Location

32 Cross Hayes is in the centre of Malmesbury where there is an excellent range shops and facilities, as well as a number of pubs and restaurants. Located at the southern edge of the Cotswolds, this historic hill top town is famous for its medieval abbey and is surrounded by the River Avon with public riverside meadows, ideal for nature walks.

Other local centres include Tetbury, Cirencester and Chippenham whilst more specialist shops and cultural activities can be found in Bath and Bristol.

The area is reputed for its choice of well-regarded private schools including Westonbirt , Beaudesert Park, St Mary's Calne, Marlborough College and those in Bath and Cheltenham. The house falls within the catchment area of the excellent state grammar schools in nearby Stroud and the town also benefits from the highly rated primary and secondary Malmesbury Schools.

Recreational and sporting facilities in the area include Racing at Cheltenham and Bath; Polo at Westonbirt and Cirencester Park; Eventing at Badminton and Gatcombe; Golf at Castle Combe, Chippenham and Cirencester and Water Sports at The Cotswold Water Park. In addition, nearby places of interest include Westonburt Arboretum, the National Trust properties at Lacock, Dyrham Park & Newark Park, and Bowood House.

The property is well placed for the commuter, being easily accessible to both Junctions 16 & 17 of the M4 which provides fast access to the East and West. There are regular main line train services from Kemble, Chippenham and Swindon to London Paddington taking just over one hour.

Description

Sitting magnificently on the corner of the former market square, the Grade II* Listed 32 Cross Hayes is one of Malmesbury's finest Georgian town houses. Located in the centre of the town on the south side of Cross Hayes, the house also benefits from a large triple garage and fantastic secluded walled gardens running the entire length of the adjacent terrace of houses.

Understood to have been built in the early to mid-18th Century the house is steeped in history. Once associated with the local Duck and Reed Brewery, there are nods to its past throughout the house from its hidden well, to its dumbwaiter running from the cellar up to the first floor bedroom and the pavement trap doors with barrel chutes down into the cellar.

With its symmetrical parapeted façade and sash windows the house gives off a sense of grandeur and opulence, which due to the sheer scale of the rooms rings true inside, however there is a warmth (in every sense) running through the house that has been created by the current owners over the years, both from beautiful interior design as well as clever development choices. Of particular note is the Glass Atrium connecting the Kitchen and Snug to the main Sitting Room at the rear, formerly part of a large garage.

The current owners bought 32 Cross Hayes over 30 years ago and during their time have undertaken extensive refurbishment and alterations to restore and retain its period features while creating a contemporary feel throughout. One particular feature is the unusual staircase, with mid- 18th Century Chinese Chippendale-style fret balusters and carved brackets, which has earnt the house its * listing.

On entering the house through the double doors of the main entrance into the Hall, you are immediately struck by the wonderful sweeping staircase and impressive ceiling height that continues throughout the ground floor entertaining rooms. The two front rooms, Study and formal Dining Room, are equal sizes, with working fireplaces and fitted shelving, together with double sash windows and working shutters and lovely views across the market square.

From the Dining Room a secret door leads through to the beautiful Kitchen/ Breakfast Room. With three skylights and double aspect views, the light flooding into the room is in abundance. With a neutral colour hue throughout, the bespoke painted units with Caesarstone work surfaces complement the original dresser unit and built-in wooden sliding door larder cupboard perfectly. The original fireplace has been cleverly adapted for further storage and a wine rack, while an ingress neatly fits a freestanding fridge. Off the Kitchen is a Utility Room.

The Glass Atrium at the rear of the house connects the Kitchen, Snug and Sitting Room seamlessly to one another as well as the rest of the house and downstairs Cloakroom, whilst also acting as a back door into the garden.

The Snug is a cosy half-panelled room with a central fireplace and alcoves with inset stained mirrors and built-in cupboards below. The large French doors opening into the Atrium create a natural flow between the rooms.

To the very rear of the house is the main Sitting Room that is the absolute WOW factor of the home. Formerly part of a large garage, the roof has been raised in order to split the space over two storeys; with the garage below and now this incredible vaulted ceiling room with Velux windows and underfloor heating that creates the most magnificent entertaining space with a log burner at one end and westerly views down the garden with large glass double doors leading out onto the garden terrace.

The upstairs is laid out over two floors with the staircase continuing centrally up through the middle of the house.

The first floor comprises of three beautiful double bedrooms, all boasting impressive ceiling height, built-in storage, as well as an en-suite to Bedroom 1, with bath, overhead shower and His & Hers sinks; and a family bathroom opposite Bedroom 2 at the rear of the house, with wonderful arched stained glass windows, a roll-top bath, separate walk-in shower and vanity basin.

The second floor comprises two further attic double bedrooms, a shower room with loo, a separate cloakroom and a further room that could be used as a playroom or an additional bedroom. This floor would make for a fantastic kids' landing or nanny annexe.


Outside
There is a large flagged stone terrace at the rear of the house, perfect for entertaining and al fresco dining, running parallel is an enchanting arched rose walkway that leads first into a sunken garden, created from a former outbuilding from the brewery days, and then on through further well-stocked flower beds.

The rest of the main garden is mostly laid to lawn, with mature shrubs and trees bursting out of the borders. There is a further gravelled garden at the end, with numerous fruit trees and wild-flowers scattered around the edges. There are external power points and lighting throughout the gardens.


Garage And Cellar
The large garage is accessed via Silver Street through sliding oak doors, with plenty of space for three cars and further storage or worktop space around the outside. There are numerous power and light points, plus a sink. There is access via steps to the garden and a door through to the extensive cellar.

The extensive cellar runs under the footprint of the house and a section of the pavement in front. This provides ample storage for wine racks, bikes, winter equipment etc. as well as access to an original well situated under the current Kitchen. One section of the cellar houses the main gas boiler, the pressurised hot water system and the water softener. A staircase leads up to the main hall.

Directions

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