This 300-Year-Old English Manor Just Hit The Market For $3.29 Million
A stunningly gorgeous and rare piece of history has hit the market officially for the first time since 1710, located 10 miles from Cambridge University in the town of Knapwell, according to the Nest Seekers listing. The home sits on 3.5 acres and has 4,700 square feet of living space in the main house alone, which includes seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, four reception rooms, a garden annex, a three-car garage, and a separate building that can be used as a barn, studio, or lounge area. The asking price is £2.5 million — roughly $3.29 million.
According to the New York Post, the current owners/sellers purchased the home in 2003 in an off-market transaction, purchasing it from the descendants of the original 18th-century owners. They then majorly renovated the home, stating in the listing that the stairs had collapsed. They remade them, as well as stripping the plaster, installing new joists, as well as installing new plumbing and electronic wiring. They also built the air-conditioned garage and annex.
18th century beauty outside of Cambridge
According to the Nest Seekers listing, the owners opened a bed and breakfast in the home in 2005 following massive renovations, when they realized there was a separated staircase in the front of the home that led privately to three bedrooms, all with en suites. It quickly became a five-star location, which the listing notes could make up to £75,000 (about $99,000) per year if the new owners wish to continue the business.
The large gardens are also perfect for hosting larger events, the owners noting they have hosted more than five weddings in their garden, as well as hosting birthdays for their own families. They also hosted a 170-person charity ball on the property.
It is an idyllic property for the historical grounds alone, with lush green grass, large and ancient trees lining the property, plenty of space for children to play and dogs to run. The stone pathways are perfect for an afternoon or evening stroll, and the multiple benches and existing and potential lounging areas are perfect for a little respite and relaxation.
Inside the centuries old home
The inside of the home is the perfect blend of old English beauty with modern touches and finishes. Some of the historic remnants in the home, of course, include the unbeatable brick exterior, as well as the bespoke sash windows, according to New York Post. The Nest Seekers listing also notes the wood-burning stoves and the wine cellar are original period features.
The living room is gorgeous, with wide planked, historic-looking wood floors, modern white walls, and a bay window. There is plenty of space for an assortment of purposes, furniture arrangements, etc. The room focuses around a beautiful original fireplace, which has been externally updated, with the inside still featuring original brick and, as stated before, the original wood-burning furnace.
The first floor also boasts a beautiful sunroom with windows lining an entire wall and a gabled glass roof, letting in even more light. The floors are an updated but rustic chic gray, with one wall of original brick and another with a fun, colorful, floral wallpaper.
Knapwell historic beauty
The sunroom leads into the gorgeous kitchen, which is also the first room of the home. According to the Nest Seekers listing, the kitchen has an Aga stove, which offers a bit of mimicked historical charm and old English sensibility. The kitchen is large, with tan rectangular tiles, exposed warm wood beams, a brick alcove that frames the stoves, and terracotta and navy tiled backsplash. The white cabinets with wood countertops further enhance the delicate balance of new and old this home masterfully achieves.
The informal dining room is attached to the kitchen, with more exposed beams, as well as a sunroof. There is also a large window, allowing you to enjoy the morning sunrise with breakfast and the sunset with dinner. The formal dining room is a little more historical-looking but still bearing an updated feel. The floors are the same wide-planked wood as the aforementioned living room, this time with satin-finished navy blue walls. There are white built-in cabinets around the room, offering room for storing china or other decorations. There is also a fireplace in the room, as well as access to the back gardens.