If you’ve ever wondered who the music-hall song The man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo is about, look no further.
A confidence trickster named Charles Wells is the popular contender—he won 1.5 million francs at the Monte Carlo casino, but before that, he was born at Georgian Walton House in the lovely town of Broxbourne, beside the River Lea, which is 17 miles north of London.
Currently on the market via Hamptons and Kirby Colletti for offers over £1.75 million, Walton House offers just under 4000sq ft of sumptuous interiors, peppered with intricate period details which range from the early 1800's to the late Victorian era.
Set out over four floors, the lower ground floor houses the sitting room and laundry room, as well as workshop and store room.
The kitchen, a 'morning room', lounge, dining room and large conservatory assume their position on the ground floor, with access from the conservatory leading out to the garden beyond.
Three of the five bedrooms can be found on the first floor, including the large master room with its show-stealing bay windows, whilst the remaining two bedrooms are located on the second floor. There are also several Juliet balconies.
Its manicured garden contains fruit trees, a summerhouse and fishpond.
Walton House is currently on the market via Hamptons and Kirby Colletti for offers over £1.75 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Broxbourne: What you need to know
Location: In Hertfordshire, just over 17 miles north of central London. The nearest station is located within Broxbourne which links to London Liverpool Street. Other stations in the area are Rye House and Cheshunt which has overground and national rail services.
Atmosphere: The town is a popular destination for those wishing to make the grand exit from the big city, yet still be within striking distance for work and entertainment. There are a number of supermarkets plus several independent shops within the town.
Things to do: There are several golf clubs within the area, including The Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club, Nazeing Golf Club and Cheshunt Park Golf Centre. Keen anglers can head just down the road to Kings Weir whilst central London is easily reached for theatres, art galleries, shops and restaurants.
Schools: Broxbourne C of E Primary School is rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted, and Wormley C of E Primary School and The Broxbourne School are both rated 'good'.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
How many puppies in the average litter? Country Life Quiz of the DayPlus a 1960s house, Hollywood's most famous cavewoman and more in Friday's quiz.
-
Love, sex and death: Our near-universal obsession with the roseNo flower is more entwined with myth, religion, politics and the human form than the humble rose — and now there's a new coffee table book celebrating them in all of their glory.
-
The sounds of spring and stained glass in an Arts-and-Crafts masterpiece in DorsetWith 35 acres, more than 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and tennis court, Winterfield has it all.
-
An eight-bedroom wonder in East Sussex where the outdoors are an adventureThe interiors of Old Middleton are pretty good too.
-
A lakeside farmhouse on the market in the beautiful heart of PembrokeshireA lake, streams, 15 acres and five bedrooms. Rogershook might have it all.
-
An idyllic countryside home that's light, spacious and comes with a Grade II-listed follyHagg House is a gorgeous family home that just happens to have a miniature castle in the gardens. Annabel Dixon explains more.
-
A historic villa for sale on the Via Nomentana worthy of Rome's rich historyThree floors, lots of balconies, and a private garden in one of Rome's loveliest neighbourhoods.
-
Eight bedrooms of unlisted Edwardian elegance with sweeping views of SomersetAshton House sits near the market town of Chard and comes with a wealth of amenities both inside and out.
-
A waterside cottage in Devon with a private quay, idyllic views and the prettiest summerhouse we've seen in yearsRight beside the picturesque Yealm Estuary, No 1 Noss Mayo is an idyllic home that feels like an escape from the world. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
This elegant Greek villa offers would-be buyers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in the shadow of the AcropolisAthenian Legacy consists of two houses in walking —and almost touching — distance of one of the world’s most famous and precious landmarks.
