Ralph reviews a detached family home in Farndon
I don’t know about you but the few glimmers of Spring I keep seeing are very welcome, especially after the snow and ice we endured a few weeks ago – every day on my walks I felt like I was auditioning to become a contestant on Dancing on Ice, it was very unnerving when my legs went in four different directions all at the same time!
But, whilst it still feels briskly cold, the birds have started chirruping more, the snowdrops are garnishing the countryside and we even have two daffodils braving the cold in our garden and, whilst I feel they may be regretting their somewhat premature entry into the world, they remind me that the glorious days of spring are just around the corner so, lets hang in there folks!
In the meantime, I thought it was about time that I bring you another Ralph’s Review to keep you entertained and pique your property interest. I am always thrilled to head to the delightful village of Farndon and this week’s property was situated right in the heart of the village. As we entered the village, dad and I pulled the car into a small development of new houses and turned onto the driveway of No 10 Swallowfields. As I hopped down from the car, I gazed up at a very well presented modern detached house, complete with an integral double garage.
Feeling invigorated both by the thought of what I might find inside and also by the brisk north-easterly wind, I trotted purposefully up to the front door and made my way inside. I found myself in a rather charming and surprisingly large hallway.
Glancing round I spied a number of doors, all left tantalisingly ajar. The curiosity was just too much for a little pug – they say curiosity killed the cat, but in a pug I think it’s just good manners! I nudged open the door closest to me with my nose and stepped into a light, bright and contemporary study. This good-sized room would be just the place for me to store my many books on my favourite subject – food. Amongst my favourite recipe books are Finest Dog Treats from Around the World, Pug-approved Delicacies and Homemade Doglicious Icecream – yummy!
Suddenly feeling undeniably hungry I licked my lips and set off, ever hopeful, in search of the kitchen. The space I stepped into almost (but not quite) took my mind off the thought of food.
It was a contemporary, open plan kitchen diner which appeared to be perfectly suited to modern life – an eminently social space which would lend itself equally to family chats and informal gatherings with friends. As I glided across the polished tile floor, I could picture myself offering a chunk of cheese to Larry the labrador over by the centre island, then gracefully sashaying across to the open French doors to offer Sally the Saluki a fresh bowl of water before bestowing bonios on the pups playing in the garden. Suddenly a waft of sizzling bacon snapped me back to the present and I followed my nose over to the range style oven where someone had very kindly left me a rasher of the good stuff! I Wolfed it down in one – mum always says that I never even chew it so how can I taste it?! – just trust me, I do!
Feeling rather delighted with my surprise snack, I trotted off to explore the rest of the ground floor of 10 Swallowfields. I found a very handy utility room, a cloakroom and a rather lovely sitting room, complete with an open fire – oh fabulous, I thought to myself, there really is nothing quite like curling up in front of a roaring fire on a chilly winter’s night. With that thought in mind, I found myself feeling rather sleepy and, after casting a quick look around to check that no one was watching, I took myself off into a cosy corner for forty winks.
I woke up a short while later feeling fully revitalised after enjoying a fabulous dream about bacon, sausages and all things delicious! I stretched, grunted and hauled myself to my feet ready to explore the upper storey of 10 Swallowfields. Back in the hall I bounded up the stairs and arrived on a large landing. I trotted over to the far end and stepped through a doorway into a large and beautifully contemporary bedroom.
Along one wall I noticed some very handy fitted wardrobes and cupboards. How perfectly wonderful, as my mum always says – an organised room leads to an organised mind…. Thinking about it, does she always say this pointedly in reference to my very disorganised playroom? Currently every toy I own is scattered across the floor… Anyway, dragging my mind (is it disorganised?) back to the task in hand, I wandered around the room and discovered, to my delight, an equally stylish and contemporary en suite bathroom. Continuing my explorations, I found a further three good sized bedrooms, all impeccably contemporary, and a family shower room. What a perfect family home this is!
By now it was just about time to say a fond farewell to 10 Swallowfields. All that remained to do before I left was to check out the outside space. I had already admired the integral double garage at the front of the property so I concentrated my efforts on the back garden which was thoroughly charming and eminently manageable – most of the area is lawned with some established borders and two paved terrace areas, just perfect for morning coffee and summertime evening drinks.
As I hopped back into the car and cast a last look at 10 Swallowfields it was with a feeling of utter satisfaction at finding such a fabulous family home right in the heart of a wonderful village, yet off the beaten track enough to be private and quiet. This really is a family home which has an awful lot to offer. If you agree and would like to arrange a viewing of 10 Swallowfields, please do not hesitate to contact myself or one of my team on 01244 322322 or email info@rickittpartnership.co.uk.
Until next time
Love Ralph X
