A historic and enchanting former hall house in an idyllic setting.
The Emplins is a fascinating Grade II* listed former hall house, painstakingly restored over the years to preserve its exceptional architectural heritage. Steeped in history, this remarkable timber-framed home features an extraordinary blend of craftsmanship and elegant period details, offering a rare opportunity to own a living piece of England's past.Initially, The Emplins was a grand hall house and later a rectory under Merton College, Oxford. Records from 1602 depict it as part of a thriving farmstead with a courtyard of agricultural buildings. Today, The Emplins is a beautifully curated home, rich in character and historic significance.A much-loved family home for over 40 years, The Emplins exudes timeless charm and authenticity. The original features include a striking jettied storey, intricate linenfold paneling, mullioned windows, and exquisite wall paintings. At its heart, the spectacular Great Hall forms an inviting and atmospheric L-shaped reception room, anchored by a magnificent Inglenook fireplace and adorned with exposed timbers and a stunning linenfold door. Beyond the hall, a charming front entrance lobby and study area leads into a spacious dining room, enriched with an early Ogee arch and former mullioned windows, making it a perfect space for entertaining. The side hall provides access to both the oak room/sitting room, featuring exposed timbers and a characterful fireplace, while the itchen/breakfast room, with its traditional wooden cabinetry, enjoys delightful views of the garden. Additional practical spaces include a linen drying/boiler room, side hall with ample storage, and two stair lobbies, completing the ground floor layout.The first floor offers up to six bedrooms, with two not independently accessed. One showcasing original wall paintings and relocated linenfold panelling providing potential for a studio or dressing room, leading to the part-vaulted main bedroom and bathroom. Two of the bedrooms are in the central section of the house, while a further two bedrooms with a shower room occupy what was once the Guildhall, where the round-topped mullion windows have been sympathetically fitted with sliding glazed panels.The mature gardens have been lovingly cultivated over many years, offering an array of hedging, trees and shrubs, and well-stocked herbaceous beds. To the rear, a delightful herb garden leads through a wisteria-clad archway into a vegetable garden and garage/stores, adding to the home's enchanting character.
The Emplins is located in the popular village of Gamlingay, in the Cambridgeshirecountryside, offering a supermarket, doctor's surgery, and post office close by.The market towns of Biggleswade and Sandy are just a short drive away, with pubs,independent shops, and farm shops. Just a 40-minute drive, you can be in the cityof Cambridge with its famous universities, fantastic architecture, and bustlingshops and restaurants.