Hillcrest

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Research by Joan West

William Saunders had "Hillcrest" built before the First World War, in a field he had bought in in 1889 from Josephine Irving, the mortgagee of John Cheshire of Windmill Farm, when she sold some of his land by Power of Sale as mortgagee. William Saunders was then renting New House Farm at Denner Hill. In 1911 he purchased Stocken Farm

Research Note. William had said he had built Hillcrest for his retirement. However, he lived at Stocken Farm until he died in 1934.

At some point his daughter Alice and her husband lived there after their farm failed. click Philip & Alice Pitcher.

When William died in 1934, his executors put it up for Auction, together with the field in which "Hillcrest" stood. House and field first offered as one lot, then if not sold, offered separately.

The following details are taken from the sale catalogue: --

Lot 5. A Pre-War Freehold COMMODIOUS RESIDENCE

Particularly well built in brick with Tiled Roof, standing in its own grounds extending to about 2roods : 27poles, approached by a Drive Entrance and known as "HILLCREST", Lacey Green, in which village it occupies a very pleasant position well back from the road.

The Accommodation includes: --

On the Ground Floor: Entrance Porch with seats, Entrance Hall, Dining Room and Drawing Room with bays 14ft 9 ins., Morning Room 13ft 6insx10ft with cupboards and wood block floor, Capital kitchen 14ft.6insx 14ft.3ins with Gradient range cupboards and wood-block floor. Servants' Hall 14ft 6ins x10ft., Pantry 13ft.6ins x 7ft.6ins, with shelves, two windows and red tiled floor; Scullery with glazed sink, force pump, taps, draining board, shelves, and red tiled floor. Underground cellar. with Gradient Range, cupboards

On the First Floor: Approached from the Hall are Landing and five bedrooms 14ft 9ins x 13ft 9ins, 14ft 9ins x 13ft 9ins, 14 ft 3ins square, 13ft9ins x 10ft and 14ft 6ins x 10ft. Airing Room with heated cupboards adjoining the Bathrom with bath (h. and c.) and Lavatory Basin (h and c), W.C.

Outside . Behind the house is a brick built and tiled Stable and Harness Room which could easily be converted into a garage.

Water supple from two large underground tanks.

Drainage is to a cesspit near the boundary of the property.

Electric Light is available in the village and there is an excellent service of Trains at Princes Risborough about two miles distant.

Mains water is being brought to Lacey Green and will shortly be available

Land Tax £1-4s 1d

N.B. This Property is particularly well adapted for a small Sanatorium or Private School

1939 Register (census). Hill Crest. Alfred Master born 1883 retired Indian Civil Servant. Lecturer Oriental & African studies. Dorothy a Master born 1883, Daphne M C Master born 1917, kennelmaid, married Dunnell.

1939 Register (census). Alfred Master born 1883, lecturer of oriental and African studies, Dorothy A Masters born 1883, Daphne M C Masters brn 1917 office girl