Clerkenwell Close, London, EC1R

The most charming Grade II listed double fronted freehold house. This elegant Grade II listed house is believed to be built on the former site of the gatehouse of the medieval nunnery of St Mary, which was founded in the mid 1100’s by Jordan de Bricet who at the time was Lord of the Clerkenwell Manor. In fact, there are medieval stone fragments in the basement of the house, believed to relate to the gatehouse of St Mary’s nunnery. The presence of the Nunnery in Clerkenwell brought much wealth to the area with many knights and courtiers choosing to make Clerkenwell their home with large mansions built on Clerkenwell Close in the 16th and 17th Centuries. The house backs onto St James’s Gardens with the top floor having wonderful views over the lawns. The gardens in their present form were laid out as public gardens in 1890, designed by William Iron who was the Surveyor for the Vestry and now provide an enjoyable and peaceful open space in Central Clerkenwell. The gardens have notable London plane trees which are over 100 years old and are mainly enclosed by the 19th century railings and piers. This exquisite double fronted freehold house is one of the most unique residential homes to come onto the Clerkenwell market in the last 30 years. For most of its history it was in use by small businesses, whilst in the 1840’s it was home to a watch dial painter. Built in 1792, it is typically Georgian with elegant symmetry, classical designs, and a revival of renaissance architecture. Sash windows, well-proportioned rooms and elegant period features are in abundance with the house retaining some of the most delightful original fireplaces. The accommodation is extremely comfortable but very versatile with a formal drawing room, kitchen/breakfast room and a reception room with impressive atrium glass roof. On the upper floors there are three generous double bedroom and large bathroom, whilst on the lower floor there is a double bedroom which would make a wonderful study, cellar and utility/guest cloakroom. Clerkenwell Close runs off Clerkenwell Green and located in the Clerkenwell Green conservation area marking the neighbourhood of historic and architectural interest. Farringdon underground and main line station is a short stroll away with access to the Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith and City lines, National rail and the recently opened Elizabeth Line. In fact, it is one of the only stations in London that offers north-south as well as east – west connections, making the city, Canary Wharf and London's west end easily accessible, not to mention easy access to Kings Cross St Pancras with its Eurostar terminus. A very rare opportunity to buy an important piece of Clerkenwell history.