The Marble House Warwick | Warwickshire

Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1926 455950 The Marble House [email protected] Warwick | Warwickshire | CV34 4ED 158 Parade, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4AE

The Marble House Cover.indd 1-3 30/05/2019 10:40 JONATHAN HANDFORD FINE & COUNTRY MANAGING DIRECTOR Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies Fine & Country Leamington Spa specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury 07813 787474 residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, [email protected] Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure Jonathan is a well-established figure within the Fine & Country team and a great of the international marketplace with the local expertise role model for the brand. He is a passionate property expert with a wealth and knowledge of carefully selected independent property THE MARBLE HOUSE of success stories for helping people move and secure the best price for their professionals. home. He lives in Leamington Spa with his wife Laura and their son Elliot. Laura also works within the Fine & Country business and works closely with Jonathan Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties and his clients. In January 2019 his Leamington Spa team won two awards at the This imposing Grade II* listed family home, which boasts half an acre of land, occupies an enviable position require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent prestigious annual Fine & Country International Awards Ceremony at the QEII in in the centre of the beautiful town of Warwick. The property originally dates back to c1650, but in the past presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised Westminster London. The awards for Best Property Presentation and the highly few years it has been stylishly refurbished by the current owners. and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of coveted Best Overall Operator were presented by former England rugby player, Matt Dawson MBE. the property.

YOU CAN FOLLOW JONATHAN ON This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

“He is an incredibly experienced estate agent having worked within the industry We understand moving home is one of the most for over twenty years. Jonathan has stood on stage to collect the award for the important decisions you make; your home is both a best estate agent in the UK for sales, residential lettings, training & development and most importantly to him for customer service. I have no hesitation in financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country recommending Jonathan” David Lindley, CEO, Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.

The Marble House Cover.indd 4-6 30/05/2019 10:40 A magnificent and charming Jacobean Grade II* listed property situated in half an acre that is believed to have been built circa 1650. Steeped in history this iconic building is referenced several times in local historical manuscripts. We understand the house to have been built by Richard Yardley. It was constructed from Ashlar Sandstone sourced from a local quarry. The main elevation faces west and looks over Warwick Racecourse.

Francis Smith was a master builder and architect born in 1671 who died in 1737. Famous for rebuilding significant parts of Warwick after the great fire in September 1694 which decimated many of the town’s Tudor buildings. Francis was well known for his contribution to many of the local area’s significant buildings of interest and churches including Stoneleigh Abbey and Umberslade Hall to name a few. It is believed that his mason’s yard was situated within the land of The Marble House whilst it was owned by the Yardley family. It is referred to in his will as “my Marble Yard”. William Parkes, one of the early industrialists of Warwick inherited the property from his father. He sympathetically extended the house in 1812 in the same Ashlar Sandstone with the addition of two symmetrical wings with crenellated parapets.

The Marble House Pages.indd 1 30/05/2019 10:41 The Marble House Pages.indd 2 30/05/2019 10:41 The Marble House Pages.indd 3 30/05/2019 10:41 The current owners have undertaken an enormous renovation project converting the building from commercial premises back to as it was originally designed, a residential family home. It is rare to find a property of this age that has the benefit of being superbly adapted to accommodate modern living standards. The architect has achieved the impossible by retaining so much of the original charm of the building and its history whilst incorporating changes to the buildings flow and use of rooms. The result is a truly unique traditional building that has evolved seamlessly into a practical family home that is conducive to contemporary living.

In total there are three key reception rooms, six bedrooms four of which have private en-suites and three with walk-in dressing rooms. Within the main living quarters, there is a family room, dining room, breakfast kitchen, utility, study and cloakroom.

Within the grounds, there is a detached annexe/Lodge House that offers a range of versatile options. Currently used as garaging, gymnasium and leisure suite with living area and kitchen it could comfortably accommodate an extended family or be used to run a business.

Many of the original features of the building have been both preserved and featured in the design. Ensuring that the rich heritage has been maintained, the woodwork wherever possible has been restored to its former glory. Doors and visible beams have been blasted and stripped back. Fireplaces exposed and restored. The original oak floorboards have been restored in many of the key reception rooms and the entrance hallway.

