The Street, Compton, Guildford, Surrey, GU3

Designed by the renowned London architect Walter Sarel in an Arts and Crafts style heavily influenced by the Surrey Vernacular, The Old Rectory was originally built for the rector of St. Nicholas Church in Compton. Completed in 1915, today its immense three storey layout is Grade II listed and nestles within circa 0.5-acre grounds that include capacious south facing gardens and detached garaging. With statuesque chimney stacks, timber framed leaded windows, crow-step gables and hung tiles, the breathtaking architecture of its refined facade instantly prompts an endearing introduction, while inside a treasure trove of original detailing and craftsmanship features throughout a voluminous layout of 4,027 sq. ft. Chain free, this slice of architectural history is ready to be refreshed and remodelled into an exceptional residence. Conjuring the character and essence of a bygone era, the bounty of original features begins in a central entrance hall where a terracotta tiled floor runs underfoot and the rich timber tones of beams and latch doors flow around you. A magnificent stairwell gently rises to the upper storeys while the considerable dimensions unfold onto a trio of double aspect reception rooms that capture the attention and spark the imagination in equal measure. Bathed in sunlight from south facing bay windows the sitting and family rooms stretch out to the rear perfectly placed to look out over the greenery of the gardens. Opening out onto a covered seating area from the charm of an enclosed split stable-style door, a prodigious sitting room has the immense focal point of an inglenook fireplace set beneath the elegant simplicity of a sweeping stone arch. Thought to have once been the rector�s study with its own side entrance and large hallway for visiting parishioners to sit and wait, the adjacent family room has fitted window seats, feature cabinetry and a wonderful fireplace of its own. Across the entrance hall the dining room could be an impressive place to entertain or celebrate key moments in life, with its easy access to the gardens making it irresistibly tempting to enjoy al fresco aperitifs. Versatile to your needs an additional study is fitted with the rich timber tones of solid wood cabinetry. Adding to the possibilities, a more than generous country kitchen/breakfast with integrated appliances, a deep walk-in pantry and separate utility room can be updated and tailored to perfectly suit your needs. The detailing on its expanse of leaded windows adds graceful character, while the utility room has the convenience of its own driveway entrance. The picture-perfect latch wood doors, beams and fireplaces are echoed upstairs peppering a selection of eight large double bedrooms that include one with an in-room shower cubicle. The aesthetically pleasing design of the turning staircase entices you up to the exceptional galleried landing of the first floor where five light filled bedrooms each have recessed storage. A duo of bath/shower rooms and a cloakroom are ready to be revamped into luxurious spaces that cater for modern day family life. Adding a sense of mystery, one has a hidden secret staircase that takes you up to a top floor that proffers a host of options with a layout that has a trio of bedrooms, enchanting pointed solid wood doorways and recessed windows. Outside The beautiful architecture of the Old Rectory�s rich red brick facade produces an exquisite example of the Arts and Crafts movement. The subtle patterning of its hung tiles, the statuesque forms of its chimney stacks and the detailing of its leaded windows all display reverence for the craftsmanship, natural materials and asymmetrical design synonymous with this popular era of architecture. A substantial walled gravel driveway sweeps up to the property combining with a detached garage to supply a noted degree of private off-road parking, while the circa 0.5acre plot generates a huge amount of potential to enhance and extend the already extensive layout further still (STNC).