Ref: CHG. Church Gate, SW6.

Wonderful historic house with fine walled garden and car parking - sleeps 8/9.  Map

The house, built in 1697 as part of the bishop's palace complex, is one of the oldest in Fulham: stay here and you're touching history! But don't think that because it's old it will be uncomfortable - not a bit. When not rented out the owners, both talented interior designers, use the house to provide high quality bed and breakfast accommodation, so inside it's sumptuously furnished and boasts all modern conveniences including high-speed broadband internet access. There are TVs in most bedrooms.

Your nearest tube station is Putney Bridge (District line), just 2 minutes walk away, making the West End, Kensington and The City very accessible. There are also excellent bus links that take you to the centre of town in 15 minutes.

The house sleeps 8/9 in 3 double bedrooms (2 with en-suite bathrooms), one twin and a trundle bed that can be erected in any of the other bedrooms. There are a total of 3 bathrooms and a downstairs loo/cloakroom.

The front door opens onto a beautiful and well proportioned hall off which are the drawing room, dining room and kitchen. A fine staircase leads to the upper floor. Stairs lead down to the loo/cloakroom and utility area (washing machine and dryer).

The drawing room (17ft9 x 13ft3, 5.40m x 4.05m) is a handsome bay windowed room with 17c Flemish wood panelling and a fireplace with fine Jacobean (?) surround and working (very realistic) log-effect gas fire. It's furnished in traditional formal English style, the main focus being 2 seater sofas beside the fireplace on opposite sides of a low coffee table. There are a number of other chairs and side-tables with table lights.

The dining room (15ft9 x 13ft, 4.8m x 4.0m) is also formally furnished. The dining table comfortable seats 8 but can be extended using additional leaves to seat 12/14 - please advise if you want the additional leaves to be available when you book.

A gas coal-effect fireplace provides a cosy touch.

The family-sized (19ft x 13ft, 5.8m x 4.0m) kitchen has all the expected appliances including a microwave, dishwasher and fridge/freezer with ice dispenser. There's a small table (seating for 6) and central island breakfast bar (seating for 2), large 3 seater sofa, TV and stereo system, and the spectacular original fireplace with a real log burning fire.

The drawing room and kitchen overlook the fine walled garden - terrace with garden furniture close to the house; lawn, trees and flower beds; small pond with water feature; charming summer house (speakers from music centre in the kitchen).

On the first floor are two beautifully presented double bedrooms. The first (18ft x 10ft6, 5.5m x 3.2m) with 5ft part tester (part canopied) bed and plasma TV on the wall opposite has a fine en-suite bathroom with "his and hers" basins either side of a central bath plus a walk-in shower. The second (15ft6 x 10ft6, 4.75m x 3.15m) with 5ft bed also has its own bathroom - bath, basin, loo and walk-in shower.

Upstairs on the second floor there's a third double bedroom (17ft x 13ft, 5.15m 4.0m, 5ft bed) in a lovely light and airy room and an attractive twin bedroom with toile de Jouy fabric and wall paper.

A trundle bed is available to accommodate a 9th person or if the normal sleeping arrangements do not suit - please advise your requirement when booking.

Here you're in a fine location - Fulham High Street with convenience stores is a couple of minutes away. Cross Putney Bridge and in 5 minutes you're in the centre of Putney - many excellent shops and restaurants. The tube station is just a couple of minutes from the house. Fulham Palace Gardens -wide open spaces, playground for kids and paddling pool, and the lovely riverside walks are literally on your doorstep.

This is a No Smoking property.