A truly exceptional, architect-designed riverside residence, set within one of Cambridgeshire’s most desirable village lanes. This outstanding home combines striking contemporary architecture with timeless materials and an uncompromising level of specification throughout.
Extending to approximately 9,000 sq ft across three levels, the property offers an extraordinary sense of space, light
A truly exceptional, architect-designed riverside residence, set within one of Cambridgeshire’s most desirable village lanes. This outstanding home combines striking contemporary architecture with timeless materials and an uncompromising level of specification throughout.
Extending to approximately 9,000 sq ft across three levels, the property offers an extraordinary sense of space, light and versatility. The finest materials and luxurious finishes have been carefully selected, creating a home that exudes both modern elegance and enduring appeal. Discreetly integrated smart home technology by Control4, installed by Arcadia, provides seamless control of lighting, audio/visual, climate and security systems, delivering a fully connected and intuitive living experience.
Accessed via bespoke electric gates, a sweeping gravel driveway leads to the impressive façade, a refined composition of brick, stone quoins, clay tiles and extensive glazing, creating an immediate and lasting impression. Stepping inside, the scale and grandeur of the home are revealed within a striking reception hall, where a custom-built bifurcated staircase rises to a galleried landing above, flooded with natural light from a feature picture window and roof lantern.
At the heart of the home lies a spectacular open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, designed to be both the social hub and a place of everyday comfort. Bespoke cabinetry combines beauty with practicality, housing a comprehensive range of high-end appliances. Expansive glazing and bi-fold doors blur the boundary between inside and out, framing uninterrupted views across the gardens towards the river beyond. Thoughtful zoning creates more intimate seating areas, while the generous proportions make the space perfectly suited to both relaxed family living and large-scale entertaining.
Further ground floor accommodation includes a formal dining room for refined entertaining, a snug with garden views, a home office, gym, utility room, and two cloakrooms offering flexibility to suit a variety of modern lifestyles.
The lower ground floor is a standout feature, presenting an exceptional leisure and entertainment suite rarely found in a private residence. A wine room sits alongside an impressive open-plan bar and games area. The bespoke bar, finished in backlit stone, forms a striking centrepiece and is fully equipped with six Polar fridges, an ice maker, sink and dishwasher. A professionally designed open-back cinema system completes the space, creating a truly immersive environment for films and live sporting events. A cloakroom is a helpful addition.
Upstairs, the galleried landing incorporates a relaxed reading area overlooking the front gardens and provides access to five individually designed bedroom suites. The principal suite is particularly impressive, featuring bespoke dressing room cabinetry, an elegant bedroom and a luxurious en suite with a statement wall-mounted bath by Splinterworks and a walk-in double shower. Each suite has been thoughtfully designed to provide a private, high-specification sanctuary.
Externally, the gardens have been beautifully landscaped to complement the home. A generous terrace spans the rear elevation, incorporating a striking triple blade water feature and a sunken hot tub, ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. Mature hedging and established trees ensure a high degree of privacy, creating a tranquil green backdrop to the lawns, which extend towards a bespoke garden studio, a separate garden ’pod’ and river frontage.
Sustainability has been carefully considered, with features including river fed irrigation system to maintain the all the grounds even during the driest months. An oversized garage provides secure accommodation for multiple or high-value vehicles.
The exceptional attention to detail, craftsmanship and technology are hallmarks of this remarkable home. Features such as underfloor heating throughout, comprehensive mesh Wi-Fi coverage across the house and gardens, integrated indoor and outdoor audio, bespoke fitted furniture and designer fixtures and fittings have all been thoughtfully incorporated to create a residence of rare quality and distinction.
Seller Insight When I set out to create Hummingbird, I wasn’t trying to build an ordinary house, I wanted to build my forever home. Somewhere that felt luxurious and high quality, but also genuinely warm, welcoming and homely, despite its generous scale. Every detail was carefully considered, and every finish chosen with the intention of creating something exceptional.
One of the reasons I chose Common Lane in Hemingford Abbots is simple: it is one of the most beautiful and sought-after locations in Cambridgeshire. With no through traffic, the lane is quiet and peaceful, and the house backs onto the River Ouse, with open meadows beyond. The village itself is charming, with a pub, church, village hall and sports facilities, yet the historic centre of Cambridge is just 15 minutes and Huntingdon Station only 68 minutes away.
From the moment you walk through the front door, I wanted there to be a ”wow” factor. The double-height entrance hall, galleried staircase and roof lantern create a dramatic, light-filled welcome that still feels inviting. The heart of the home is the vast open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, measuring an incredible 18 metres diagonally. It is the perfect setting for everyday life, but it also lends itself effortlessly to entertaining. Downstairs, the basement has been designed purely for enjoyment and can comfortably host 60 people. With a bar, pool table area and cinema room, it is ideal for film nights or watching sporting events with friends.
Outside, the large porcelain terrace with its water feature connects beautifully with the house through sliding doors, and the garden leads directly to the river with a two-level landing stage. There is also a studio with fitted kitchen and patio, plus a pod by the water’s edge.
All in all, from designing the house to living here, Hummingbird has been an incredible home, blending space, style and comfort in a truly special riverside setting.
Village Information The Hemingfords (Abbots and Grey) are situated along the banks of the River Great Ouse and are well-known as a very picturesque and sought-after Cambridgeshire village. Much of the villages are in a Conservation Area with many thatched cottages and barns and other architecturally important buildings such as the Grade I listed church with its spire being a landmark for miles around the Ouse valley.
Hemingford Abbots has excellent facilities: across the road from the ”Axe & Compass” pub is the purpose-built Village Hall and playing field. The playing field with open grassland is equipped with modern children’s play equipment. The village shares many facilities with neighbouring Hemingford Grey: village shop, post office, primary school and sports pitches and the award winning ”Cock” pub. Between the two villages there are a variety of clubs, societies and activities such as the annual Regatta and biennial Flower Festival.
Transport The Hemingfords’ sit between the towns of Huntingdon and St Ives where a wider selection of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities are available. The newly modified A14 provides quick and easy access into Cambridge and links to the A1, M11 and the national motorway network.
Huntingdon has a railway station, approx. 10 minutes’ drive away, with fast trains into London King’s Cross in approx. 50 minutes and links to the North via Peterborough whilst St Ives offers the Guided Busway service to the Cambridge Science Park and city centre.
Education There is a good selection of primary schools including: Hemingford Grey Primary and Houghton Primary, both Ofsted rated: Good. There are also several well-regarded secondary schools in the neighbouring towns such as Hinchingbrooke school in Huntingdon and St Ivo Academy in St Ives. Independent schools in Cambridge and Kimbolton are also within easy reach.
Agents Notes Tenure: Freehold Year Built: 2025/2026 EPC: B Local Authority: Huntingdonshire Council Tax Band: H
IMPORTANT NOTE TO PURCHASERS: We endeavour to make our sales particulars accurate and reliable, however, they do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract and none is to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact. Any services, systems and appliances listed in this specification have not been tested by us and no guarantee as to their operating ability or efficiency is given. All measurements have been taken as a guide to prospective buyers only, and are not precise. Please be advised that some of the particulars may be awaiting vendor approval. If you require clarification or further information on any points, please contact us, especially if you are traveling some distance to view. Fixtures and fittings other than those mentioned are to be agreed with the seller.