Ayot St. Lawrence, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6

Lord Mead House is an exceptional property built in 1911 as the village school house. It has an idyllic location at the edge of Ayot St Lawrence adjoining open countryside with the historical heart of the village including the Brocket Arms public house and restaurant just a short stroll away. Records show that George Bernard Shaw donated a special type of glass to the school that would permit more light to pass through, counteracting the prevalence of rickets in the pupils. It is believed this glass is still present in the dining room sash panes at Lord Mead House. The school closed in the 1930s and the property converted solely to residential use.

The property has been extensively renovated by the current owners and offers fabulous proportions and accommodation throughout. The front door opens to an expansive reception hall with a log burner from which all the reception rooms and kitchen can be accessed. The dining room leads through to the sitting room via interconnecting double doors, both with stunning stone fireplaces.

The study benefits from ample built in bookcases and beautiful wood panelling. The kitchen/breakfast room makes both a wonderful entertaining and practical family space with access onto the sun terrace and alfresco dining area.

The first floor accommodation currently consists of four bedrooms, three of which are en-suite. The rear bedrooms are on different levels creating an individual sense of space and character. All the bedrooms enjoy spectacular views.

Ayot St Lawrence is a picturesque and historical village set in beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. It is noted for its ruined medieval church, the popular 16th century Brocket Arms public house and Shaws Corner, the former residence of George Bernard Shaw now owned by the National Trust. The delightful surrounding countryside can be easily accessed and enjoyed due to the extensive network of footpaths and bridleways in and around Ayot St Lawrence. The nearby villages of Old Welwyn and Wheathampstead lie within Conservation Areas and possess public houses/restaurants, an array of independent shops as well as small Tesco Express stores. Harpenden, just 6 miles away, is a desirable commuter town with excellent connections and a mainline station to London St Pancras. St Albans City is just 7.5 miles away.

Good sporting and leisure facilities nearby include a David Lloyd Club and several golf courses, including Brocket Hall which are all within 6 miles. The area is extremely well served by excellent state and independent schools. Schools in the vicinity include St Albans School, St Albans High School for Girls, Queenswood and Haileybury.

The gardens and grounds extend to approximately 1.1 acres divided by an ancient hedge into formal gardens of 0.6 acre and a paddock of 0.5 acre which is currently kept as a natural meadow. The garden is immaculately maintained and mainly laid to lawn with yew topiary, box hedging and mature shrubs. Lord Mead House is situated on one of the highest points in Hertfordshire and enjoys wonderful far-reaching views over the meadow to the open countryside beyond. There is an ornamental pond and a brick outbuilding which could be converted into a studio or office annexe subject to the necessary consents.

A wild flower meadow is situated at the rear of the garden. The lawns and borders benefit from an irrigation system. The house is situated behind double electric gates with a gravel drive and double garage offering ample parking. An immaculately presented one bedroom annexe sits over two levels to the rear of and over the double garage. There is an open plan kitchen/sitting room on the ground floor level and a bedroom and bathroom above. This can be accessed from the garden and is ideal accommodation for staff or guests.