Life Magazine

£1,100,000 Sold Subject to Contract

Hampton Court Road, East Molesey

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Miles & Bird, Estate Agents, East Molesey, are proud to present this beautifully restored Grade II listed house (1,679 sq.ft.) with a fascinating historic connection to Hampton Court Palace.


History

Palace Gate House boasts an intriguing link to Hampton Court Palace dating back to the 1500's.  By 1640 it was the official residence of Thomas Smithsby, the Under House Keeper of the Palace responsible for managing operations of the Palace in all its aspects. Smithsby lived at the house until he surrendered his office in 1656 to one of Cromwell's generals after the execution of Charles I. In the late 1600s Jasper English, a court official, gained the lease and upon his death in 1710 his son, Somersett English, was given permission to demolish and rebuild Palace Gate House. Much of the original timber frame of the house was retained and many old timbers were re-positioned in the new house, however by 1734 Somersett English applied to divide his house and was granted permission. The work involved creating a new entrance, replacing windows, creating a hallway and installing a suspended wooden floor. After the death of Somersett English Palace Gate House was leased to various tenants. In the mid 1800s Palace Gate House and the two adjacent buildings were re-amalgamated to lodge the Palace Police who had been recruited to cope with the demanding crowds following the opening of Hampton Court Palace by Queen Victoria to the public. By the turn of the century Palace Gate House was being used as part of a restaurant and tea room yet by the turn of this century the property was once again neglected. In 2011 the current owners bought the freehold of Palace Gate House and spent a couple of years repairing the building and returning it back to a home.  


Description


Adorned with many original embellishments this delightful home is full of character, yet it sympathetically embraces the comforts of modern living. Period features include very high ceilings with intricate cornicing, wall paneling throughout, box sash windows with working shutters, and fireplaces to all principle rooms.  A most noteworthy feature is the imposing galleried staircase with mezzanine landings, dominated by a magnificent Georgian style 'fanlight' window creating additional light to the centre of the house. 

The approach is via a charming and well stocked, walled courtyard garden with an ornate front door.   The atmosphere is apparent the moment you walk along the panelled hallway, which in turn, leads to the main inner hall and staircase.  The scale of the rooms is particularly noticeable, being most evident in the kitchen / dining room measuring some 20' x 15' (6.12 x 4.65m).  On the lower ground level is access to a double bedroom with beamed ceiling and adjacent to this, a shower room and separate guest cloakroom with W/C.  On the raised ground half landing is access to another double bedroom with adjoining dressing room which opens to the main bathroom. 

On the first floor - off the main galleried landing - is access to a further double bedroom which is beautifully furnished and rather inviting with a four-poster bed.  To complete the accommodation an impressive drawing room commands a gracious feel with open fireplace and three large, multi paned, sash windows affording excellent light and leafy views over Hampton Court Green.

Location 

Palace Gate House is situated just moments from Hampton Court Palace - visible from the front garden.  Across the bridge are Hampton Court Village and Station, where fine dining restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries and antique shops can be found.  The front of the property overlooks Hampton Court Green, whilst Bushy Park with its many open acres of parkland and the River Thames with wonderful towpath walks are extremely close by.  Hampton Court Station is about 300 mts away providing regular trains into London Waterloo in around 33 minutes. The station is within Zone 6. Road links are also excellent with the M3 being just 4 miles away which links with the M25 and M4. Heathrow airport is located about 10 miles away which can also be reached from the 111 bus stop nearby. The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is popular with families as it offers an excellent range of both independent and state schools.  For those that are eligible the London Freedom Pass extends to this location.

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