Moor Cottage, Water End Moor, Water End, Hertfordshire, HP1

Whether searching for a family home, a country pile, or somewhere with a story, Moor Cottage is perfect. The captivating property spans over 2700sqft, the stunning plot reaches c.1.6 acres, and the location is private yet connected.

Moor Cottage dates back to 1480 and is constructed from four crucks (number of crucks was an indicator of wealth centuries ago). With a long history and built using traditional methods and materials - some seen upstairs through a window into the wall - it's no wonder the property is Grade II* listed, in the same category as Battersea Power Station and Brighton Pavillion. New owners will be living in an important piece of architecture, and any amendments are subject to controls and consents.

The current owners have been custodians of Moor Cottage since 1981. They started their family here soon after, and 44 years later, their children have long flown the nest and their grandchildren love to visit. Growing up here must have been amazing, with the space to be together, or for separation when needed. The reception rooms have their distinct uses, from cosy nights by the fire in the lounge, to formal feasts in the dining room, to relaxing in the sun room while appreciating the surroundings. There's also an office - formerly the buttery - secluded to one side of the house for quiet time away from activity.

On the other side of the house is the kitchen/breakfast room. This has a farmhouse feel, with wooden cabinetry, floral splashbacks and tiled flooring. All the essentials are in place, including Smeg cooking appliances and a fridge/freezer, plus a utility cupboard for a dishwasher. The sink is by the window, and the owners will watch birds feed under the apple tree as they wash up. When feeding the family, there's a cute nook in the corner for casual meals. This faces southeast for sunshine at breakfast, lunch and into dinnertime - a far cry from the dark, dingy coal shed this space once was.

Wherever you are in the house, you'll find character, including 15th century paintwork, marks on the beams where candles burned before electricity, even a gulley in the utility room that tells of its days as a cowshed. As well as charm, the home has many practical aspects, from a porch bench to pull off muddy boots, to a Belfast sink to soak grass-stained sports kits, to spice drawers within arm's reach when cooking, to lots of storage cupboards, a pantry and a generous walk-in wardrobe. There are also three bathrooms at Moor Cottage, making getting ready in the morning much more efficient for a family.

Land at Moor Cottage
The L-shaped land at Moor Cottage reaches c.1.6 acres, encompassing gardens, a tennis court, a triple garage and an extensive gravel driveway. Also within the 1.6 acres is a paddock of around a quarter of an acre, currently used for beehives, but handy for keeping horses. This may have potential (stp) for development, and the driveway on the western edge of the plot would give any home built here its own access.

The gardens at Moor Cottage are an English idyll. The spring and summer seasons are beautiful here, of course, with foliage blooming and abundant. But picture the scene in autumn as the array of trees change colour. Or even in snow, a blanket of white appearing as flakes fall onto the sprawling lawns.

As well as a stunning setting for adults to unwind and children to roam, the wraparound gardens are great for entertaining, so much so that they were the venue for the owners' daughter's wedding reception. There's romance as you wander up the front path between plump peonies and proud irises, around the fragrant rose garden, and among the fruit trees in the orchard. The entrance under tall silver birches as the property reveals itself is special, and everywhere you look is the owners' obvious passion for gardening.

The tennis court at the back of the plot is joined by a brick-built summerhouse, affording a shaded spot from which to spectate sets. If you prefer to sit courtside, this space is flexible as a garden office instead, with power for plugging in equipment.

The two-storey triple garage was a barn in Suffolk before the owners moved the main structure and the roof tiles to Moor Cottage to create covered parking. There may be possibility (stp) to change its use again by converting it into accommodation, perhaps as a self-contained annexe, or an Airbnb to achieve income on any investment.

Location of Moor Cottage
Moor Cottage is on an exclusive lane on the edge of the Chilterns AONB. If the acreage at the address isn't enough greenspace for you, you can head up into the hills in no time. For waterside strolls, the River Gade runs 50 metres from the front door and continues through the countryside beyond. There's an area of the National Trust's Ashridge Estate along Water End Moor, and the Gaddesden Estate is the other side of Leighton Buzzard Road.

Also on the doorstep is the Red Lion gastropub - which you can walk/stumble to in less than five minutes - and two garden centres for picking up plants and supplies after a pitstop at their cafés. The closest shops and amenities are in neighbouring Potten End, and both Potten End and Great Gaddesden have Ofsted 'Good' primary schools. For secondaries and independents, you need only drive into Hemel Hempstead or Berkhamsted.

Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted are each just a 10-minute drive from Moor Cottage. Both have a train station for fast, frequent commuter services into London Euston. Water End is 20 minutes from St Albans, less than half an hour from Watford, and only 15 minutes from the M1 for travelling further afield. Luton airport is 20 minutes away too for international travel.