The Story
Stepping into the large hall at Three Gables, in Harlow, visitors are immediately impressed with the bright, open feel of the 13 year-old home.
Owner Siew was also wowed by the magnificent space, with its sweeping staircase, when she first visited the house some four years ago.
"I loved the fact that all the rooms were a good size and that the whole house had a very light, spacious feel. When you first come in, the entrance hall almost feels like another room. In fact, when I have parties at the house, people often gather here to chat before moving on into the other rooms and the garden," she said.
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A Tranquil Spot
Siew was also drawn to Three Gables' unusual location. Tucked away with a wonderful garden, she knew she would be able to enjoy tranquillity as well as easy access to the town itself and its many amenities.
"I think houses of this size, in this kind of position are very rare indeed around here," she admitted. "We have a fabulous level of privacy here and it is so peaceful that it really feels like you are on the edge of a small country village."
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A Stylish Interior
With a passion for interior design, Siew was also keen to find a home in which she could indulge her love of simple, classical style. With its well-proportioned rooms and airy feel, Edwardian-style Three Gables was perfect for her elegant furnishings and furniture.
"When I saw the cornices and other period-style features in the house, I realised that a classical style would work beautifully. I love Italian furniture and it looks wonderful in this setting.
"I decided to go for a very rich decorative style on the walls as well, so the house has features such as marble plaster. This looks fabulous and people often comment upon it," she said.
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An Inviting Home
With a drawing room, further sitting room and a large landing that is arranged as a music area, there is plenty of space for the family and their friends to spread out. Siew enjoys spending time in the snug, where she and her friends can watch European television.
"Then the drawing room has a wonderfully comfortable sofa and doors out on to the terrace that we open in the summer," she said.
"In the winter, we have the fire going and the room becomes warm, with a very relaxed feel."
And she added: "The drawing room is great for entertaining. I often have a lot of Italian friends over and there is plenty of space for us all."
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Sunshine Days
The kitchen, which is also a generous size, is south-facing and enjoys streaming sunshine for much of the day. Here she and her son often eat casual meals together.
When they are entertaining, the dining area, which seats up to 10 people, comes into its own.
"With five bedrooms there is also plenty of room for relatives to come to stay," she added. "Both the master bedroom and one of the guest rooms have an en suite bathroom."
Siew continued: "This house is perfect for entertaining. In the summer we have had up to 100 people here in the house and the garden. We have had barbecues on the terrace and parties around the heated swimming pool. It has been lovely."
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Unique House
Now that her children are older, Siew plans to spend more time travelling and has, therefore, decided it is time to relocate. She believes she was lucky to find Three Gables, where distinctive attributes come together to present a very unique home.
"I do think it is unusual to find a home like this, of this size and with such a big garden, so close to the centre of Harlow. It really feels so peaceful here and there is so much space, I know I will miss it when I leave," she said.
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Setting the Scene
From the gated entrance a driveway sweeps around to the double garage, whilst providing plenty of additional parking. However, it was the large garden and heated swimming pool that really added to the attraction of the house for Siew. Yet, she stressed, maintaining it all has not been too hard.
"I have left much of the garden as lawn, which is very easy, but there is plenty of potential to do something else with it should the next owner wish," she said.
The swimming pool has been much used by Siew's own children as well as her guests. The generous terrace, with its barbecue area, has been perfect for parties.
"It is a sunny garden but with a few large trees as well, there is always some shade," she added.
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SPACIOUS
"I loved the fact that all the rooms were a good size and that the whole house had a very light, spacious feel."
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QUIET
"We have a fabulous level of privacy here and it is so peaceful that it really feels like you are on the edge of a small country village."
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RICH
"I decided to go for a very rich decorative style on the walls, so the house has features such as marble plaster."
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CLASSICAL
"When I saw the cornices and other period-style features in the house, I realised that a classical style would work beautifully."
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PARTIES
"In the summer we have had up to 100 people here in the house and the garden. We have had barbecues on the terrace and parties around the heated swimming pool."
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