A Victorian ferryman's cottage, once famously known as Britain's most expensive council house, has been listed for sale at £1 million. The property, known as Ferry House, is situated on the towpath of the River Cam in Cambridge, offering views of the river and Midsummer Common.
A Property Steeped in History
The cottage is believed to have been constructed in 1894, but a dwelling has occupied the site for much longer. Ferrymen have operated on the River Cam since the 1700s, with historical steps leading down to the water's edge outside the property, where the public would have waited to be transported across the river. Initially, ferries were rowed or poled, but a wheel and chain system was later implemented. The ferry service ceased shortly before a footbridge was built across the river in 1927.
Recent Renovation and Sale History
When Jack Foxall purchased Ferry House in 2017, it was in a state of disrepair, having been leased to a charity and used as a hostel before being left vacant for over a year. Foxall undertook a comprehensive modernization and refurbishment of the property. The house now offers 1,034 square feet of living space, including a kitchen, living room, and dining room on the ground floor, and three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.
In 2016, the property was sold by Cambridge City Council via sealed bids for £777,888, at the time making it one of the most expensive council houses sold in the UK. The current listing marks its return to the market nearly a decade later.
Prime Location and Amenities
Ferry House boasts an enclosed walled garden and nearby resident parking. It is conveniently located less than a 15-minute walk from the city center. The property also offers a prime vantage point for local events, including the Bonfire Night fireworks display over Midsummer Common and the annual Midsummer Fair, which dates back to a Royal Charter granted by King John in 1211.
Estate agents handling the sale describe Ferry House as a unique opportunity, highlighting its singular location on Midsummer Common and its picturesque riverside setting. They anticipate significant interest from buyers seeking a distinctive home in Cambridge, known for its educational institutions and lifestyle offerings, despite higher-than-average property prices compared to other regions in the UK. The property also presents potential for future expansion, subject to planning permissions.