Ralph reviews a period property in Holt
It is a time of year that I love – crisp autumn walks, cosy nights in, collecting conkers and, of course, pumpkin carving. In the build up to last week’s Halloween festivities, I could be found in a state of frenzied anticipation for the big night of trick or treating. Most of the week was spent trying on a range of costumes before I settled on a Count Dracula or, as I decided to rename it, Pug Dogula outfit. Bedecked in my cape I set off round the local neighbourhood in my quest for goodies. A couple of hours later I arrived home to sort through my stash and was very pleased to discover 3 sausages, a sliver of bacon, 4 bonios, some doggy peanut butter and a packet of venision treats – not bad for an evening’s work!
The week continued in an equally positive vein as the very next day I was dispatched to the lovely village of Holt to review a truly unique character property, The Academy. Whilst doing my homework on the property (no pun intended) I discovered that it was part of an old school. And not just any school but one in which it was believed HG Wells taught. Wow, I thought to myself, I would be following in the paws of the father of science fiction himself!
With thoughts of invisible men and their faithful invisible pugs at their side, I ambled through the heart of the village before coming to a halt (again no pun intended!) outside The Academy – I looked up at a charming property with painted black and white brickwork and a façade of pleasing symmetry which appealed to my sense of order!
I trotted up to the front door and stepped over the threshold into a spacious entrance hall. Taking a door to my right I found myself in a drawing room full of beautiful period features. Wandering over to the fireplace, I peered closely at it and nodded approvingly – the tiling and marble surround were original, whilst the floor to nearly ceiling bay window was a sight to behold, not to mention it being a fantastic vantage point from which to watch the comings and goings of village life.
Wrenching my gaze away from the window where I was momentarily mesmerised by a gentleman walking past eating a rather delicious looking sandwich, I turned tail and sauntered through the room towards a set of glazed doors which led into the dining room. Full of light and warmth, this was an equally charming room. I especially loved the double French doors which opened onto a patio overlooking the garden.
In my excitement to discover the further delights The Academy was set to offer, I barely paused for breath before taking a door to one side of the dining room. I found myself back in the entrance hall where I popped my head into a very handy utility room then, with a purposeful step, I made my way to the kitchen. I found myself standing in a lovely space which seemed to channel old style charm in every detail – from the country style units to the range cooker to the tiled floor which offered more than a nod to the property’s Victorian roots. Heading to the back of the kitchen, I was delighted to see why the room appeared so light and airy – double glazed doors opened into a garden room which in turn opened onto the garden – what a lovely space in which to socialise with friends and family.
Continuing my journey through this rather wonderful property, I was thrilled to find yet another reception room at the front of the house – the sitting room was warm and welcoming and, with another floor to near ceiling bay window, was equally as impressive as the drawing room. Wow, I thought to myself, this really is an exceptional home which simply abounds with period features.
Feeling buoyant, enthusiastic and possibly a little fanciful, I headed back to the entrance hall and up the stairs to the first floor, imagining the echo of HG Well’s footsteps on these very steps. As I got to the landing I gave a little shudder of excitement, just imagine living in a house with so much history – what a thrill that would be. Anyway, putting thoughts of past literary masters to one side I focused on the task in hand and set off to explore the upper floor of The Academy. Making my way around I found four good sized bedrooms, all resplendent with old world charm – I was especially smitten with the period style windows which were set low to the floor. It was such a treat for a vertically challenged little dog to be able to sit by them and see things from a different vantage point – it is quite a novelty for me to look down on the world you know! In addition to the bedrooms, I was thrilled to discover a study, a family bathroom and a shower – what a spacious home.
All that remained was to explore the outside space and so I reluctantly cast a last glance around the inviting bedrooms before trotting back downstairs with a purposeful wag of my curly tail. The main garden was at the rear of the house so that is where I headed. Once outside I perambulated the border (as every self-respecting dog would) and I was pleased to find that it was fully enclosed, secure and pleasingly private despite having neighbours on both sides – best of both worlds I thought to myself. Most of the garden was lawned and definitely large enough to have a good game of chase the ball, there were plenty of well-stocked borders offering an array of irresistible (to a dog at least!) aromas, a patio for a nice bit of outdoor dining and a single garage – not bad for a property set right in the heart of the village!
As I cast a last look at The Academy, I considered what a truly special property it is – utterly unique in its history, its character, its position in the village and its space and convenience for family living – in short a property that has it all. If you would like to visit The Academy, then please do not hesitate to contact myself or one of my team to arrange a viewing on 01244 322 322 or info@rickittpartnership.co.uk
Until next time
Love Ralph X
