Bridge Street, Kenilworth
Full Details
History
Originally built in the late 18th century, this handsome Georgian townhouse was one of the first properties in the United Kingdom to receive a Grade II* listing by English Heritage in 1949. Constructed as a family home, it later became part of Abbotsford School in the early 20th century, remaining a school until around 2010. Prior to its school use, during the early years of World War I, it housed Belgian refugees and was supported by kind donations from local residents.
After the school’s closure, the property stood empty and fell into disrepair until 2016, when a collaboration between Castle Homes of Warwick, Warwick District Council, and Historic England enabled a comprehensive restoration. Over a five-year period, Castle Homes of Warwick carefully reinstated the building’s original grandeur, restoring key features such as the entrance hall, landings, staircases, principal rooms, and doors, while also conserving historic windows, cornices, fireplaces, wrought iron railings, and other architectural details.
As part of the restoration, the property was sensitively converted into two three-storey townhouses. No. 1 Abbotsford House retains the original hallway along with the principal living rooms and bedrooms. Architecturally, the house is constructed of brick with stone dressings, and notable historic features include two-storey canted bays, lunette windows, a doorway with Tuscan columns, and decorative pediments above the principal windows.
At the time of sale, the property was the home of the Managing Director of Castle Homes of Warwick, who was so captivated by the building that he chose to make it his family’s residence.
Old Town Kenilworth
Old Town, Kenilworth is one of the most desirable parts of the town, combining period charm with a thriving community atmosphere. The historic High Street is lined with independent shops, traditional pubs and stylish bars, as well as a selection of highly regarded eateries, including the Michelin-starred Cross restaurant. Abbey Fields offers 68 acres of parkland just moments away, perfect for walking, leisure and family activities, while Kenilworth Castle provides a dramatic historic backdrop. Despite its characterful setting, Old Town is ideally placed for access to Coventry, Leamington Spa, Warwick and Birmingham, with excellent transport links including rail services to London
Reception Hallway
Entered from Bridge Street, you step into a stunning hallway with a tiled floor, decorative cornicing, and an easy-tread staircase rising to the first floor, with doors leading off to:
Cloakroom
With a concealed cistern wc, wash hand basin and a bank of cupboards.
Sitting Room
Featuring engineered oak flooring, bay windows overlooking the side and rear gardens, and a white marble surround with a cast iron fireplace and living flame fire. Additional details include recessed shelving, cornicing, surround sound, secondary glazing to streetside and radiators.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of this home, beautifully designed to blend contemporary style with period elegance. A striking central island with a breakfast bar forms the focal point of the room, complemented by sleek handleless cabinetry and integrated appliances. Pendant lighting adds a modern touch, while the tall sash windows and French doors flood the space with natural light and open onto a beautiful terrace looking into the walled gardens. The kitchen seamlessly flows into a dining and family area, enhanced by high ceilings, decorative cornicing, and an ornate fireplace that retains the character of the building. Perfect for both everyday living and entertaining, this impressive kitchen offers a rare balance of grandeur and practicality.
Utility Room
With a tiled floor and access from the rear garden, this utility is fitted with high-gloss units and stone worktops, incorporating integrated appliances. A bank of cupboards provides ample storage, and a window overlooks the rear garden
First Floor Landing
Accessed via an easy tread staircase and having an ornate window on the half turn. Doors lead off to:
Principal Bedroom
A bank of built-in wardrobes distinguishes the bedroom from the adjoining en suite. Twin windows provide a view of the rear gardens, while a cast iron fireplace, featuring an Adams-style surround and a living flame gas fire, serves as a striking focal point. The room is also equipped with an integrated Sonos HiFi system.
En Suite Bathroom
Featuring a concealed-cistern WC, walk-in rainfall shower, his-and-hers vanity sinks, and a freestanding bath, complemented by tiled floors and splashbacks.
Bedroom Two
Featuring a bay window overlooking Bridge Street, this room is supported with additional insulation through secondary glazing and integrated wooden shutters. A further window offers views of the rear gardens, while a cast iron fireplace with an Adams surround and a coal-effect fire adds character.
Family Bathroom
With a concealed-cistern WC, vanity wash hand basin, and separate shower cubicle, complemented by tiled floors and splashbacks.
Second Floor Landing
With a window on the half landing and having doors to:
Bedroom Three
With three windows providing dual aspects, twin fireplaces, and built-in cupboards.
Bedroom Four
With windows to dual aspects, cast iron fireplace and built in units to the chimney recesses.
Family Bathroom
With a concealed-cistern WC, vanity wash hand basin, and separate shower cubicle, complemented by tiled floors and splashbacks.
Carport
Planning for a triple carport and work has commenced on it to protect the planning for the new owners.
Parking
The parking is approached via remote access gates on New Street. You drive through Abbotsford Mews and there is a triple car parking bay for 1 Abbotsford House. A gated pathway leads you through to the rear garden and pedestrian access.
Rear Gardens
The property features a stunningly landscaped walled garden that ensures both privacy and a serene atmosphere. A spacious paved terrace serves as an ideal spot for outdoor dining and entertaining, seamlessly connecting to a meticulously maintained lawn adorned with mature shrubs and plantings. Established trees and hedges add to the secluded feel, while the original brick boundary walls contribute to the property's historical charm. With plenty of space for seating arrangements and easy access from the house through elegant French doors, this garden beautifully extends the living area—perfect for family gatherings as well as hosting guests. Additionally, the garden includes a sizable brick storage shed with a tiled roof.
Tenure
The property is freehold
Services
All mains services are connected