£1,695,000 /Sale price

A remarkable Grade II listed townhouse located in the heart of one of Cheltenham's most desirable areas. DescriptionQuite possibly one of Cheltenham's most recognised homes, The Zookeeper's House is an elegant Grade II listed Italianate villa. Dating from the 1860's and designed by famed architect, Samuel Daukes, renowned for his work on churches and iconic buildings, it enjoys a plethora of outstanding features and striking characteristics. Occupying a central position with far-reaching views, the stylish accommodation equates to 3,556 sq. ft of light and airy living space. Entered by way of a traditional entrance hall, the well-designed configuration affords for a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle, not least the open-plan kitchen / family room. Fitted with a bespoke range of units, integrated appliances and a superb central bar, there is an attractive seating area affording the ideal place for informal gatherings and family time alike. Steps lead down to a cosy dining room and in turn to a versatile boot room, utility area and cloakroom. In addition, there is a sitting room and a dedicated study.The first floor consists of three bedrooms, a family bathroom and a further study. The principal suite is truly fabulous, enjoying an open-plan feel and a dual aspect, it has a striking freestanding bath, shower facilities and plentiful storage.The second floor has two further bedrooms, one of which is served by its respective en suite together with substantial storage to the eves. A low arched doorway opens up in to the smoking room with a ladder to the viewing tower, one of its kind in Cheltenham, with a boarded seating area perfect for evening drinks and to take in the breathtaking views across The Park, Cheltenham and The Cotswolds, a magical one-off. The lower ground floor (basement) is considerable, providing a plethora of storage and/or the opportunity for redevelopment. It has previously been granted planning permission for conversion into a living space.The gardens of The Zookeeper's House provide a lovely setting for the villa, softening the elevations with a large level expanse of lawn with a deep, well stocked display border, beech and Portuguese laurel hedging, 6' timber close board fencing and bespoke spike and urn wrought iron railings and gate. Mature trees enhance the established feel of the plot as well as providing shade to the lawn as the terrace can be bathed in sunshine throughout the afternoon and evenings.A newly created driveway topped with Cotswold cobb gravel and paths allows private parking for three to four vehicles and tucked at the end is a Dunsterhouse garden cabin. A fast charging cable has been installed from the basement distribution board to fencing adjacent to the garage: a charging unit will need to be installed. Previous planning permission has been granted in this location for a permanent garage and carport.LocationThe Park is a quiet residential area predominantly made up of substantial villas and some smart apartments and is considered to be one of Cheltenham's most well regarded locations. There is a lovely history attached to the area and great care has been taken to retain the elegant street scene with the wide tree lined avenues being home to some of the towns best property.Cheltenham is famed as one of the most complete Regency towns in England and historically the original and most fashionable spa.Less than a hundred miles from London it nestles beautifully between the Cotswold Hills and the Wye Valley, and is home to numerous prestigious schools including Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies College, Dean Close and Pates Grammar.Now a highly sought after place to live the town is well known for its grand houses set amongst formal avenues and beautiful garden squares. For those with a taste for the finer things in life, there are Michelin starred restaurants, numerous bars, stylish shops and salons aplenty. For art and history lovers there is The Wilson, Cheltenham's newly refurbished museum and art gallery, whilst Cheltenham also has a thriving cultural scene that includes two concert halls and three theatres.There are the numerous festivals such as The Wychwood Festival, the festivals of literature, science, food and drink and, perhaps the pinnacle for some, the jazz festival, which has historically attracted such known performers as Van Morrison, Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland. Undoubtedly for many more, the highlight of the year is the annual racing festival culminating with the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the blue riband event of the national hunt calendar, and an attraction that draws the public to the town year after year.Square Footage: 3,556 sq ft Additional InfoServices connected: Mains gas fired central heating, mains electricity, mains water, mains drainage.Local Authority: Cheltenham Borough Council.