The Lawns, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

This exceptional five-bedroom house in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire extends over 4,500 sq ft, arranged around central terraces to create an abundance of natural light in each of its spaces. Full-length glazing run along the exterior walls to meld indoor and outdoor living, while interiors are immaculately finished with clean lines and microcement flooring. A large lawn sits to the rear of the plan, bordered by laurel bushes and beech trees, while two decked terraced areas are perfect for entertaining. Hemel Hempstead rail station is an 18-minute walk away, and provides services to London in approximately half an hour.



The Tour



A sliding electric gate provides access to the house, which is set back from the road. Wrapped in PermaChar timber cladding and walls of glazing, the house’s geometric design cuts a striking figure on approach.



On entry, a light-filled hallway extends the length of the house, giving the first indication of the volume of the space. Here and throughout, interiors have been finished in a fresh, neutral palette, and low-level shadow gaps trace the walls. The house has microcement flooring with underfloor heating; Garofoli full-height doors effortlessly connect the spaces within.



A spectacular floating staircase with a glazed balustrade ascends to the first floor, where the main communal living spaces are found. At the front of the plan is a voluminous open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, where a series of full-height glazed panels extend the width of the room to capture leafy treetop views. Overhead, a butterfly roof creates a gently sloped effect.



A large island with integrated hob, bar seating and low-level spot lighting occupies a central position in the bespoke Veneta Cucine kitchen, while walls are lined with smart black units and Italian stone worktops. The kitchen is fitted with a Quooker tap and Miele appliances, and track lighting runs overhead here and in the dining area.



A sliding door set into wide glazed panels opens onto a large decked terrace. Across it is an expansive sitting room complete with a bar and bespoke storage by Pianca, its fully glazed exterior wall effortlessly melding indoor and outdoor living.



Two bright guest bedrooms are also found on this floor, each with en suite shower rooms. All of the bedrooms in the house have Pianca floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, while each bathroom is fitted with Lusso Stone products and has microcement walls.



A secondary staircase descends from the first floor landing to the ground floor, where the principal bedroom is positioned at the rear of the plan. Here, sliding glazed doors look out onto a decked courtyard, and a clever partition has a cut-out section to maximise natural light in the bathroom. The latter has a sliding pocket door, a bathtub and walk-in shower, while a horizontal alcove has been fitted into the space above the dual sinks.



An additional bedroom sits across the courtyard, and has an en suite with bathtub and separate shower. A further bedroom is found at the front of the plan, with attached shower room and dressing room.



To the rear of the ground floor plan is a spacious utility room with Siemens appliances, a guest WC and a storeroom. A Lutron lighting system is installed across the main living areas and external zones.



At the front of the house there is a detached garage, while the large driveway offers additional parking space.



Outdoor Space



A lawned area with a smart concrete path is positioned to the side of the house, its gentle slope culminating in a flat lawn at the rear of the plan. The area is bordered by laurel bushes, and provides leafy treetop views from its elevated position.



Two decked terraces form focal points around which the rest of the house is arranged. Both are laid with eco composite Millboard decking, and have outdoor taps, power sockets and external lighting. Due to its proximity to the kitchen, the upper terrace is particularly suitable for outdoor dining and entertaining.



The Area



The Lawns is set back from the road on Box Lane, a quiet country road surrounded by lush greenery. Nature is easily accessible from the house, and favourite local walking spots including Westbrook Hay nature reserve and the Box Moor Trust Old Barn. The Chiltern Hills AONB is a short drive away, and has a wonderful variety of woodlands, lush meadows and chalk downlands to explore.



There are a number of excellent dining options nearby, including The Fishery Inn, located by the waterside in Hemel Hempstead. Zaru café is an excellent choice for brunch, while The Bell Inn at Bovingdon is known for its delicious home-cooked meals.



Hemel Hempstead has sporting clubs for cricket, golf, rugby and football enthusiasts, and its leisure centre has 25m indoor and outdoor pools, squash courts and sports halls.



St Albans is a 20-minute drive away, and is home to Michelin guide-recommended Thompson, as well as a selection of shops and independent cafes, bars and restaurants.



Well-regarded schools in the area include Westbrook Hay, Lockers Park, Berkhamsted and Abbotts Hill, as well as Beechwood Park and St Albans.



Hemel Hempstead rail station is an 18-minute walk away, with direct services to London Euston in 28 minutes. The A41 provides quick links to the M1 and M25 and Luton, Heathrow, and Stansted airports are all within an hour’s journey.



Council Tax Band: H