With new developments springing up around the Island and demand for property remaining strong in 2018, it is rare to find a family home in a tranquil setting, secluded and hidden from public sight.
But that is exactly what you discover when you walk through the front gates of La Cigale. A renovated and modernised historic farmhouse hidden in the St Ouen’s countryside, the home is simply brimming with unique character. Whilst the property now boasts all of life’s modern conveniences for comfortable living, there is still huge potential to extend and develop the property for anyone looking to perfect their own secret hideaway.
Dating back to 1607, this grand family home has a very traditional feel to it, from its English cottage gardens to the large family kitchen and reception area that greets you as you walk through the door. Wrapped around a gravel courtyard, the home has enormous curb appeal, with a south-facing front displaying to its best effect intricate granite work; and a blossoming wisteria. The farmhouse was renovated by its current owner ten years ago, maintaining an Anglo/French feel to the interior, whilst updating the home to the highest specifications. Brass fittings and a classic deep eggshell blue colour theme run throughout the home, blending seamlessly with the granite detail and historic farm features such as exposed beams.
A small bar room was recently installed off the kitchen, affording a great view out over the courtyard and the front of the property through large windows. The bar adds a playful touch to what is a classically ‘Plain English’ kitchen, complete with Aga stove. A sizeable center island is the workhorse of the kitchen, providing plenty of storage space and seating in addition to the reception area at the other end of the large room.
What was the formal dining room of the farmhouse, is currently used as a snug for the family, with a granite fireplace and wood burning stove being the main focus of the room. Heavy set wooden doors work in harmony with the period of the property, which were handmade to prevent warping. The home has ample storage space, with a large utility room set off the kitchen and a further storage room across the bar, which could easily be converted into a boot room.
The family bedrooms are located together on the first-floor which include four double-bedrooms, two with en suites. The simplydesigned rooms with a classic style allow any owner to easily create their own individual mark on the home. The master bedroom is particularly impressive, with a mezzanine area overlooking the suite, accessed by ladder. This is the only room that has been extended to accommodate the full height of the farmhouse, large exposed beams opening up the eaves of the room and flooding it with natural light.
The property includes underfloor heating throughout and as you ascend the stairs you discover LED lighting at floor level which keeps the property dimly light during the evenings. Access to the attic level of the house was added during the 2009 renovation, although the work was not fully concluded. A continuation of the oak staircase leads up to the third level of the property where there is an opportunity and space to add a further two to three bedrooms.
The outside of the property holds just as much intrigue as its interior, with the grounds adopting a compartmentalised format. A patio area is currently being installed to make the most of the last evening sunlight on the property. Plans had been previously passed for the creation of a natural pool in the garden, which could easily be re-applied for.
The mature gardens are the result of much love care and attention, having been serviced by the same gardener for some 30 years now. An original large water fountain is in pride of place in the shrubbery, which includes a wide range of plant life and flora including fruit bearing peach trees.
The fountain is joined by a stone archway that was part of the original garden design, leading you round to the vegetable patch which is hidden out of sight. It is something of a secret garden, with a hive ready to home bees, almond trees and a maze of partitioning bushes completing every gardeners fantasy.
Whilst the property has been restored to high specifications, there is plenty of potential to extend and redesign areas. In particular, the property could be extended into the garden to accommodate an orangery, letting family life sprawl out into the gardens. New owners may also wish to resurrect the farm’s historic bake house and pigsty which lie across the courtyard and really give the property distinctive charm and character.
As well as a double and single garage, the property also comes with its own studio office space. Working from home can be a delight in the quiet, scenic surrounding of the country. This peaceful and private part of St Ouen is locked away from prying eyes and should really be viewed to be fully appreciated. This is a rare opportunity to own a quintessentially Jersey property, exquisitely restored with masses of potential to develop it into something truly magical.
