Grove Mill Lane, Hertfordshire, WD17 3TU

The Dower House, discreetly nestled on the edge of the Grove Estate, is close to excellent schools, market towns, and has easy access to central London and Heathrow and Luton airports. The Grove Estate boasts a five-star hotel, renowned spa, and championship golf course. Dating back to the late 17th and 18th centuries, The Dower House has historical significance, once inhabited by notable figures such as composer Frederick Delius and cooking personality Fanny Cradock, who presented her BBC cooking programme from the kitchen of the house.

Meticulously refurbished recently, the house features splendid reception spaces, including a split-level hall with antique French oak floors and a grand staircase. The spacious kitchen/breakfast room showcases handcrafted wooden units, a large dining area, and a six-oven AGA. The cosy family room/kitchen exudes warmth with its brick fireplace and bay window offering scenic views of the mill stream. Further reception rooms include the sitting room and drawing room/library with its beautiful walnut panelling by David Salmon of Arthur Brett and Sons Ltd.

Upstairs, the principal suite enjoys views of the mill stream and riverbanks, with a dressing room and luxurious en suite bathroom. The guest bedroom suite was completely refurbished in 2024 and there are three recently renewed bedroom suites on the first floor.

Outside

The main gardens feature extensive lawns leading to the riverbanks. The wooden bridge across the mill stream (the river Gade) leads to another area of the gardens with gardener’s sheds and a path leads to a large lawn. To the front of the house there is a newly appointed one bedroom self-contained studio annexe with fully equipped kitchen and shower room, with a purpose built air conditioned wine room to the side. A recently reconstructed gardener’s office includes a kitchen and WC. There is ample parking to the front of the house on the newly laid granite pebble driveway. Privacy is ensured by electric wrought iron gates, enhancing the serene ambience of The Dower House. Situation Time and distances are approximate Chandlers Cross 1 mile, Watford 2 miles, Central London 19 miles, M25 (J19) 2 miles, Watford 2 miles (London Euston from 17 minutes), Heathrow Airport 19 miles, Luton Airport 17 miles.

Schools nearby include York House, Westbrook Hay School, Merchant Taylors, The Royal Masonic School for Girls, Aldenham School, Haberdashers Boys and Girls, Lockers Park School and Harrow