High Street, Stotfold, Hitchin, SG5 4LD

Black Lion House.

The Property

The Black Lion was Stotfold’s first ever pub. It saw pints poured and punters served for over 200 years, before conversion into a family home in 1994. The original part of the building dates back to at least 1776, the ‘new’ part was added in 1907, and the property, now named Black Lion House, has seen refurbishment over recent years.

If you weren’t already aware the property was a pub in the past, it’ll be obvious as soon as you step inside. Turn to the right and you’ll see a built-in bar, and to the left is a hatch down to the cellar, where beer barrels were once stored. This underground space is very handy for storage, and more accessible than a loft. 

The room you first come into is flexible. The current owners have retained a tavern feel with the bar one side and a pool table the other, but you could have snug areas instead. The space is cosy from low ceilings and a log burner, and has lots of character from exposed beams and brickwork. Off this area is an inner hallway to the utility room, followed by a cloakroom with a Thomas Crapper suite.

Coming into the main living space, the ceilings are higher and the ambience brighter. The larger of the two reception rooms is particularly large, with ample capacity for big, comfy sofas to snuggle up on, as well as room for a play area, reading corner or workspace. The second reception room is another example of the accommodation’s versatility. The current owners have this as a dedicated playroom for their little one, but it’s been an office before, and presents opportunity for many other uses. Both reception rooms have wood flooring and a stone fireplace.

Across the back of the house is the open-plan kitchen/dining space, added just a couple of years ago. This extension relocated the kitchen and dining room from the entrance of the house, making the layout of the home better suited to modern life, and giving access out onto the garden. This area has underfloor heating for chilly days, and the roof lantern, bi-folds and double doors let in lots of sunshine.

The kitchen is especially impressive, with a light, white aesthetic. There’s a wide range of cabinetry, plenty of surfacing, as well as a huge island. The island has bar seating, an integrated dishwasher, and a Belfast sink with a Quooker boiling water tap. Gaps are available for a range oven and an American-style fridge/freezer, and there’s also a fitted dresser in the dining area with a gap for a wine fridge.

The upstairs accommodation is split into two levels, with three bedrooms and the four-piece family bathroom on the upper level, and the primary suite on the lower. The primary suite is secluded, offering privacy for parents. It has a fully fitted dressing room, and a hotel-spec en suite with dual sinks and a walk-in shower.

The Plot

Black Lion House sits on a corner plot, with a generous garden to the rear, and parking for three cars at the front. There’s an EV charger by the front door, and a tap down the side of the house to wash cars at the weekend.

The garden is perfect for a busy family who want good-sized outdoor space without the upkeep. There’s practically zero maintenance as it’s laid to patio and artificial lawn, yet it’s still a great size for children and dogs to run around in. The patio provides ample options for seating, as well as space for a shed if extra storage is needed.

The detached studio was installed at the side of the house in 2021. This is a really versatile addition, currently used as an office/gym for working and working out. Being separate from the main house, it would work well as business premises for those who see clients from home. There’s heating in here for comfort, and a skylight and a window for natural light.

The Position

The property is located along the High Street, in the heart of Stotfold. The town offers all sorts of amenities, from schools and pet services, to barbers and a bowls club, to a pharmacy and 3G football pitches. You’ll have all the essentials and more on your doorstep.

Stotfold is a popular spot for commuters as there’s a mainline station in three nearby towns: Arlesey, Letchworth and Hitchin. It’s also just to the east of the A1 so local and national travel by car is really convenient.

As well as connection, Stotfold offers countryside surroundings. There are fields and farms in all directions, and the River Ivel runs to the west of the town. Fresh air and the great outdoors are never far from home here at Black Lion House.