The name Snape was made famous by JK Rowling when she used it to christen the anti-hero potions master Severus Snape in the Harry Potter novels.
However, Snape existed long before the characters of the wizard world walked into JK’s consciousness as she sat on a delayed train.
It is thought to be either of Anglo Saxon or Norse origin. The village of Snape in East Suffolk has been there since Domesday times and is where the author got the name for the bane of Harry Potter’s academic life.
In olde English the term “snaep” meant scanty grassland or poor grazing land.
Snape House in Himbleton, near Droitwich, also enjoys a long history. The Grade II Listed traditional Worcestershire timber-framed home dates back to around the 16th century. The property has been refurbished and carefully extended to the rear.
Situated on a no-through lane with the village church at one end, it presents a pretty picture with its part-timber framing, low-sloped roof and dormer windows.
A solid wood front door with glazed panel leads through to a hallway with herringbone wood block floor. There is a rear door leading out to the gardens.
A drawing room features a log burner set on a flagstone hearth with window seat to the front and exposed beams to the ceiling, a common feature throughout the house.
The dining room has a large Inglenook with a log burner on a brick hearth and herringbone floor.
Local Worcestershire craftsmen built the kitchen, which has fitted units with polished granite tops. There is an Aga and a flagstone floor through to the breakfast and living area – this spacious and light room created by the new extension. Large windows overlook the garden and glazed doors lead outside. Steps from the kitchen access the lower ancillary accommodation, comprising a study and a laundry room.
On the first floor the large landing provides a sitting area, which is currently used as a music room.
A large master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and the second bedroom, which is incorporated in the new extension, has an en-suite shower room. There are two further bedrooms and a family bathroom with bath and separate shower.
To the front is a large double garage in traditional barn style with a workshop to the back and storage rooms above. At the side and back are covered log stores
The front gardens are enclosed by a local stone wall and planted with a variety of cottage-style shrubs, plants and flowers, while the back gardens comprise of a large lawn and Victorian-style raised brick vegetable beds. There is also a pig sty (shared), playhouse and traditional shed. The gardens border a field and orchard.
Himbleton village has a church, primary school, garage and the popular Galton Arms pub. Nearby Droitwich Spa has everyday services while Worcester is just eight miles away.
Viewing Information
Agent: Knight Frank
Tel: 01905 746 887
Guide Price: £595,000
