Property Of The Week: Jane Austen-Inspired ‘Netherfield’ Apartment Listed For Sale

A two-bedroom apartment has come up for sale in Balls Park, a 17th-century mansion in Hertfordshire believed to be the inspiration for Netherfield Park in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

15 The Mansion is located in the West Wing of the mansion and has full access to the property’s 64-acre parkland.

First constructed in the mid-1600s and attributed to the architect Peter Mills (with the West Wing added in the 1920s), the house was converted into apartments in 2010. While the property retains its historical charm, each apartment has been renovated to modern standards by City & Country heritage specialists.

Set on the first floor of the house, 15 The Mansion enjoys bright and airy rooms with south-facing windows. The apartment also includes a modern bathroom, gas central heating, and allocated parking for two vehicles.

Built in the elegant Artisan Mannerism style that was popular in 17th-century Hertfordshire, Balls Park has been the filming location for several historical dramas, including Foyle’s War (2004), Bleak House (2005), and The Young Victoria (2009).

The estate is also a short walk from the historic town of Hertford and enjoys views over the surrounding countryside.

The current owner of 15 The Mansion has lived there for more than ten years and relished the property’s picturesque setting and strong sense of community. She made the decision to sell her apartment only as a result of mobility issues, which affected her ability to live alone.

The owner will be moving to Strawberry Fields, a luxury retirement village for the over 60s near Cambridge, with amenities including a swimming pool and sauna, a state-of-the-art gym, and an elegant bar-come-restaurant. As with her previous home, she will be able to maintain a strong sense of community in a prestigious setting.

The owner says, “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to live at Balls Park for as long as I have. Every time I turned up the driveway, my spirits were lifted by the beautiful parklands and gardens. It was particularly nice to be surrounded by so much nature, without needing to worry about maintenance.

“At the same time, I’m excited to begin my new chapter at Strawberry Fields. Just like Balls Park, the village is built around beautifully landscaped gardens with views over the countryside. I look forward to meeting a whole new group of neighbours and getting stuck into the community, knowing I have support around me if ever I need it.”

15 The Mansion, Balls Park is available for viewings through Shepherds of Hertford.

Property features

- Two-bedroom first-floor apartment
- Set within Balls Park, a mid-1600s Grade-listed estate built in the Artisan Mannerism style, attributed to architect Peter Mills, with the West Wing added in the 1920s
- Widely believed to be the inspiration for Netherfield Park in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice; filming backdrop for The Young Victoria (2009), Bleak House (2005), and Foyle’s War (2004)
- Bright, airy living spaces enhanced by south-facing windows offering natural light and panoramic views over surrounding countryside
- Includes a contemporary fitted bathroom and gas central heating throughout
- Direct, full access to 64 acres of managed communal parkland and landscaped gardens
- Dedicated allocated parking provision for two vehicles
- Situated within short walking distance of the historic county town of Hertford

Feature your property by contacting Alan Cox, Abode2, at alan@abode2.com today.