Parking Area

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With secure parking for around 20 cars – Abbey Orchard House stands alone in central St Albans. It’s an outstanding benefit in a town centre location where parking restrictions are the bane of modern life for the visitor or inhabitant.

 

 

The Grounds

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The gardens have been designed for easy maintenance, whilst also giving colour and variety to enhance this outstanding house. Mature trees abound, but the outstanding feature of the gardens is the tranquillity and privacy.

 

 

The Riverside Walk

 

With almost 100 metres of private river bank this hidden area is a place for quiet contemplation. Less formal than the rest of the garden nature has been allowed to heavily influence this riverside idyll.

 

 

The Garage

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A large detached building in the same style architecturally as the house, this versatile space can be arrange to fit individual requirements.

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Presently it incorporates parking for three cars, a sitting area, workshop, storage and separated area for a gardener with rest space, WC and shower. The building is fully insulated and fitted with Hormann electric remote controlled thermal doors.

 

 

The Courtyard Bedrooms

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These three double bedrooms are all of a similar size and layout. Fitted wardrobes, desk, drawers and dresser are both practical and space saving. Elegant Porcelanosa ensuites incorporate bath, shower and large heated mirrors.

All bedrooms open out onto their own private veranda and beyond the enclosed courtyard.

 

 

Abbey Suite – Bedroom

 

This room at approximately 45m2 combines sitting area with bedroom.

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As one awakes and activate the electronic blinds – the 11th century Norman tower of the Abbey Church rises dramatically on the hill above.

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The large glazed doors open onto private verandas that flow onto the orchard planted with a wide variety of fruit trees.

A huge range of fitted wardrobes and elegant ensuite complete this stunning bedroom suite.

 

 

River Suite – Bedroom

 

Similar in size to the Abbey Suite, once again this room combines a sitting area with bedroom – but it’s the huge wood burner that makes winter something to look forward to!

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Summer is also a joy as the huge glass doors glide open to give access to this riverside setting and surrounding private gardens.

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A walk in wardrobe offers plentiful storage but it is the bespoke Japanese bath and massive walk-in shower that complete this beautiful suite.

 

 

Cinema Room

 

An integrated 120” screen combines with an Epson HD projector, surround system and electronic black out blinds.

The room with blinds up is also an excellent gathering room for the kids with views up to the Abbey Church.

Storage is also a key feature of this room – with ample spare to ensure the house is free from clutter.

 

 

The Snug

 

A perfect meeting place with seating for ten – this area is located to maximise in the morning light from the east.

 

 

The Galleries

 

Abbey Orchard House doesn’t have corridors. Instead these connecting spaces have been designed at double width to allow art or collections to be displayed with space to contemplate.

 

 

Utility Room

 

The engine room of the house, the computer controlled heating and hot water system makes efficient use of heat generated by gas, wood burners and if fitted solar panels that ensure excellent eco credentials and running costs of this spacious property are kept to a minimum.

 

 

The Kitchen

 

Poggenpohl and the architect combined their respective skills to create a kitchen that is practical, elegant and blends seamlessly with the adjacent dining room. A breakfast area is ideal for ‘food on the go!’. A full range of Wolf Sub Zero appliances complete this premium environment.

 

 

The Dining Room

 

The double sided wood burner provides wonderful ambience for any meal.

Combine this with views of the adjacent courtyard, bespoke table, dresser, chairs and lamp fitting and your guests will never want to leave!

 

 

The Lounge

 

A gorgeous room for gatherings – full of warmth and harmony. Family and friends will be mesmerised by the warm glow that emanates from the massive wood burner that takes centre stage.

And when the mercury rises the warmth of the wood burner will be replaced with the magnificence of the gardens that become part of the room simply by opening the massive glazed doors.

As Kevin McCloud stated this room “Hits you between the eyes!”

 

 

The Entrance

 

After passing through a Japanese gate, the house reveals itself. Jasmine trailed over the pergola provides a magical scent as one crosses a stone bridge between flowing water.

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One enters through the massive maple double doors and into a 30m glazed atrium that connects the two wings of this remarkable house.

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The influence of Feng Shui plays its part as does the strong visual connection with the surrounding landscape.

Triple glazing and underfloor heating throughout no matter what the season your comfort it assured. 

 

 

The Interior

 

Of the 300 plus drawings produced for the design of Abbey Orchard House, over 100 were for the interior.

These drawings were then turned into reality by an award winning joinery company who specialise in bespoke interiors for the luxury homes and yachts throughout the world.

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The result as Kevin McCloud commented is, “Remarkable and breath-taking”.

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Home automation has been seamlessly integrated with this high quality fit out allowing heating, blinds, lights and electrical appliances to lie activated and controlled from your phone.

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The light maple interior gives this large house (approaching 600 m2) a cosy feel.

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Architecturally he described the house as:

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