High Road, Chipstead, Surrey

Russian Cottage is a very unique home located off a quiet private track. You enter via electric gates on to a large cobblestone driveway, providing parking for numerous cars. The double garage, car port, walkway and other outbuildings have created a natural courtyard that is also enveloped by a dozen mature trees.

Your eyes are immediately drawn to the striking exterior of the Russian Cottage part of the house. This log cabin building was imported from Russia by the Cattley family in 1869 and is thought to be the only original Russian cottage in the country. It was once thought that a member of the Romanov Russian royal family lived here, but that seems to now be folklore.

During the early 20th century, the Garle family developed the house around this cottage and created most of the other properties in the immediate vicinity in a unique style. This vicinity is known locally as Russian Valley and is now within a conservation area.

Upon entering the cottage, the large flagstone floors lead past a couple of cloakrooms into a delightful country style solid oak kitchen/dining room with granite work surface, a large Aga and large pantry. The kitchen and hallway contain 3 large oak arched windows with metal bars. These windows were originally in Newgate Prison in the city of London so could easily be up to 500 years old. The prison was demolished in 1904 and these windows were reclaimed before being fitted as part of the ground floor extension in 1973. 2 stable doors lead you out to the rear patio and courtyard, there is also a w.c and study.

The other direction from the front door leads you into a formal dining area with french doors on to the rear patio and eventually into the stunning lounge area which is within the original log cabin. Solid elm floors throughout this part of the house have recently been restored and the log walls on the inside of the lounge provide a unique charm. In addition, the wood log burner built around the stone fireplace add to the appeal of this space. All the wooden windows in this part of the house were replaced 12 years ago.

A wrought iron staircase rising to the first floor takes you to the delightful log cabin bedroom with fitted wardrobes and ensuite, a small landing, another bedroom and a large family bathroom with a copper bath. This then leads into a very large bedroom that links into the rear staircase. This bedroom has large stunning oak windows and built in wardrobes. To the other side of the small landing is the master bedroom which has built in wardrobes, a vast vaulted ceiling, the most dramatic, exposed steel beams and a superb ensuite.

The house is in the middle of a half acre plot. The rear garden was completely remodelled 12 years ago with a stunning pergola containing a pizza oven and outdoor kitchen. The large rear patio provides plenty of entertainment space and then round the corner is a large decked area with a half sunken 7 person self cleaning hot tub.

The rest of the rear garden is about 1/3rd laid to lawn with very mature trees, large shrubs and various heights of statuesque yew bushes, enormous ferns, flower beds and a 110ft long pump operated stream running down to a large pond. At the top of the stream is a secluded seating area.

The garden really comes into its own in the evening as most of the trees and shrubs are illuminated and LED lighting envelops the entire patio and pergola.
There is a Lutron mood sensitive lighting system throughout the house, air conditioning in the master bedroom, extensive DS Cam security system and the cabling and facilities for a top of the range home automation system to control lighting, heating, TV, audio and gates etc.

Chipstead is a rural jewel, yet located within the M25! A historic village, lying on the edge of The North Downs Way, c. 15 miles from Central London and perfectly situated for access to the M25 & M23 / Gatwick Airport (Gatwick c.25 mins drive). Chipstead Station offers direct train services to London Bridge and Victoria (c.50 mins).

Whilst being a commuter's dream, Chipstead is tranquil & friendly with beautiful green/rural surroundings. Locally there is an excellent choice of Independant schools and Outstanding/Good Ofstead rated state schools and numerous sports clubs (Chipstead Rugby, Cricket & Football Clubs), a tennis club, bowls, theatre and the renowned
Chipstead Golf Club.

There are also several stables nearby and famous scenic walks (area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Two gastro pubs are within walking distance: The White Hart & The Ramblers Rest. Chipstead's parade of shops leading to the station includes, a post office, convenience store, butchers, wine merchant, dry cleaners, Indian restaurant and beauty salon. Banstead is a brief drive with a High Street of Shops, including Waitrose, M&S, Boots, various banks and a number of excellent restaurants. Kingswood & Epsom are c. 2.5 miles away.