8 bed detached house for sale

Chiswell Green Lane, St. Albans AL2

Dating from the 1800s, The Mansion House stands as a testament to Georgian grandeur, currently configured as offices for The Royal Entomological Society but presenting an extraordinary opportunity for restoration to its former glory as a family home. The substantial property, accessed via a quiet lane and long gated driveway, offers just over 6,800 sq ft of accommodation, which could be converted into individual dwellings, subject to the usual building and planning permissions. The large estate benefits from two semi-detached cottages providing reliable rental income, and extensive grounds that combine privacy with income generation.

Interior
This impressive mansion creates an atmosphere of quiet elegance throughout. Some of the rooms retain original Georgian features, including coving, dado rails and picture rails. Currently arranged as office accommodation, the property offers exceptional scope for restoration, with numerous rooms of various shapes and sizes across the three floors.
Entry is through a grand entrance hall featuring an attractive staircase, with French doors leading to the conservatory. The ground floor comprises four other large reception rooms, including a generously proportioned sitting room with patio doors and an eye-catching and unusual curved brick fireplace. The magnificent south-facing conservatory creates a wonderful garden room, perfect for relaxation whilst enjoying views over the grounds. Completing the ground floor accommodation are a study, an office and various smaller ancillary rooms.
The kitchen is located on the first floor in the current configuration. The first floor can be accessed via either the lift or the main staircase and provides accommodation arranged over two levels.

The first floor features four large bedrooms along with two modern bathrooms. Other rooms, currently serving as libraries or storage, have huge potential for use to suit individual requirements. The second floor offers three additional bedrooms.

Cottages
The estate includes two semi-detached cottages, currently let on Assured Shorthold Tenancies generating a combined rental income of £27,600 per annum. Each cottage provides approximately 845 sq ft of accommodation over two floors, comprising a sitting room, dining room, kitchen, and upstairs a bathroom and two good-sized bedrooms. These properties offer excellent ongoing income potential or could serve as guest accommodation, staff quarters or for multigenerational living arrangements.

Outside

Set within 7.28 acres (2.94 ha) of mature grounds, The Mansion House enjoys exceptional privacy and seclusion. The property is approached via a long private driveway leading to car parking areas, along with a single garage. As well as the two rental cottages, there are three further outbuildings, suitable for various uses or conversion, subject to planning permission.
The gardens are predominantly laid to grass and bordered by mature trees, creating a parkland setting that ensures complete privacy. A feature of the grounds are three charming ponds planted with water lilies and grasses, adding to the estate’s refined beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The grounds include an area of land currently rented at £7,200 per annum (with three months’ notice to terminate), providing additional income whilst offering scope for future development or simply to be enjoyed as extensive private gardens.

Situation

The Mansion House occupies a wonderfully secluded position to the west of the village of Chiswell Green with its shops, cafes, a Grade II listed pub and good schools. The property is very conveniently located for St Albans’ excellent amenities. The historic city offers comprehensive shopping facilities within its vibrant centre, along with an abundance of restaurants, cafes and cultural attractions. St Albans is renowned for its Roman heritage, beautiful Verulamium Park and the magnificent Cathedral.
The location provides excellent transport links for commuters, with St Albans City station offering direct fast train services to London St Pancras International, and Abbey Station to Watford Junction for onward fast trains (approx. 20 minutes) to London Euston. Road links are equally good, with the M25 (Jct 21A) and M1 (Jct 6) both easily accessible.
Educational provision in the area is exceptional. There are several primary schools close by, with Killigrew Primary and Nursery being the nearest just a mile away. The renowned St Albans School, one of the oldest private schools in the world, is just under 3 miles, whilst Haberdashers’ Boys’ School is in nearby Elstree. The surrounding countryside provides abundant recreational opportunities, with numerous footpaths and bridleways accessible from the property, and golf courses and leisure facilities are readily available throughout the area.

Property Ref Number:

Ham-60016

Additional Information

Local Authority
St Albans Council. Council Tax Band n/a. Cottages Council Tax Band E
Services
Mains water, electricity. Lpg gas and private drainage.
Tenure
Freehold