‘Very big house in the country’ behind Blur’s number one hit goes on the market for £2 million

Are you a city dweller, stuck in the rat race, with a lot of money and looking for a place in Barton-le-Clay to escape?

If are you are, then the ‘very big country house’ which inspired Blur’s first ever number one single ‘Country House’ could can be yours for just £2 million.

Named ‘The Bury’, the Grade II listed village home, with seven bedrooms and a separate barn annexe, has just gone on sale through Savills.

It was first purchased 21 years ago by David Balfe, founder of the independent record label ‘Food’, which was the first label to sign Blur when the London group was still an upcoming band.

Balfe sold his business to EMI and ‘quit the rat race’ by moving to the house with a lot of ‘rural charm’, thus giving Blur a lot of material to work with as they made their name in the business.

Nick Ingle, head of Savills Harpenden sales, said: “Not withstanding the kudos attached to The Bury, the house and gardens are just fabulous.

“This is a terrific example of a great family home with immense charm and very versatile accommodation.

“For those looking for a full time country house or a weekend retreat, it is perfect and we are delighted to be acting on behalf of Mr and Mrs Balfe in this most important sale.”

‘The Bury’ Fact File

• Grade II listed village home with separate barn annexe
• Said to be ‘situated in 4 acres of beautiful grounds backing onto Barton Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.
• Has just under 6,000 sq ft of accommodation
• Dates back to the 16th century but has been extended and re-modelled over the years
• Has seven bedrooms, shower room, two bathrooms, four reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, study, playroom. Also has one bedroom annexe with kitchen/breakfast room and shower room
• Listed as having ‘Alice in Wonderland chequerboard lawns and patios, a croquet lawn and magnificent parterre garden’
• Gardens contain a spring, small stream, carp-filled pond, orchard and a multitude of trees, including a 400-year-old Mulberry tree.