La Galleria, Ely

9 The Gallery is a Grade I-listed architectural wonder set just 150 yards from Ely’s towering cathedral. Dating from the 13th century, the building was constructed using stones that had fallen during the cathedral’s ongoing construction. It later served as the stables and hayloft to the 15th-century Bishop’s Palace, one of the residences of the Bishop of Ely and is thought to have been given stone dressings in circa 1550 by Bishop Goodrich when he built the west tower and wing of the Bishop’s Palace. With remarkable views towards the cathedral and King’s Ely School, 9 The Gallery is an historic masterpiece and was purchased by the current owner’s father in 2015 from the Church Commissioners for England. DESCRIPTION CONTINUED Arranged around a charming courtyard with a large camellia tree, the house features an imposing front door that opens into a spacious hall, where a striking window overlooks the cathedral grounds. To the left lies the 13th-century section of the building. Here, the original stable layout remains clearly visible and there are 13th century narrow lancet windows which have remained unchanged since the house was first built. Now sympathetically converted into a large sitting room, the area still retains period hay mangers and historic boarding believed to be hundreds of years old and an historic trapdoor which would have been used to fetch hay from the loft above. Despite its remarkable age, the room has been sympathetically brought up to modern day standards, including underfloor heating and large bi-fold doors opening onto the courtyard, which fill the space with natural light.

Beyond the hall is the remainder of the property, which dates from the Victorian period but has been carefully designed to complement the building’s older elements. The kitchen features a retro 1950s English Rose kitchen, acquired by the owners’ father. These iconic kitchen units were produced by English Rose using post-war surplus materials, the same materials used in the construction of Spitfire aircraft. English Rose kitchens have appeared in productions such as the Doctor Who Christmas special and Call the Midwife. The kitchen also features red Victorian floor tiles and a Crittall window overlooking the grounds of King’s Ely School. Leading from the kitchen is an elegant dining room finished in a rich red limewash.

Upstairs there are five bedrooms, including a generous principal suite located in the Victorian section of the house. A particularly notable room on the first floor is the bathroom, which enjoys unrivalled views of Ely Cathedral’s vast West Tower.

Within the 13th-century section of the building lies the original hayloft and apple store. This dramatic vaulted space features exposed stonework, some of which matches the stone used in Ely Cathedral, along with original boarding and shelving. Currently used as a music room and study, this incredible space is some 31ft in length.

Outside is a walled courtyard which would originally have been the stable yard. This is now landscaped with a large patio. There is also a generous double garage.