The Elms, Houghton, Huntingdon, PE28

This grand Victorian residence, set in one of Cambridgeshire’s most sought-after and well-served villages, has been expertly converted into a collection of luxury apartments, thoughtfully preserving its magnificent period features and the timeless beauty of its architectural façade.

The mature communal gardens, with sweeping lawns, ancient trees, and walking paths, offer a peaceful, almost park-like setting, a rare lifestyle offering for apartment living.

Occupying the top floor, this beautifully presented apartment offers nearly 1,700 sq ft of well-proportioned accommodation, including four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a generous kitchen/breakfast room, and a spacious reception room. As it is a top-floor flat, it benefits from loft storage space with two separate access points – one with a built-in retractable ladder and the other with a freestanding ladder.

The apartment benefits from far-reaching views over the landscaped communal grounds, which extend to approximately six acres. Outside, the apartment benefits from allocated parking and ample visitor spaces.

An impressive portico opens into a grand communal hallway, where an original staircase and striking period detailing set the tone for what’s to come. A private staircase rises to the apartment, where double doors open into a welcoming hallway that provides access to the rest of the home.

The dual-aspect sitting room enjoys elevated views across the grounds and features a charming period fireplace, while the principal bedroom also includes a fireplace and benefits from a private en suite shower room.

The additional bedrooms offer superb flexibility. The fourth room could serve equally well as a study or dressing room, and the versatile layout is ideal for families, guests, or those working from home.

The windows throughout the apartment are fitted with secondary glazing, enhancing thermal efficiency and reducing noise. Custom-fitted blinds are also in place, providing light control and privacy with a sleek, tailored finish.

This apartment presents a rare opportunity to enjoy refined village living within a grand historic setting, blending period charm with modern convenience and offering easy access to both Cambridge and London via excellent transport links.

Seller Insight
“The Mansion 22 has been our cherished home since 2013. What first drew us here was the peace and tranquillity. Having previously lived in London, we were captivated by how serene and connected to nature life felt here. The character of the property was undeniable, and it ticked every box for our family.”

“Over the years, we’ve made a few thoughtful updates – including a new DIMPLEX Storage heating system with WiFi connectivity, and some light redecoration to reflect our style. The loft space has been especially valuable, offering incredible storage that spans the full footprint of the flat.”

“My favourite room is the kitchen. Positioned at the top of the house, it’s simply breathtaking in the mornings. With large windows on every side, it’s bathed in natural light from sunrise to sunset. Sitting there with a coffee, listening to birdsong, has brought so many peaceful moments. The high ceilings make it feel wonderfully open and airy – it’s so spacious and bright, it never really feels like a flat. Every room offers a different view, framed by beautiful trees that reflect the changing seasons.”

“We’ve loved spending time in the communal gardens and have been lucky enough to see so much wildlife – including a family of muntjac deer, which feels quite magical. No matter the season, nature surrounds you here, and there’s a slower, more peaceful pace of life that we’ve truly cherished.”

“Now with two young children, our life is centred around them. But before that, we made the most of the local area – kayaking on the river, cycling into Cambridge and back. These days, we take great joy in family walks through the village, soaking in the surroundings together.”

“The village itself is exceptionally safe and welcoming. The community shop – open late – has been a real asset, as have the two local pubs. There’s also a wonderful calendar of village events: an annual fireworks night, a summer feast on the sports field, duck races on the river, and photo competitions celebrating local life. We’ve especially enjoyed visiting the tearooms and the nearby National Trust mill.”

“This is the kind of place where people tend to stay for life – a testament to how special it is. Neighbours know one another, and there’s a real sense of care and community. Help is always at hand if you need it.”

“What I’ll miss most are the views – that sense of freedom you get just looking out the window.
“One of the greatest joys of living here has been the quiet magic of simply gazing out the window and witnessing nature unfold—graceful deer wandering just metres away, owls calling softly through the night, badgers foraging under the moonlight, and foxes and rabbits dancing across the grass through every season.

We’ve rarely needed the car, as everything is within walking distance. Even with working from home, we’ve never tired of this place or its surroundings – we simply love living here.”

Village Information
The pretty riverside village of Houghton lies between the market towns of Huntingdon to the west and St Ives to the east. The villages of Houghton and Wyton lie side by side along the bank of the River Great Ouse and combined form the Houghton & Wyton Parish of Huntingdonshire. Much of Houghton and Wyton fall within a Conservation Area with many buildings of architectural interest together with the flood meadows and pretty countryside. Local amenities within the two villages include: three small shops, a community owned general store which houses a post office, a village hall, two pubs and a primary school in Houghton. The village hall hosts a range of activities from baby and toddler groups, Pilates, karate and dancing and is also available for private hire. Nearby Wyton and Hartford marinas provide a range of leisure facilities. There are more comprehensive shopping and leisure facilities in nearby Huntingdon and St Ives including most major supermarkets. Cambridge is about 20 miles away and offers a wide range of cultural, leisure and shopping facilities together with its well renowned University colleges.

Transport
There is good road access north and south via the A1 and east and west by the A14. The new guided bus service now provides direct access into Cambridge. Nearby Huntingdon has a mainline train station providing fast services into London in approx. 50 minutes and to the North via Peterborough.

Education
There is a playgroup and primary school in Houghton and is in the catchment area for St Peter’s secondary school in Huntingdon. Other nearby primary schools include: Wyton on the Hill Community Primary School, Thorndown Primary School in St Ives and Hemingford Grey Primary School. Other nearby secondary schools include: St Ivo School in St Ives and Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon. There is also a wide range of well-regarded independent schools for all age groups in Cambridge.

Agents Notes
Tenure: Leasehold
Year Built: Victorian - 1868
EPC: Exempt – Grade II Listed
Local Authority: Huntingdonshire District Council
Council Tax Band: C

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
To conform with government Money Laundering Regulations 2019, we are required to confirm the identity of all prospective buyers. We use the services of a third party, Lifetime Legal, who will contact you directly at an agreed time to do this. They will need the full name, date of birth and current address of all buyers. There is a nominal charge of £60 plus VAT for this (for the transaction not per person), payable direct to Lifetime Legal. Please note, we are unable to issue a memorandum of sale until the checks are complete.

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