the boteler, 1 astonbury manor

The Boteler1 Astonbury Manor | Aston Lane | Aston | SG2 7EH

The Boteler, 1 Astonbury Manor Cover.indd 3 18/11/2015 10:07

THE BOTELERThis split level ground floor apartment, which has three en-suite bedrooms, is located in Grade I Listed Astonbury Manor House at Aston, just to the east of Stevenage. The house is set at the end of a long driveway in some 17 acres of communal grounds, which comprise seven acres of paddock and 10 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with three large ponds.


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Astonbury Manor is an outstanding example of Jacobean architecture and now this grand building is separated into substantial and very exclusive apartments where the residents can enjoy the 17 acres of maintained gardens and grounds. Fine & Country are delighted to offer for sale this ground floor home and this is a rare opportunity to purchase such a beautiful and unique home in such surroundings should not be missed. This particular apartment has been beautifully and sympathetically presented throughout combining the period feel with stylish contemporary finishing.


Astonbury Manor is steeped in history, first being recorded in the doomsday book and at this time it was owned by Bishop Odo de Bayeux, the half brother of William the Conqueror. In 1535 Astonbury was seized by Henry VIII who then passed the manor to Sir Henry Boteler, Sheriff of Hertfordshire. Sir Henry constructed the current building on the foundation of the original medieval structure.

The magnificent tree lined drive is surrounded by meadows and fields and is the ideal way to arrive at such a distinguished home. You have the option to use the more than adequate double garage however most will take advantage of parking right outside the front door. The grounds are around seventeen acres with approximately eight acres of formal grounds and nine acres of paddock. The grounds also include two small lakes and a tennis court.


Seller Insight In 2007, the current owners of The Boteler apartment were immediately attracted by the red brick and flint exterior and the tall chimneys of the mid-17th Century manor, which was built by the Boteler family on earlier

foundations. The manor underwent restoration in 1908, when servants’ quarters were added. In the early 1990s, the manor was converted into eight apartments, and the servants’ quarters into three more; a barn conversion and a number of new houses followed later.

Originally in search of a detached house with a garden, the current owners were captivated by the warm, welcoming feel of Astonbury Manor and by its internal features, from the studded oak front door, magnificent hall and Jacobean staircase of the main manor house entrance, to the oak panelled ceilings and original red brick fireplace of the sitting and dining room of the apartment. A spiral staircase from the dining area leads down to a recently refitted kitchen, a utility room and an en-suite bedroom or study, while an inner hall adjoining the dining area leads to two en-suite bedrooms.

A communal conservatory to one side of the apartment has a balcony and views over the garden, and can be hired by residents for private events. Similarly, the paddock has been used for both private weddings and communal events such as bonfire night; it also hosted Aston Martin Club rallies at one time. The owners say that there is a pleasant sense of community at the manor, where residents can be private but are also co-operative with a joint sense of responsibility.

Within the grounds, there’s also a tennis court, while a number of golf courses are close by, including Stevenage Golf Course, which is within walking distance. A pub and a convenience store are within 10 to 15 minutes’ walk, while supermarkets and other amenities including a fast mainline rail service to London Kings Cross are available in Stevenage; Knebworth station, which is just a couple of miles from the house also offers services to Kings Cross.

• Favourite room oneThe sitting and dining room is split level and the owners particularly enjoy relaxing by the fireplace of the cosy lower level area.

• Favourite room twoThe owners particularly like the dual aspect main bedroom on the upper floor, which on one side gets the morning sun, and on the other side has a view over one of the ponds with its wildlife and overhanging trees.

• Unique featureThe sloping nature of the site of the house allows the apartment to have three entrances; in addition to the main entrance from the central hallway of the manor, there are doorways to the garden from the second en-suite bedroom on the upper floor, and from the kitchen.

• What they’ll miss most/favourite aspect of groundsThe owners now need to return to London but they will miss the space and tranquillity of the manor’s countryside setting, especially the numerous walking routes around the grounds and into the surrounding area, including the adjoining bluebell woods.


A communal conservatory to one side of the apartment has a balcony and views over the garden, and can be hired by residents for private events.”


The owners particularly like the dual aspect main bedroom on the upper floor, which on one side gets the morning sun, and on the other side has a view over one of the ponds with

its wildlife and overhanging trees.”


Entry to the property is via the impressive timber clad communal hallway, also complete with chandeliers. The common areas to the manor are absolutely first class and are further benefited from a garden room overlooking the manicured walled garden with water feature. These common areas feel just as much a part of your home as your apartment. The benefit being the cleaning and maintenance is taken care of, a benefit that cannot be overlooked. To enjoy such extensive areas and grounds and not have to maintain them yourself really is a real key advantage. Most of us want to own the picturesque country estate and Astonbury Manor provides the means to do so. A way of living the life with not all the responsibility or entire cost.

The property itself is a two level, superbly presented three bedroom apartment comprising an inner hallway, open plan split level lounge/dining room, newly fitted modern kitchen, utility room and three bedrooms with three en suites. However it must be understood this is far removed from a typical apartment. It boasts beautiful features including an inglenook fireplace, decorative oak framing and glorious original single frame windows throughout. Two of the bedrooms also include a replica of Hampton Courts decorative ceiling oak framing. The modern kitchen and utility make for a nice contrast on the lower level to provide a very light space. Although most time will probably be spent enjoying the grandeur of the main living areas, the lower level will make for welcome change when the mood takes.


Agents NotesPlease contact for maintenance, ground rent and lease/freehold details.


Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 5488780Registered Office: Wellingtonwise Independent Estate Agents Ltd. Market Road, St.Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5YZcopyright © 2015 Fine & Country Ltd


Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent. Printed 16.11.2015

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FINE & COUNTRYFine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in the UK, Ireland, The Channel Islands, France, Spain, Hungary, Portugal, Russia, Dubai, Egypt, South Africa, West Africa and Namibia we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.


Fine & CountryTel: +44 (0) 1462 [email protected] Hermitage Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1BY


the boteler, 1 astonbury manor

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