Pretty waterside house outside Cambridge

A characterful waterside house in Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire is new to the market

Kings Mill Lane is cul-de-sac in the village of Great Shelford which ends at a weir with the five-storey mill on one side and Willow End on the other.

This property is a charming, characterful house, which has been gradually extended over the years to form three distinct wings housing five bedrooms, an impressive vaulted reception, dining hall, a minstrels gallery, drawing room, conservatory and a wonderful breakfast kitchen. There are many period details remaining in the house, including some fine open fireplaces in the reception rooms.

The first two wings comprise the main accommodation: on entry, the side hall leads to the vaulted double reception room, which serves as both dining hall and sitting room. The kitchen and conservatory are joined and overlook the gardens; a staircase leads to the minstrel's gallery and a guest bedroom beyond.

To the left of the entrance in the ‘modern wing’ are the shower room, cloaks, butler's pantry and a side door. At the far end, stairs lead to the large master suite, and another door leads to the drawing room, with its wonderful triple aspect and French door to the garden. This wing offers the best views of the river, especially the ‘yellow room’ which overlooks over the weir, the patio and river, and the rose-framed garden.

The ‘thatched end’ wing of the house has three bedrooms and its own entrance, making it an ideal place to put young people.

The children’s classic Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce was set in King’s Mill House: Philippa was the daughter of the last manager of the working mill in the 1950s.

The gardens come to around 1/3 of an acre and are largely informal but extremely pretty and the water makes a relaxing backdrop for anyone spending time outside the house. Brown trout used to abound in these waters, and kingfishers, herons, swans, ducks and pheasants are still frequent visitors to the garden and the bordering fields – as well as the occasional otter.

Located just four miles south of Cambridge this is quite a special property. Great Shelford is a much-sought-after location in the county thanks to its location and period character.

The current owner comments: ‘Canoing down to Grantchester is a challenge, mainly because the river is simply not deep enough in parts to paddle, but a hot day entices you to walk in the river, maybe with a small child on your shoulders.’

The right buyer would be looking for plenty of space for a family and guests to spread out, but lots of period charm and an easily manageable house.

£1.4m. Savills (01223 784765; http://countrylife.onthemarket.com)