Detached house for sale

Believed to be the oldest home in Kings Ripton, The Limes is a remarkable Grade II Listed residence dating back to around 1570, offering a rare opportunity to embrace the character, charm and freedom of the English countryside. Set within a picturesque village and surrounded by approximately 10.5 acres of grounds and pastureland, this distinguished timber-framed home combines centuries of history with versatile family accommodation, extensive outbuildings and exciting possibilities for country living.

Rich in period character, The Limes is understood to have once formed part of the Abbots Ripton estate, with later additions through the 18th and 19th centuries contributing to its distinctive architectural appeal. Thoughtfully improved by the current owners, the house retains a wealth of original features, including its charming Tudor front door, while offering a welcoming and adaptable environment for modern family life including excellent ceiling height. The accommodation extends to approximately 2,540 sq ft, with a layout that lends itself to both everyday living and entertaining, alongside the flexibility to accommodate home working, visiting family or changing household needs.

The principal living spaces offer a wonderful balance of character and comfort. The sitting room provides an inviting setting in which to unwind, while the separate dining room is ideally suited to family gatherings and more formal occasions. A generous family room creates an additional space for relaxed everyday living, complemented by the kitchen and adjoining utility room. A separate study offers a practical solution for those working from home, but its position beside a ground-floor bathroom also presents the possibility of using it as a bedroom, particularly useful for older relatives or guests who would benefit from single-level accommodation. Upstairs, five bedrooms provide ample space for family and visitors, complemented by the first-floor bathroom and additional shower facilities.

Beyond the house, the grounds are a defining feature of The Limes. Landscaped gardens provide an attractive setting for outdoor entertaining, with paved seating areas, established trees, shrubs and fruit trees creating a succession of places to enjoy throughout the seasons. The former tennis court adds a further reminder of the property's established country-house character, while the surrounding land offers a sense of space and opportunity that is increasingly difficult to find so close to Huntingdon.

For those with equestrian interests, smallholding ambitions or simply a need for generous ancillary space, the range of outbuildings is particularly appealing. Garaging, a workshop, stores, stabling and an open barn provide an array of practical uses, from vehicle and machinery storage to hobbies and country pursuits. A separate summer house benefiting from power offers an additional retreat within the garden, ideal as a peaceful place to read, relax, work from home or enjoy the outlook across the grounds.

There is also scope to explore the future potential of the existing outbuildings. Planning permission and listed building consent was previously granted under reference 17/01429/FUL for the conversion of the garage, workshop and garden store to provide a self-contained annexe for family use. This permission has now lapsed, but it provides a useful indication of the potential that may be achievable, subject to a fresh application and the necessary planning and heritage consents. Depending on individual requirements and the relevant permissions, the outbuildings may offer opportunities for a variety of ancillary uses.

Offering a compelling blend of historic character, adaptable family accommodation, extensive outbuildings and approximately 10.5 acres of grounds, The Limes is a distinctive country home with a lifestyle to match. Whether the ambition is to enjoy a characterful family residence, embrace equestrian or rural pursuits, or explore the potential of its ancillary buildings, this is a property that invites its next owners to make it their own.

Seller Insight
“Everyone who visits says, ‘What a pretty house’,” say the owners of The Limes, who have lived here for 30 years. “We fell in love with the location, the character and the land, which was perfect for keeping our horses and ponies. It’s been a wonderful family home, enjoyed by three generations, and we feel very lucky to have been its custodians.”

Dating from around 1570, this Grade II listed, half-timbered Tudor farmhouse is the oldest house in Kings Ripton, a small village overlooking the Abbots Ripton estate. With Regency and Victorian additions, it had once belonged to the Abbots Ripton estate and needed extensive restoration when the owners arrived. “It needed work from the ground up. At one point, you could walk out of the side of the house without going through a door! It was very old-fashioned, so we wanted to open it up and breathe new life into it. People imagine Tudor houses as dark and gloomy, but the rooms are generous and surprisingly light, with none of the low ceilings you might expect.”

The original Tudor front door makes a memorable first impression, while the traditional layout offers plenty of flexibility for family life and entertaining. “We’ve always loved the character of the house. The drawing room is wonderful for parties, and we have a lovely dining room, with plenty of space for a marquee on the lawn when we want to entertain on a larger scale.”

Outside, around 10.5 acres of gardens and paddocks include a terrace, stable and several outbuildings. The impressive timber-framed barn has recently had its thatch repaired, while other buildings offer scope for future use, subject to the necessary consents. “When the children were younger, we made a grass tennis court, and the terrace has been perfect for barbecues overlooking the estate. The westerly views from the back garden are beautiful, especially at sunset. We’ve loved being able to ride out without having to use the roads, and now we can do the same with the dogs.”

Life here has also meant becoming part of strong village community, with a church, village hall and social events, while the neighboring villages of Abbots Ripton and Broughton have popular pubs within walking distance. Huntingdon is around 3.5 miles away. “We’ll miss the peace, privacy and walks where you hardly see another person. It’s been a very happy home, and we hope the next owners will love it just as much.”

Village Information
Nestled in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, Kings Ripton is a charming village just four miles north of Huntingdon, offering the perfect blend of rural tranquillity and excellent connectivity. With fast trains from nearby Huntingdon station to London King’s Cross, commuting or city trips are quick and convenient, while Cambridge is just 20 miles away, making it easily accessible for work or leisure.

Surrounded by beautiful open countryside, Kings Ripton offers scenic walks, a peaceful atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. The nearby village of Abbots Ripton benefits from a range of local amenities including a well-regarded primary school, a traditional village pub, a local post office, and a convenience shop, making daily life both comfortable and convenient.

Positioned between the A1 and A141, the village also enjoys easy road access to regional transport links, adding to its appeal for those seeking countryside living without compromising on accessibility.

Agents Notes
Tenure: Freehold
Year Built: 1570’s
EPC: Exempt – Grade II Listed
Local Authority: Huntingdonshire
Council Tax Band: F

Further information
A uplift would apply for separate dwelling/change of use development.
Planning reference 17/01429/FUL related to the conversion of the garage, workshop and garden store into a self-contained annexe for family use. This permission has lapsed. Any future development or change of use would be subject to the relevant consents.

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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