Westmill, Hertfordshire

Situated on the outskirts of a picturesque and popular Hertfordshire village, The Dower House is a historic home whose architecture, interiors and gardens sit in effortless harmony.

Believed to date substantially from the Queen Anne period, the east façade was sympathetically rebuilt and the interior re modelled in the 1960s by the famous architect Raymond Erith on the instruction of the then owner John Profumo achieving the graceful symmetry, light and balance that define it today.

A sweeping gravel drive introduces the house, revealing its attractive red brick front. The setting is open and pastoral; broad lawns roll away to parkland views beyond a ha ha, with the historic walled garden laid out by the celebrated designer James Russell creating a sense of privacy.

Stepping inside, the central staircase hall immediately conveys the character of the home: a generous, light filled space where turned balusters and a lantern skylight create a welcoming prelude to the principal rooms.

The entrance hall or music room has a fine old carved beam and together with the panelled sitting room form the oldest part of the house.

Across the rear, three interconnecting reception rooms - the drawing room, study and dining room- form an impressive suite with views to the gardens and neighbouring parkland beyond.

The drawing room is beautifully proportioned - a refined yet comfortable space with tall sash windows, classic cornicing and an elegant fireplace.

The study, with its pretty gothic windows and door, allows direct access to the garden at the back of the house and the dining room matches the drawing room’s symmetry with an Egyptian campaign inspired fireplace.

These rooms flow naturally for entertaining while remaining intimate.

From the library, a gracious room with a period carved wooden mantlepiece, garden doors designed by Erith open to the terrace in the walled garden creating a graceful link between house and garden.

The kitchen/breakfast room is the heart of the home: light, inviting and garden facing with direct access to the terrace for summer dining.

Practical rooms include a cloakroom, walk in larder, utility room, boot room, ground floor shower room/WC and office. There is extensive storage and build in cupboards throughout.

Accommodation spans three floors, with cellars and wine storage.

Upstairs, the principal suite is a serene retreat with dressing room, en suite and elevated views. A generous guest suite, with walk through dressing room/bedroom, has a bathroom also reached via the secondary staircase. Three further bedrooms and a family bathroom complete the first floor.

The second floor offers three additional bedrooms (two interconnecting) and a bathroom beneath the eaves, with an oval attic window framing parkland views. A loft area provides useful storage.

The gardens combine romance and practicality within the historic walled garden of mellow brickwork. Urns frame the parkland view. Sweeping lawns, formal beds and a productive kitchen garden enrich the setting. Terraces link house and landscape, with a swimming pool and tennis court beyond. There is also an additional paddock nearby.

Outbuildings include a pool house, greenhouse, stores and a substantial barn with triple and single garages. The barn also contains a studio and a self-contained annexe with open plan living space, kitchen, shower room and mezzanine room—ideal for guests or multigenerational living.