Bulbourne Yard , Tring, HP23 5FU

This exceptional home occupies a compelling position, directly on the edge of the Grand Union Canal. Part of a Victorian industrial complex originally dedicated to the manufacture of lock gates, it sits within Bulbourne Yard: a characterful collection of historic buildings attributed to Hubert Thomas (1839–1916). An ensemble which elegantly recalls a time when utility and beauty were not in opposition, but instead deeply entwined; when even the most functional structures bore the imprint of thoughtful design and lasting craftsmanship.

In 2022, Bulbourne Yard was sensitively reimagined, giving rise to a series of individual homes that honour the site’s history while responding to the needs of modern life. This particular house is one of the most architecturally resonant of them all, its industrial character preserved and celebrated through refined detailing and a clear respect for material continuity.

Arranged across two floors, the interior is bathed in natural light, with a restrained palette that enhances the texture and weight of the original structure. Thick brick walls, arched multi-pane windows and exposed Victorian trusses speak clearly of the building’s origins, yet are met with quiet, contemporary insertions that enhance rather than compete with the original architecture.

The principal living space occupies the ground floor - a striking, double-height volume crowned by a 20ft vaulted ceiling. Original timber trusses span the width overhead, while four windows - two framing views of the canal - draw light deep into the room. A window seat, inset within one of the canal-facing apertures, adds a moment of gentle pause. Though open-plan, the space is subtly zoned into sitting, dining and kitchen areas. The kitchen, understated yet quietly indulgent, pairs Shaker-style cabinetry with stone worktops and integrated appliances, allowing the architecture to remain at the forefront.

A few steps lead to the upper ground floor, where there are two generously sized bedrooms. One features a sleek en suite shower room; the other has bespoke fitted wardrobes. A connecting door allows for flexible use, perhaps as a dressing room, study, or semi-private guest suite. A beautifully appointed family bathroom completes this level.

At the top of the house, tucked beneath the eaves, is a third bedroom. Four skylights punctuate the space, filling it with shifting light throughout the day.

Outside, a paved courtyard garden offers a gorgeous setting for coffee or conversation, taking in those fabulous waterside views. There is also off-street parking.

Ultimately, what endures here is the clarity of vision. This is a home where story and structure are in continuous dialogue; where the resonance of 19th century industry has not been erased but reinterpreted, forming the perfect canvas for 21st century living.