Unusual for a house of this age, the property basks in natural light with many rooms benefiting from multiple windows looking out onto different aspects of the grounds. There are three separate glass roof lanterns and a well light to ensure that the building is bright and welcoming. The beautiful windows have been lovingly restored with secondary glazing incorporating 82 new panels supplied and fitted by Storm Glazing. The same company commissioned to maintain the portfolio of the National Trust. Many of the windows also feature custom designed shutters where restoration of the existing shutters was not possible.

As part of the renovation the current owners have integrated several changes including LED downlighting with dimmer switches, mains lamp lighting, Category 5 cabling, integrated sound system with Sonos and ceiling mounted speakers, a zoned alarm system, the en-suites all have underfloor heating and the building also benefits from a fully integrated sprinkler system. Outside the grounds and gardens have been designed and landscaped by Stratford-upon-Avon based Susanna Brown, a landscape, architect and garden designer.

The Marble House Pages.indd 4 30/05/2019 10:41 GROUND FLOOR The front porch is accessed through restored solid wooden double doors reclaimed from a London Bank. The porch has a decorative roof lantern and fabulous oak floorboards that are believed to have been part of the original construction of the house dating back nearly 400 years.

The front entrance hall has four separate staircases leading to the North Wing first floor, South Wing first floor the Main Building first floor and the rear ground floor.

The rear ground floor follows the contours of the grounds perfectly and matches the level of the sun terrace in the rear garden. From the rear hall, you can walk through what is now the rear entrance porch and into the private gardens to look back at the most aesthetically beautiful aspect of the house. When originally constructed this would have been regarded as the architectural front of the building.

This rear ground floor hosts the main living quarters including a drawing room, dining room, breakfast kitchen, study, utility with decorative ceiling lantern, pantry, filing room, cloakroom with decorative ceiling lantern and rear vestibule with light well. From the vestibule, there is a further staircase leading down to the cellar.

The breakfast kitchen was designed and built by Christopher Peters Kitchen & Interiors. It is a beautifully light and functional open plan breakfast kitchen with a significant island unit that acts as the heart of the home. With sash window overlooking the side elevation and a further window with French doors onto the rear garden sun terrace. There are an array of appliances including a range cooker, large refrigerator, undercounter freezer and two integrated dishwashers. There is ample storage with a range of decorative units. They incorporate drawer and shelving space with pull out larders, soft close drawers, cutlery drawers, waste disposal unit and feature mains connected lighting. The Caesarstone worksurfaces complement the double Belfast sink with mixer tap and boiling hot water tap and offer a dedicated chopping block. The floor is a Mandarin Stone limestone flooring with an electric underfloor heating system.

The drawing room has two full sized sash windows over looking the rear elevation with restored shutters and decorative matching panelling that has been added by the current owners. The room centres around two focal points, a feature fireplace with solid fuel burner plus a corbel wall feature. The corbel feature incorporates a raised television base with fitted furniture housing a media cupboard for the visual and audio communications with fitted shelving and storage space. The dining room has an original feature fireplace from the Ashlar Sandstone with a brick back and a tiled hearth. Both the drawing room and dining room have original oak floorboards.

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This imposing Grade II* listed family home, which boasts half an acre of land, occupies an enviable position in the centre of the beautiful town of Warwick. The property originally dates back to c1650, but in the past few years it has been stylishly refurbished by the current owners. “It was purely by accident that we came across this house,” says the owner. “We knew we wanted to live in Warwick, and we knew we wanted a large family home close to the centre of town so we could walk to the shops, the weekly market and the children could walk to school, but there was just nothing that fitted the bill. Then one day I accidentally did an Internet search for commercial properties and The Marble House popped up. It had been converted into offices and had been unoccupied for a couple of years so it was in a very sorry state, but both my husband and I knew that it had the potential to be transformed into a really stunning family home, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

“We wanted the house to be a modern home for modern living, but at the same time we wanted to preserve the character of this lovely old building, so inside the gorgeous period shell we’ve created what I’d consider to be the perfect family home.” The owners have installed technology such as under-floor heating, a Sonos sound system, Cat 5 cabling and a state of the art alarm; the kitchen and bathrooms have been stylishly remodelled and a pale, neutral colour palette has been used throughout the whole house, which beautifully enhances the overall feeling of light and space. The rooms all boast wonderful proportions, the layout flows beautifully and features such as exposed beams and fireplaces give a subtle nod to the history of the building. “I’d say that we’ve struck the perfect balance between old and new,” continues the owner. “We have all the mod cons one would expect in a house of this quality, the interior design, although modern, perfectly complements the gorgeous period features and the layout means that the house is wonderfully conducive to both family life and entertaining. I love everything about it.”

