Tucked away in Little Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, this remarkable four-bedroom, Grade II-listed house was the setting of the county's 15th-century assize court. It has a wealth of period features, including a series of moulded stone fireplace surrounds and several panelled oak doors. Versatile living spaces extend over 2,874 sq ft, including a self-contained studio with its own private entrance. To the rear, a patio terrace extends toward a lawned area with a magnificent horse chestnut tree. Milton Keynes rail station is a 12-minute drive away, with regular services to London Euston in approximately 35 minutes.

Setting the Scene

The Court House is thought to have been the location for the Buckinghamshire assize court from 1443 to 1638. These regional courts were presided over by visiting judges from London, a system later replaced by the crown court in the late 18th century. The house was also used as the venue for county meetings and elections.

Parts of the building’s timber frame date to the 15th century, while its neat brick Jacobean-style façade with limestone detailing was added in the 19th century. Its striking exterior is characterised by four brick gables and a series of stone-mullioned casement windows.

The Grand Tour

A timber-panelled front door framed by a Tudor arched doorway forms the entrance to the house. Inside, an entrance hall with flagstone flooring opens onto a grand sitting room with soaring ceilings and wall panelling. On one side, an inglenook fireplace with pretty red brickwork and stone surround is fitted with an ornate log burner. The space is illuminated by a set of leaded casement windows opposite a glazed door with access to the garden.

In the dining room, a second inglenook fireplace has an original timber bressumer beam, while a bank of casement windows captures views of the front garden.

A bright kitchen sits adjacent. Here, terracotta floor tiling complements eggshell-blue cabinetry, which has been topped with wooden work surfaces. A cream-coloured electric Aga sits in a brick alcove, a shelf cleverly installed behind for easy access to pots and pans. A music room and a utility room with additional space for storage and appliances extend from the kitchen.

From the utility room is a studio with a private entrance. Exposed timber beams support its gently sloped roof, and there is an attached shower room. Planning permission has been granted to convert the studio to a two-bedroom annexe.

An original staircase ascends from the dining room to the first floor. In the principal bedroom, timber studs are visible markers of the house’s long history. A cast-iron fireplace with a large stone surround occupies a central position, and the space is filled with light from windows on two sides. An en suite shower room is attached.