A very special house in Letchworth, the first ever Garden City

Nick Churton of Charter Whyman’s Mayfair Office, visits a very special house in Letchworth, the first ever Garden City.

The Property: The Thatched House

The Estate Agent: Charter Whyman

Few building styles are as iconic as the English thatched cottage: it has become the stuff of legends. This vernacular design helped inspire the Arts and Crafts and Garden City movements which evolved in England in the late 1800s.

If there was ever a house that exemplifies these movements’ design ideals, it must be Thatched House in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The differing textures of stone, brick, wood and thatch celebrate master craftsmanship, while asymmetry is expressed through changing elevational planes and charmingly undulating rooflines punctuated with tall chimneys.

All this may sound marvellous, but is the house a delight to live in? The answer is, it is beyond a delight, way, way beyond. There are elegant, airy and easy to live in reception rooms, welcoming bedrooms and a kitchen to cook, chat, party and dance in. The house does not seem too big or too small; it is perfect.

And there’s more: a generous indoor swimming pool, glorious wrap-around and secluded landscaped gardens, a separate annexe that doubles as extended family accommodation or work-from-home space, plus five garages for the car enthusiast.

Garth Road is in one of Letchworth’s most sought-after special Heritage Areas, and is within 1.5 miles of the friendly town centre and mainline station (London Kings Cross 45 mins).

Finally, from the front garden golfers should be able to reach the Letchworth Golf Club with a 5-iron.

Ideally located, inspirationally designed and beautifully maintained, Thatched House is what the twin delights of Arts and Crafts style and Garden City living are all about. It is English heritage at its best.