“The garden is another standout feature of the property and was expertly designed by Chelsea award-winning garden designer Susanna Brown. We have two large patios – one for dining and the other for relaxing – open lawns, pretty borders and to the front of the property we have ample parking for up to seventeen cars. We have one of the largest plots in town, and it’s a space that’s very peaceful and gives us a wonderful degree of privacy.”

“My favourite room is actually the master bedroom’s en-suite bathroom, which is absolutely huge and wonderfully luxurious,” says the owner. “It has double sinks, a large shower, a stunning free-standing bath and the room is so large that there’s even room for a lounger. It’s the room that everyone walks into and just says wow!”

“We have everything within within walking distance, however when we’re in the house or garden it’s so peaceful and private that it’s hard to believe we’re right in the centre of town, and that’s the real beauty of this location.”

“Within the grounds we also have a very large annex that extends to around 2000 square feet,” says the owner. “It currently houses our home gym and a games room, but the possibilities for its use are absolutely endless.”

“This is without doubt my dream home, but the children are flying the nest and so it’s simply too big for us now,” says the owner. “In terms of what I’ll miss, I’d have to say everything. It’s a real hidden gem.” *

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

The Marble House Pages.indd 8 30/05/2019 10:41 The Marble House Pages.indd 9 30/05/2019 10:41 The Marble House Pages.indd 10 30/05/2019 10:41 CELLAR North Wing Triple chamber cellar which incorporates a boiler room, wine cellar and Private landing with doors leading through to the second bedroom, en-suite storage room. and playroom.

FIRST FLOOR Second bedroom with sash windows overlooking the rear garden and Christopher South Wing Peters fitted furniture including wardrobes to one wall providing a range of hanging, Master bedroom with windows to the south and west elevation. Door leading shelving and drawer space. through to a stunning master bathroom fitted with five-piece en-suite including walk-in shower, elevated free-standing Victoria & Albert Barcelona bath. Cararra Four-piece bathroom en-suite with bath, shower, wash hand basin and low-level Marble vanity unit with double wash hand basin. Mirrors disguising hidden storage w.c. Natural stone tiles. Underfloor heating. Dual fuel continuous towel radiators. cupboards. Underfloor heating. Dual fuel continuous towel radiators. Feature decorative wall that exposes the original Ashlar Sandstone. Travertine floor tiles. Playroom that could easily be used as another bedroom. In its current form, it Accessed from the master bathroom is a walk-in dressing room designed by Stan creates a versatile space as a teenager’s suite and playroom with surround Matthews Design with fitted furniture that provides hanging, shelving and drawer sound speakers. space.

The Marble House Pages.indd 11 30/05/2019 10:41 Main Building The sixth bedroom is a double with windows to two The main building first floor incorporates a landing elevations over the rear and side of the property with space with doors leading through to third bedroom, a built-in wardrobe that hosts the boiler to this floor a study and a four-piece en-suite bathroom. which can be isolated from the rest of the house. Perfect for occasional guest quarters. The bathroom has a freestanding bath with mixer tap, separate shower cubicle, wash hand basin, low level FOURTH FLOOR w.c, bathroom cabinet. Underfloor heating and dual The very top floor which boasts the most exquisite fuel continuous towel radiators. views of the Warwickshire countryside is currently set up as two separate storerooms. If required, this could Walk-in dressing room accessed via glass sliding doors, incorporate bedroom accommodation. designed by Stan Matthews Design, providing hanging, shelving and drawer space with feature lighting. MARBLE LODGE ANNEXE The Lodge was built in approximately 1970. There SECOND FLOOR are four separate solar panels fitted that are owned In an identical layout to the floor below the main by the property, they generate an average income of building second floor incorporates a landing space £1,500 per year. with doors leading through to the fourth bedroom, study and a four-piece en-suite bathroom. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall with half turning staircase rising to the first-floor landing. The bathroom has a freestanding bath with mixer Doors leading through to double garage with 1½ tap, separate shower cubicle, wash hand basin, low sized up and over electronic remote-controlled door. level w.c, mirrors disguising hidden storage cupboard. Gymnasium with double doors opening into a large Underfloor heating and dual fuel continuous towel storage cupboard. Three-piece shower room and a radiators. separate two-piece cloakroom.

