LAST NIGHT (10th November) saw the official launch of one of the UK’s grandest country mansion houses at the Grade I Listed Balls Park estate in Hertford. An invitation-only event saw the famous 17th century mansion open its doors as one of the south east’s most elite residences, for the first time since the site was originally acquired over ten years ago. Nineteen unique and luxurious homes are being released for sale in the mansion, with the first apartment in the West Wing available from today (11th November) providing the earliest, unique opportunity for residents to enjoy living in these sumptuous historical surroundings.
To celebrate this significant occasion,restoration and conservation specialist City & Country Group invited over 100 distinguished guests,including The Worshipful the Mayor of Hertford to a one-off event held in the exquisite vestibule. Guests were greeted with a drinks and canapé reception with a string quartet providing entertainment and given exclusive tours of the first of the properties in the mansion,built circa 1648,to go on the market. TV’s ‘The Restoration Man’,George Clarke,who City & Country Group has been working with since May 2011,officially opened the iconic mansion.
George Clarke,who has been helping City & Country Group to raise awareness of the dire state of many of the country’s collection of historic assets,commented: “Across the country,thousands of old buildings lie forgotten and neglected,and many of these are steeped in history and are of outstanding architectural interest,but are sadly being forgotten about. It is fantastic to see Balls Park,one of the finest examples of Britain’s architecture,brought back to life by City & Country Group. The work that City & Country undertakes is vital in saving these buildings,and making them fit for a modern purpose.”
Helen Moore,Residential Managing Director at City & Country Group comments: “We are very excited to be launching this sensitive restoration and sympathetic conversion of the mansion into what it was designed for – to serve as a grand Hertfordshire residence. Through our continued commitment to the preservation and conservation of historic and listed buildings,we have ensured that this magnificent property of vast historical importance has been restored to its former glory. It has been a painstaking but rewarding job to repair and restore the many original features that have lead to this property’s Grade I listing,such as the elaborate decorative plasterwork featuring family motifs,the checkerboard marble floor in the vestibule,the stunning wood panelling,the original sash windows and fireplaces. The end result is a range of stunning homes and a unique living experience for our purchasers. There really is nothing else like it.”
The Worshipful the Mayor of Hertford,Councillor Mrs Sally Newton comments: “It was an incredible honour to be invited to the grand opening of Balls Park last night and see the remarkable transformation of this local landmark. Having been witness to the many lives of the house,it is remarkable to see the house restored to its glory,ready to be enjoyed by residents of Hertford again. City & Country Group have an incredible vision,and should be exceptionally proud of what they have created at Balls Park.”
Balls Park is set in 63 acres of picturesque Grade II listed parkland,which features on the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Each of the homes in The Mansion will have access to the private gardens and historic parkland,giving purchasers a rare opportunity to live within an historic country manor without the typical responsibilities of maintaining an estate of its size.
The estate is believed to have been the inspiration for some of Jane Austen’s novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and has also been used as a location for the films ‘The Young Victoria’,‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘The Golden Compass’,as well as several television series,including ‘Foyles War’,‘The Inspector Linley Mysteries’ and ‘Bleak House’.
Properties in The Mansion boast grand living spaces that benefit from a combination of period style,original features and elegant contemporary interiors. Many properties feature beautifully restored plasterwork ceilings,ceiling to floor panelling,marble fireplaces,as well as an abundance of other original features. Bespoke kitchens have been designed for each property and include a range of integrated stainless steel appliances,whilst the bathrooms incorporate white sanitaryware and chrome fittings. Throughout the properties,top quality flooring has been provided including 100% wool carpets,porcelain floor tiles,parquet flooring and restored original floorboards.
Purchasers have already started taking up residence in the Grade II listed Coach House and The Stables,built in 1902,which launched in October 2010 and July of this year.
Balls Park is situated in one of the green fingers of Hertford and within the Metropolitan greenbelt. It is an exclusive community,and provides the perfect location with Hertford Town Centre just a short 10-minute walk away,where there are a variety of shops,restaurants and cafés. Whilst Kings Cross,Moorgate and London Liverpool Street are all accessed easily in under 50 minutes by train from Hertford with two separate train lines.
The first apartment available in the mansion at Balls Park is priced at £1.5million. For those keen to find out more about purchasing one of these exclusive homes,the on-site sales suite is open daily between 10am and 5pm. For further information,contact City & Country Group on telephone: 01992 551777 or visit: www.balls-park.co.uk.