Ralph reviews a double fronted property in Farndon
I have launched myself into the new week with a definite spring in my step. The sun may have retreated but the birds are still singing and the daffodils are still bravely pointing the way towards Spring! So, onwards and upwards I say, those bright, sunny days are just around the corner….
On my travels yesterday I headed to one of my favourite villages, Farndon, to visit a property which is as unique as it is beautiful. 51-52 High Street offers one of those rare opportunities to be able to combine work and home life all under one roof. Reading the particulars, this property had looked very intriguing and I simply couldn’t wait to see it “in the flesh” so to speak. With that objective in mind, following the Monday morning meeting, I utilised all of my powers of persuasion to entice dad out the office – sad eyes, waggy tail, roly-polies. But each adorable trick was met with infuriating indifference so I resorted to my secret weapon – a consistent and high-pitched howl. Yup, no sooner had I started and I was picked up, escorted out the building, bundled into the car and off we went on our way to Farndon – job done!
51-52 High Street is, as one would expect, situated in the heart of the village on the main thoroughfare. As I stood looking up at the attractive façade, I couldn’t help but be struck by how welcoming it appeared – the bay windows placed on either side of the door seemed to beckon me in. And, so, with a contented sigh, I climbed the steps up to the front door and stepped over the threshold.
From the entrance hall I took a door to my right and found myself in a large room which boasted one of those magnificent bay windows. As I looked around it was evident that this was part of the business side of the property.
Dad explained that the premises is currently run as an interior design business and that, under separate negotiation the business itself may be for sale. Now that got the cogs in my little pug brain whirling – I have always fancied myself as a rather avant-guard type of a pug and I idly envisaged the local canine gliterati queuing round the block to request my services – picture dining tables made of bonios, wall art of wainwrights biscuits, marrow bone-flavoured wallpaper (imagine the exquisite taste of that when it’s ripped off the walls) – the possibilities were endless….
Dragging myself back to the here and now I spotted a set of double doors at the back of the room and trotted over to them. On the other side I found another good sized room which I imagine one would also use as part of the business.
Never one to miss a trick I also spotted a corridor at the back of the room and following it I saw it led to a back door – very handy for deliveries and such, I thought to myself with a satisfied nod of the head. My brain was now whirring with business ideas but I knew there was so much more to explore at this intriguing property and so I re-focused and made my way back to the entrance hall, taking the door to the left of the front door.
There I found myself in a beautiful room, filled with light from the further bay window. This room was full of period charm blended with impeccable contemporary style.
On this side of the property the entire ground floor had been opened out to give a real sense of modern living, social, light and spacious. My claws clattered cheerfully on the floor as I made my way to the living area where I spotted a chic contemporary staircase up to the first floor. I then found myself dazzled by the rather stunning kitchen area – utterly modern and, dare I say, rather daring. The rich maroon-coloured units were the perfect complement to the rest of the space and the lantern skylight over the dining area was quite a feature. It was the kind of kitchen that would inspire you to try those more challenging recipes – a sous-vide loin of cod here, a flambe there ,a notoriously tricky souffle just for the heck of it… Ooh, I was salivating just at the thought of it and, with a gigantic rumble of my tummy I turned away before I succumbed to the temptation to raid the cupboards! Luckily I was instantly distracted by a set of double French doors which I saw opened out onto a charming patio – what a perfect little sun trap for evening drinks on a balmy summer’s evening (yes we do have them occasionally!)
Having been so impressed by the ground floor of this fabulous property I could hardly wait to see what the first floor had to offer and so, with no further ado, I turned tail and trotted off to make my way up the staircase I had so admired earlier on. At the top of the stairs I found myself on a landing. Straight ahead I discovered a lovely family bathroom whilst a door to my left led me into the master bedroom complete with a handy dressing room and en suite shower room. I also found another two bedrooms one of which boasts French doors out to an upper storey patio – oh my goodness, how torn I was – would I choose the bedroom with my very own dressing room (very useful for a fashion-conscious pug such as myself) or would I opt for my own personal patio where I would expect breakfast to be served every single day (well, except in winter!) – problems, problems!
As I contemplated this dilemma, I opened the French doors to survey the outside space. Yes I can confirm that the upper terrace really is an idyllic spot and it is actually quite large with plenty enough space to relax on a sun lounger on a sunny day. An attractive walkway leads down to the lower terraces which are paved (perfect for easy maintenance). I also learnt that 51-52 High Street has a handy outbuilding as well as off road parking for two vehicles – for a high street property that really is quite a coup.
As I reluctantly turned to leave this fabulous property I could not help but be rather dazzled by the opportunities that it could offer to its new owner – a beautiful home and the possibility for an exciting business all under one roof. If you are intrigued to see 51-52 High Street, Farndon please do not hesitate to give me or one of my team a call on 01244 322322 or email info@rickittpartnership.co.uk to arrange a viewing.
Until next time
Love Ralph X
