Location

Princes Risborough 3 miles (rail service to London Marylebone from 38 mins), High Wycombe 11 miles, Junction 4 of M40 12 miles, Heathrow 35 miles, Oxford 23 miles, central London (Baker Street) 44 miles. Distances are approximate.

The market town of Princes Risborough about 3 miles away, provides a selection of everyday shopping facilities, churches, restaurants and a library in addition to a fast Chiltern Line railway connection with London Marylebone and Birmingham More comprehensive facilities can be found in the popular towns of Aylesbury and High Wycombe. Orchard View farm shop just a mile away in the neighbouring hamlet of Little Meadle has a café, shop and butchery.

The local Kimblewick point-to-point, about a mile and a half away has been held annually since 1948 and attracts riders and horses from across the country. It is a popular event in the point-to-point racing calendar and is well-known for its challenging course. It is a firm yearly favourite amongst racing fans and equestrian people alike.

The area has a number of golf clubs to choose from including the highly regarded eighteen hole Ellesborough Golf Club that is close by, whilst Princes Risborough boasts its own tennis club.

The house is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which consequently boasts beautiful walks, cycle paths and extensive bridleways. In particular the Ridgeway, Midshires Way and Buckinghamshire Way provide opportunities for a number of historic and picturesque walks and riding

Buckinghamshire is renowned for its choice and standard of schooling, both state and private, as the county is one of the last to maintain the traditional grammar school system. Well known grammar schools for boys include the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe and Aylesbury Grammar School and for girls, Wycombe High School and Aylesbury High School. Independent schools include The Griffin, The Beacon, The Gateway, Pipers Corner, Godstowe Preparatory and Wycombe Abbey.

Description

Bank Farm occupies a beautiful semi-rural setting in the peaceful hamlet of Meadle on a no through road, backing on to farmland and surrounded by countryside. Thought to date back to about 1700, this beautiful Grade II* listed property was originally three brick and flint cottages. Of particular note is the medieval Great Hall which originally formed part of Askett Manor, and was removed from its original site and reconstructed on the west wing of the property. A further two storey addition was sympathetically added in the 1960s incorporating re-used timbers and a particularly fine front door from Elmley Castle in Worcestershire. Bank Farm and the charming, self-contained annexe offers excellent characterful and versatile accommodation of about 3,725 sq ft set in just over an acre of grounds.

The accommodation is arranged over two floors and oozes period details throughout including original Crittall lead frame windows, exposed beams, stained glass, latch key doors, period fireplaces and quarry flooring. On the ground floor the front door opens into the reception hall leading through to a large laundry room and guest cloakroom. The reception space comprises a sitting room and separate snug, both heavily beamed with fireplaces and a boot room/rear entrance with stairs to the first floor and access to the outside courtyard. Just off the sitting room is an office. The kitchen/breakfast/family room is superbly located in the vaulted Great Hall creating a welcoming and generous sense of space and volume. Arranged in a versatile open layout, there is plenty of room to cook, dine and relax with a door opening on to the courtyard. The kitchen sits at the rear cleverly constructed with re-claimed materials, granite worktops and integrated appliances.

On the first floor are four bedrooms, full of charm and period details, all with built-in storage and can be accessed via two staircases. The principal bedroom enjoys a touch of luxury with a freestanding bath and an en suite shower room, shared with the adjacent bedroom.

The house is approached over a long gravelled driveway with the property centrally located in its plot, with gardens wrapping around on all sides with attractive granite edged gravel pathways. To the front are two large lawned areas, interspersed with a variety of mature trees and a natural pond. The remainder of the garden to the rear comprises a significant area of lawn, currently incorporating a small paddock area, alongside a kitchen garden area with raised vegetable planters. A pretty walled courtyard sits outside the Great Hall, providing a perfect outside dining and entertaining space, perfect for family and friends.

Annexe
Converted from a derelict barn and garage in 2013 and retaining much of the original oak timber, the annexe offers a further two/three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large living space with a stylish fully fitted kitchen. It has been used as au pair accommodation, for office use, a party space and guest bedrooms, and also as a popular Airbnb destination. It has vaulted ceilings and stone floors with underfloor heating throughout. The shape of the annexe frames the private courtyard beautifully, a sun trap all day for entertaining and al fresco dining at the large 10-seater table.