Start a new chapter in an historic home
In March of this year, Kent-based Millwood Designer Homes announced that it would be renovating and refurbishing Okehurst, a large Victorian property on the New Park Estate in Cranleigh, Surrey.
Over the last six months the award-winning housebuilder has been working hard to restore the beautiful period home back to its former glory and is excited to reveal that Okehurst will be ready early this autumn.
Situated on New Park Road, the New Park Estate was the brainchild of local entrepreneur Stephan Rowland. One of the homes built was Okehurst which dates back to 1897, marked by a beautiful hand-moulded ceramic plaque that can be found on its façade.
Since then, the home has had a number of owners, but it was after the Second World War that Okehurst gained real status when it was occupied by internationally-renowned author Arthur Calder-Marshall and his wife Nancy. He was the writer of several novels, including The Fair to Middling, and documentary films, one of which – The World is Rich – was Oscar-nominated and went on to win a BAFTA. Their daughter, Anna, is an actress who has starred in many films and TV series, as well as on the West End stage.
With such an incredible history, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of something really special, as local estate agent Roger Coupe explains: “Okehurst really is magnificent. When Millwood purchased the property, it was in need of repair and it is hard to believe that it is the same house.
“The five-bed home still has all the quirks and character that you would expect from any period property and Millwood has kept most of the home’s original features. Numerous ornate fireplaces have been restored and, although not all functional, they make a wonderful focal point. Some have magnificent marble surrounds and ornate tiling, including the grand fireplace in the dining room with an impressive black marble surround.
“The skirting boards and ornate picture rails have been retained, doors and windows refurbished, and the beautiful parquet floor in the entrance hall has been restored. The house still has the original staircase and front door, which has an incredible coloured-glass surround and glass inserts.
“The home has been rewired, replumbed and re-alarmed, with smoke detectors linked to the alarm for added safety and security – not something you would usually expect from a Victorian property but a modern addition that no home should be without!
“All bathrooms and en suites have been finished with Millwood’s usual stylish sanitaryware, and the kitchen has been refitted with white painted units, black granite worktops and a range cooker. The utility has a butler’s sink, in keeping with a Victorian home. The family room has two sets of French doors leading onto the rear patio, again in keeping with Victorian times.
“Outside, the previous garage has been replaced with a brand new double garage, and the garden landscaped. There’s the original patio area off the kitchen, along with two useful outside cupboards. The home also has a cellar and an incredibly spacious loft with access to the top of the home’s turret. It’s a wonderful place to relax and gaze up at the stars.
“Millwood has also sectioned off some of the home’s extensive garden and is currently building two new detached family homes which will be ready later this year, one of which has already received interest. So now is the time to get in touch. Okehurst will make a wonderful family home, one that hopefully many generations will get to enjoy, continuing its legacy.”
Guide from £1.195 million. For further information, visit millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk.
