Fixtures and fittings other than those mentioned are to be agreed with the seller.

Buyers information

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