A 17th century Manor House, within 1.7 acres of glorious gardens and in the heart of an attractive Conservation Village, within five miles of Kettering's mainline railway services to London
This Grade II listed 17th century Manor House exudes character and charm and is positioned privately within the core of an attractive Conservation village, within 1.7 acres, or thereabouts, of glorious gardens. The property offers seclusion and grandeur in equal measure.
Accommodation
Internally, the home is arranged over three floors and features a thoughtfully evolved layout that combines period character with everyday functionality.
The front door opens into a traditional porch and then a central hallway, complete with an open fireplace and a comfortable seating area, with window seats, which forms the heart of the home and provides access to the garden to the rear. Within the hallway, the staircase rises to the first floor, whilst a second staircase descends to the first cellar, beneath.
To the right, the dining room is an elegant reception room, conveniently placed for the kitchen, The dining room has a brushed steel, raised grate gas fireplace within an ornate painted timber surround, a high ceiling and partially exposed stonework walls, whilst there is also access to a second cellar.
Off the dining room, the library has fitted bookcases and is a charming book room, with window seats and a fireplace with log burner within, which is perfect for quiet moments, informal gatherings, or a home office, as it has been used.
The kitchen/breakfast room has a Royal Blue electric Aga, with an integrated companion module with gas hob. The kitchen is fitted with a range of farmhouse style units with wooden work surfaces, whilst there is ample space for a table and chairs, for informal dining. Adjacent is a utility room with cloakroom.
From back within the central hall, steps lead up to a panelled sitting room, from within which double doors open into the panelled drawing room. Both of these formal reception room have open fireplaces, elegant proportions, window seats and large sash windows overlooking the beautiful garden and are ideal for larger gatherings and entertaining.
At first floor level, the principal bedroom is generously proportioned and features extensive mirror-fronted built-in storage, alongside a dedicated, full-suite bathroom. Two further double bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom, an additional family bathroom and a separate walk-in wardrobe complete the first-floor accommodation.
There are two further double bedrooms and a second family bathroom, along with a sitting room and box store room, on the second floor.
Outside
The gardens and grounds are a particular passion of the sellers and are fabulously arranged and impressive. The house is approached through wrought Iron front gates, framed by stone pillars with ball finials atop, to a generous gravelled driveway and parking sweep to the front of the house.
An archway to the south side of the house leads to the meticulously designed and maintained gardens, which stretch to the east and south. These are arranged in keeping with a 17th Century manor house with a series of imaginative and beautifully arranged parterres, gravel paths, water features and pollarded avenues which offer a series of stunning vistas. Designed for both beauty and tranquillity, the grounds are a true highlight. In contrast to the formal landscaped gardens, a wilderness area, shielded from the formal gardens and in the north-eastern corner, has a pond and wild flower meadow, serving as a wonderful haven for the rich insect and bird life.
The total plot extends to about 1.7 acres and there is a separate road entrance off Manor Gardens enabling access to the gardens for larger machinery.
Annex Cottage
To the north of the main house, framing one side of the driveway parking sweep, a separate two-storey cottage currently serves as an office. Subject to any necessary listed consents, this building could be easily adapted to revert to a self-contained annexe, offering flexible living or guest accommodation.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
This striking period house has the most beautiful gardens, and offers the versatility of a detached cottage. Whilst the new owner will invest in, and modernise the property, the position is fabulous and the village so well placed for commuters to London and Cambridge, as well as to a choice of favoured schools.
James AbbottProperty agent