University of Cambridge Building For Sale

Carter Jonas has been appointed by the University of Cambridge to sell a substantial Victorian property in a location which is regarded as one of the best in the city of Cambridge.

6 & 6A Chaucer Road is situated just off Trumpington Road, in gardens and grounds of 1.2 acres close to the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden and backing on to Vicar’s Brook and Coe Fen leading down to the River Cam.

As with many residences in this part of the city, the house tells a tale of variety of uses down the years and future use could see it brought back full circle to a single residential use or for a range of potential uses.

Originally known as ‘Birnam House’, it was one of the first significant houses to be developed by the Pemberton family, typically for wealthy College dons, as part of the promotion of the Chaucer Road/Latham Road Estate as an area of distinguished character.

The buildings, which include a second floor flat, former gardener’s cottage and stores, have a floor area of about 10,000 sq ft in all.

For over the last three decades, the property has been used by the University of Cambridge’s Department of Architecture for the Martin Centre - as well as for its gardener’s site.

Retained features in the main residence include a grand reception hall and staircase with stained glass windows, glazed lantern and ornate plaster ceilings and cornices. Ceilings are approximately 12 ft with sash windows almost to the full height in many rooms.

While none of the buildings of 6 & 6a Chaucer Road are listed, they are within a conservation area and the main residence is recorded as a building of local interest. 

Existing planning permission includes use as non-residential institutions such as educational and health services establishments. The vendors have submitted a planning application for change of use of the house to a single dwelling house and flat which would, if pursued and approved, bring the home back to its original residential use.

As Mark Hallam, a Partner in the firm's Cambridge office, who is handling the instruction, points out, 6 & 6a Chaucer Road tells a story typical of its style and of the passage of time.

He says:

"The property has had a variety of uses including residential and educational yet has still retained many appealing features, typical of its age and character.

"Its occupants down the years have shown the kind of respect, and appreciation of a very fine, very Cambridge property.

"It’s a really special instruction for us and we’re anticipating a real buzz of interest locally, nationally and internationally from interested parties who will want to be the next instalment of the tale of 6 & 6a Chaucer Road."

The property has a guide price of £3.5 million.