Wisteria House - Grade II listed 8 Bedroom Farmhouse
This imposing 5,500+ sq ft property sits in the heart of the village of Mepal. Its accessibility to Ely, Cambridge and Peterborough, as well as to London via train, means that the most enviable work life balance can be achieved with access to both City and countryside living including river walks which are only minutes away from the home.
The Facade
The frontage to Wisteria House is considerable. It is a very handsome property that boasts beautiful architecture as demonstrated by the additional wing that was added later during its tenure as a farmhouse. In addition, there are lovely and very useful outbuildings including: annex, garaging and a gated entrance and drive. A low level wall frames the ornamental front garden to the road.
Entrance Hall
The hall is stunning, with a 20+ foot floor to ceiling expanse providing the imposing staircase to the first and second floors. The front door is original with stained glass work above. There is original tiled flooring in the hall. Further doors lead off to the scullery/ laundry room, the reception rooms, formal dining room and the butler’s pantry now utilised as a study.
Living Room
A superb, large and well lit living space, with curved, full height french doors on to the patio/terrace. An inglenook fireplace with stone surround sits centrally at one end and two sash windows provide further light to the front aspect
Sitting Room
The living room leads into the sitting room which also features curved french doors on to the rear garden as well as a single sash window to the front aspect. A large fireplace stands centrally in the room as a focal point.
Scullery/Utility
The Scullery/Laundry/Utility room has victorian floor tiles, space and plumbing for washing machines and/or dryers as well as space to iron and hang laundry.
Kitchen
A spacious farmhouse kitchen full of original features including a victorian tiled floor. Two sash windows enjoy the aspect to the rear garden. A large inglenook fireplace with solid fuel burner is a central feature, together with the original cast iron bread oven.
The base units have solid wood worktops and a double butler sink looks out over the garden. A french gas range provides the cooking facilities.
Two doors lead out to the rear garden, one door leads to the main hall with stairs to the first floor and another leads to a second, smaller staircase directly to the master ensuite & bedroom.
Butler’s Pantry
The room enjoys fabulous views over the rear garden through a large set of french doors and is currently used as a study.
Dining Room
A lovely, light space, with a pair of full height double french doors that lead out to the terrace, parterre and rear garden. The room is tastefully decorated with an original inscription preserved from the 1930’s. The wooden flooring has been stripped and treated. Further details include a ceiling rose and patterned coving, high skirting boards and a sizeable marble fireplace sitting centrally at one end. Original sash windows provide views to the front of the property.
Entrance Hall
An imposing staircase with a twenty foot floor to ceiling height, leads to the first floor landing which is well lit by sash windows to the front aspect.
Master Bedroom & En-suite
The master bedroom and en-suite occupy the first floor of the central wing of the house. The room is well lit and enjoys views over the gardens. The master benefits from an impressive feature fireplace. A door leads to the:
En-suite
Beautifully decorated and well-appointed with grey wood panelling, wooden floor, double walk -in shower, roll-top bath, pedestal sink, low level WC, built in vanity storage and beautiful cast iron fireplace. A further door leads off to a small staircase to the kitchen.
Bedroom 2
This room is the largest of the bedrooms and is light and spacious with three large sash windows; one to front aspect and two to the rear.
Bedroom 3
A double bedroom which includes a period fireplace.
Family Bathroom
An elegant and tastefully modernised room, retaining the character of the property with a free standing, roll top bath, painted wooden floor, half panelled walls and a large sash window to the rear aspect.
Library Area
Accessed from the hallway, this area provides further access via an additional stairway to a series of three linked attic rooms (currently utilised as bedrooms) and bedrooms 4 and 5.
Bedrooms 4
A good sized double with a corner fireplace. There are double sash windows to the front and rear of the room. There’s also a built-in cupboard. Bedroom 4 leads directly into bedroom 5.
Bedroom 5
A lovely double room with painted white wooden floor, double aspect windows with beautiful views to the rear garden as well as a stunning view of the serpentine wall. There is a feature corner fireplace and built in corner cupboard/wardrobe.
Attic rooms / Bedrooms
There are three interconnecting attic rooms which are currently children’s bedrooms. Alternative uses could be: playrooms/games rooms/hobby rooms.
Outside
A handsome pair of black gates provides a secure entrance to the large shingle courtyard suitable for numerous vehicles. A path leads from the drive along the rear of the house. The outbuildings adjoining the property can be accessed from both the rear and the front aspects. Off the courtyard and path to the rear of the property are formally laid out flower beds. The majority of the garden is laid to lawn with a lovely large perimeter wall providing a completely enclosed and secure space for children and pets. A victorian serpentine wall divides the drive and path from the lawned area.
Garage/Barn
The garage/barn is large with a pitched roof and exposed timbers. This space has the potential for conversion, but would serve equally well to store or restore classic cars or perhaps store a boat with plenty of room to incorporate a workshop.
Office & Games room/Annex
Currently utilised as an office/games room, this has potential for conversion into a self contained annex. With vaulted timber ceilings painted in aquamarine colours.
Wisteria House - History
The house today owes its present appearance to works undertaken in the 1830s and 40s by the then owner William Cole. He considerably enlarged and remodelled the existing eighteenth century farmhouse in an imposing Neo-classical style. His improvements added large reception rooms on the ground floor and bedrooms above. This extension and remodelling work was to an earlier, four bay, eighteenth century, two storey brick and tile roofed house. The farmhouse was Cole's principal residence from which he administered a considerable estate in the local parishes comprising several farms.
Today Wisteria House is one of the most impressive private residences in the area of Ely and its surrounding villages.