Glossop, Derbyshire

SELLER INSIGHT

I fell in love with this house as soon as I saw it,” says the current owner of Alma House. “Like a child’s drawing of a house with the door in the middle and windows on either side, it felt like home right away. Since moving in, we have put our own stamp on the property with sympathetic renovations throughout, aiming to restore the original Georgian architecture whilst creating a comfortable family home. Where previous owners had covered up period features, we brought them out into the light again. For example, we revived the deep sash windows at the front of the house and commissioned a joiner to install panelling which would bring back the initial character of the interiors. Our children now love to sit in the window and read a favourite book.”

Renovations have also made the most of bright, airy spacious rooms to spend time together as a family or with friends. “Everyone tends to gather in the kitchen,” say the owners, “sitting around the large island or at the table, enjoying the warmth of the range cooker. The back door leads from the kitchen to a York stone courtyard with al fresco seating, where we have enjoyed many a birthday cake and barbecue. Surrounded by bamboo, roses and wisteria, the courtyard is a real suntrap and is not overlooked by any neighbours. Steps lead from there up to wraparound lawns with different areas including a children’s play area with trampoline; a hammock to relax in the sun; and raised beds and a vegetable patch. At the front of the house, a path leads from the original Georgian gates, through the middle of lawns edged with rhododendrons, to the front door right in the centre of the façade, so that coming home is always a pretty picture to behold. The sun rises at the back of the house, lingers in the rear garden all day, then sets at the front, so on sunny days there is always some part of the garden that is bathed in warmth and light.”

The setting of the property has much to recommend it, too, offering the best of both worlds. “A gate in the stone wall at the bottom of the garden leads out onto the lane,” the owners say, “so you can walk right up into the rolling hills from our door. It is so peaceful and idyllic here, yet we are only 10 minutes from the vibrant town of Glossop and just 25 minutes from central Manchester by train for all the excitement of city life.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

Step inside

Alma House

Simmondley is an ancient village adjacent to the town of Glossop on the edge of the Peak District. The small, irregular built hamlet has all the charm and magic one would expect of an historic farming enclave. Alma House is neatly nestled in the heart of this peaceful location with spectacular views over the surrounding rolling hills. A perfect example of Georgian architecture, the impressive Grade II listed façade of the home incorporates symmetrical sash windows set in perfectly maintained York Stone.

Inside, the owners have gently renovated the property to the highest specification, enhancing the original features and adding a tasteful modern touch. The lead paned door opens into the hallway with immaculate herringbone wooden flooring which leads through to the back of the door via a practical coat / boot zone. To the left is the main sitting room with soft, thick carpeting, high volume ceiling with broad moulded cornice detailing and a multi-fuel burner in a refitted fireplace with adjacent built-in bookcase and log store. The newly commissioned sash windows have been set within bespoke wooden panelling, enhancing the beauty of this stunning period feature.

To the right is a second living room currently being used as a playroom but also suitable as a dining room. This room includes the same special features including a recessed multi-fuel fireplace. There is a practical home office / study with a storage cupboard and a neat guest W/C.

The kitchen wows from every angle! Flagstone flooring, an exposed centre beam, a Belfast sink and large sash windows are some of the period features incorporated into this modern and practical room. The kitchen is large enough to hold a full 8-seater dining table comfortably. A centre island houses a double drawer under counter refrigerator and is the perfect gathering point for family and guests. A Range Master cooker with extractor is framed by period tiling and bespoke painted cabinetry is complemented by stunning granite tops.

Upstairs are four large and bright double bedrooms, all with high volume ceilings, and two of which are ensuite. The first bedroom comfortably accommodates a Super King-sized bed and boasts spectacular views over the surrounding hills. The second bedroom overlooks the back garden and benefits from the morning sun. It features a large built-in wardrobe. The family bathroom has been renovated with wood panelling, a glass shower, and a magnificent Victorian copper roll top bath.

The third bedroom incorporates a high spec shower room with marble finishing and floating marble vanity. The fourth bedroom includes a shower ensuite with a period vanity cabinet and countertop sink. Each room provides views from a different aspect ensuring the house is constantly bathed in light.

Outside, an intimate York stone patio is nestled beneath the terraced garden providing a private yet sunlight Al Fresco dining area. A stone garden shed offers a practical storage space. There is a private drive off the lane with parking for one vehicle and a detached garage at the back of the garden.

This peaceful haven is not overlooked by any neighbours and the current owners enjoy the quiet of the home. They recommend the many country drives and superb walks in the Peak National Park accessible from the front door. The village pub is a short walk away and Simmondley offers excellent local amenities including shops, hairdresser, take away, post office, park, and schools. Within close reach of the centre of Glossop, the home is easily commutable to Manchester and beyond.

Tenure: Freehold

Council Tax Band: G

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg.