Detached house for sale in Hatfield AL9, 4 Bedroom

Sunnyfield is an incredibly well-preserved five-bedroom house designed in 1965 by the celebrated post-war British architect Sir Andrew Derbyshire. Located on The Ryde, a Grade ii-listed development in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, the house has only ever been occupied by the architect and his family and consequently retains outstanding mid-century features and many cleverly conceived design details.

The house is positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac, with a private driveway and garden separating the front of the house with the road. Entrance is via a light lobby and hallway which introduces the original open-tread staircase. A bright living room with a mid-century wood-panelled ceiling and hardwood parquet floor opens out immediately ahead on the ground floor. Extensive glazing is arranged in a characterful composition. There is also a private back garden, secluded by mature trees.

An oak bi-fold door leads through from the living to the dining room. Beautifully crafted free-standing cabinetry provides an open division from the dining area to the original 1960’s kitchen. The utility room, coal store and an ingenious dustbin system designed by the architect, lead off from the kitchen and out to a single attached garage, complete with the original inspection hatch in the floor. Also located on the ground floor is Sir Andrew Derbyshire’s drawing room and study, a light room with extensive built-in book cases and cork flooring underfoot.

Tree bedrooms, the playroom and a bathroom can be found to one side of the first floor, each with wardrobes, in-built storage or shelving systems and access to what was once the flat roof terrace. The master bedroom overlooks the garden and a second bathroom sits opposite.

Hatfield, located 20 miles north of London, was one of several post-war New Towns built around the capital and as such, makes an easy base for London commuting. The town is well serviced for shops and local amenities, all within easy walking distance from the house. Hatfield train station is also a short walk away, with direct services to Kings Cross, Finsbury Park and Moorgate, reachable in under 30 minutes.

Hatfield House, one of the uk’s finest example of Jacobean architecture is of local interest and Stanborough Lakes, an excellent summer destination for open water swimming is a 30 journey by car.