Set in 3 acres of lavishly landscaped grounds off a lane that wends its way past woodland, grassy verges and tranquil ponds, this Octagon property looks like it is set in the depths of the countryside rather than its true location, a 20 minute drive from London’s West End.
Actually to be found in Totteridge, London, N20, and accessed by two separate gated entrances, the Romanesque style new property has all the manorial requisites, rolling landscaped gardens, imposing architectural detailing, even a stately tower. This exceptional house, which has taken two years to construct, was inspired by the Victorian Gentleman’s Residence that originally stood in the grounds.
With ancient parish church, cricket club, ponds and paddocks, not to mention the oldest living tree in the British Isles, Totteridge is a conservation area much favoured by captains of industry, titled gentry and the odd sporting legend.
Another big attraction for families with school age children, is the healthy choice of high quality educational establishments in the area, ranging from independent primaries and preps to high achieving secondary state and independent day schools.
The home has been exquisitely decorated and furnished by Rachel Beckett of R Interiors, and features a number of fine period-style details, cleverly combined with the latest 21st century comforts.
Perfect for both grand entertaining and relaxed family living, all of the rooms breathe quality and elegance, starting with the spectacular double height main hall with classic marble floor, with its specially commissioned Italian chandelier cascading from the top of the house. The broad sweep of bespoke carpeted marble stairs and lofty full height windows add aristocratic ambience, whilst a discreetly positioned passenger lift, which serves all three levels of the house, will definitely find favour with owners and staff alike.
On the ground floor, a broad cream lacquered panelled corridor leads from the hall to the principal rooms, namely drawing, dining and family rooms, library and super-size kitchen with informal dining area.
The kitchen has a large island breakfast bar, bespoke painted cabinetry, a hidden walk in pantry, and impressive range of built-in Wolf and Gaggenau appliances. But if big parties are on the agenda, there is always the lower level professional catering kitchen. Fitted out with commercial stainless steel appliances, this basement power station is linked to the upper level kitchen by an electrically operated dumb waiter.
A full glass wall dramatically separates the kitchen from the indoor swimming pool and the very comprehensive spa and leisure suite below. Accessed from the main house by a glass bridge, the suite features a 10 metre pool, steam room and changing room with shower, fully equipped gymnasium and on-trend games room, kitted out with a purple pool table and selection of retro pin ball and video games.
On the first floor are 5 sumptuous bedroom suites, all with generous runs of custom built fitted wardrobes. The Master Bedroom Suite offers a spectacular bathroom clad in exquisite book-matched Calacata marble, and a polished mahogany cupboard lined walk-in dressing room.
A further flight of stairs leads into the top of the tower, the perfect look out post with three viewing windows, and an extended roof space, ideal as an office or studio eyrie.
More delights await on the lower ground floor; temperature controlled wine cellar with comfortable tasting area, and a fourteen seater cinema room. With electrically-controlled reclining seats, giant 10 foot wide screen, and the cinema’s own fully-stocked cocktail bar, who needs the bother of travelling to Leicester Square?
Beyond the leisure complex is a four car garage, above which is a self-contained spacious two bedroom apartment. Depending on the household, the apartment would make excellent staff accommodation or granny annexe.
Outside the secluded 3 acres of gardens are arranged into three large expanses of lawn and woodland, with wide sheltered paved terraces bordering the house and leisure complex, easily accessed in fine weather by wide fold back doors.