Walk-in dressing room accessed via glass sliding doors, On the first floor of the Lodge is currently a large designed by Stan Matthews Design, providing hanging, open plan living space with a kitchen. It could shelving and drawer space with feature lighting. comfortably be reconfigured to accommodate a living space with kitchen and three bedrooms if required. THIRD FLOOR There are multiple category 4 cable and power The third floor hosts a landing space and two further sockets throughout. bedrooms. The fifth bedroom is a twin with windows to two elevations over the rear and side of the property with built-in wardrobes providing hanging and shelving space.

The Marble House Pages.indd 12 30/05/2019 10:41 The Marble House Pages.indd 13 30/05/2019 10:41 OUTSIDE Accessed through electronic, intercom and remote-controlled gates there is a resin bonded gravel driveway that circumnavigates the side of the property leading to the garage on the ground floor of the Lodge. If parked tandem the driveway could provide parking for 17 or more vehicles. The bin store for four bins is next to the garage. To the front of the property there is also a lockable storage room with electric that could be used to power an electric vehicle.

The grounds have been professionally landscaped by Susanna Brown an exhibitor at both the Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Flower Show. The beautiful sun terrace soaks up the attractive south west aspect onto Warwick Race Course and Warwick Golf Course in the distance.

The outside of the building has a range of fixed and sensor- controlled lighting.

The Marble House Pages.indd 14 30/05/2019 10:41 The Marble House Pages.indd 15 30/05/2019 10:42 LOCATION

The town of Warwick and nearby Royal Leamington Spa offer an excellent array of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. State and private schooling is within walking distance, with Myton, Warwick Prep, Warwick School (boys) and Kings High (girls). Access to the Midlands motorway network is also within easy reach with nearby M40 (junction 12) and M42 with access to the M1, M6, Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham NEC. The rail link to Birmingham and London Marylebone is available within walking distance to Warwick station and from either Warwick Parkway or Leamington Spa station a short drive away.

The Marble House Pages.indd 16 30/05/2019 10:42 The Marble House Pages.indd 17 30/05/2019 10:42 Services We believe that all mains services to the property are connected including gas, electric, telephone, broadband, mains water and drainage.

Local Authority Warwick District Council

Viewing Arrangements Strictly via the vendor’s sole agents Fine & Country on 01926 455950.

Website For more information visit www.fineandcountry.com/ uk/Leamington-Spa

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm Saturday 9.00 am - 4.30 pm Sunday By appointment only

The Marble House Pages.indd 18 30/05/2019 10:42 EPC Exempt

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 30.05.2019

The Marble House Pages.indd 19 30/05/2019 10:42 The Marble House Pages.indd 20 30/05/2019 10:42 JONATHAN HANDFORD FINE & COUNTRY MANAGING DIRECTOR Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies Fine & Country Leamington Spa specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury 07813 787474 residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, [email protected] Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure Jonathan is a well-established figure within the Fine & Country team and a great of the international marketplace with the local expertise role model for the brand. He is a passionate property expert with a wealth and knowledge of carefully selected independent property THE MARBLE HOUSE of success stories for helping people move and secure the best price for their professionals. home. He lives in Leamington Spa with his wife Laura and their son Elliot. Laura also works within the Fine & Country business and works closely with Jonathan Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties and his clients. In January 2019 his Leamington Spa team won two awards at the This imposing Grade II* listed family home, which boasts half an acre of land, occupies an enviable position require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent prestigious annual Fine & Country International Awards Ceremony at the QEII in in the centre of the beautiful town of Warwick. The property originally dates back to c1650, but in the past presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised Westminster London. The awards for Best Property Presentation and the highly few years it has been stylishly refurbished by the current owners. and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of coveted Best Overall Operator were presented by former England rugby player, Matt Dawson MBE. the property.

The Marble House Cover.indd 4-6 30/05/2019 10:40 Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1926 455950 The Marble House [email protected] Warwick | Warwickshire | CV34 4ED 158 Parade, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4AE

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