North Kilworth, Lutterworth

IVY HOUSE

An elegant grade II listed Georgian country home, offering in excess of 4000 ft.² of accommodation in this quiet lane in North Kilworth.

KEY FEATURES

Ivy House offers the classic Georgian facade considered to be amongst the most attractive architectural period in English history. The house is Grade II listed and offers accommodation over, three floors, plus the advantage of a significant cellar, perfect for housing the wine collection. It lies virtually at the centre of the Village Conservation area. There are six excellent double bedrooms across the other two floors of the house, including a large principal bedroom, a guest bedroom with ensuite bathroom and a large bathroom that is housed in the sympathetically designed gable extension. Ivy House is situated in a quiet backwater of this delightful, picturesque Leicestershire village and offers, some wonderful period features, including original Elm floors, the classic rear ‘servant stairs’ and an ornate main staircase with turned balusters and ramped hand rail. On entry there is attractive Minton tiled floor and the original panelled dining room with Georgian fireplace.

All of the sash windows on the frontage have the benefit of original shutters and views across the village and the large sitting room has views across the garden, as well as an original shuttered sash window to the rear, plus a fireplace with a modern multifuel burner. The kitchen has been sympathetically extended with a large, glazed atrium providing additional space and running across the rear elevation, providing fine views of the garden. The classic bespoke country style kitchen has a travertine floor, a cooking range, a large island unit, a built-in dishwasher and a built-in fridge and freezer and has access to a large pantry. The utility room has access to the rear courtyard and a cloakroom and boiler room. Just off the utility room is an excellent library with built in shelving and neighbouring study. The cellar is split into three usable chambers and including two that offer the perfect conditions for a buyer’s wine collection.

SELLER INSIGHT

It was a combination of classic Georgian architecture and superb location that drew us to the property when we came across it thirty-five years ago,” says Peter. “We were moving up from London, and because I travelled nationally for work we needed to find somewhere central. Here, we’re not too far from two electrified mainline stations with 1 hour schedules to London, the M1 and M6, and we can be at Birmingham airport in under an hour.” “It is very convenient, but the village itself is very peaceful and we’re surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside with numerous bridleways and a leisure canal so we’ve been able to enjoy the best of both worlds,” adds Elizabeth.

“In terms of the house itself, it was most definitely love at first sight,” continues Elizabeth. “We viewed dozens of properties during our search, but the minute we set foot inside Ivy House we knew it was the one. It’s really spacious and bright, and it’s filled with an array of original period features, including a particularly impressive etched wood frieze that runs up the main hall stairway. It features an assortment of mythical creatures no doubt used for countless bedtime stories to generations of children. It resembles the style of Arthur Rackham but we have no real clues to its provenance. Dating from around the 1740’s, a notable resident was Admiral Man Dobson (who served under Nelson) and his son who fought at the siege of Toulon in the Napoleonic wars.

“The house is hugely characterful but it was in need of TLC when we came here,” says Peter. “Previous owners had made modifications (not at all in keeping with the period of the house) so we gradually unpicked them and restored it to its former glory. We did a lot on the “fundamentals” such as overhauling the electrics, the plumbing system, reslating the roof and adding a quality conservatory wing. We wanted to give the house modernity without impinging on the dictates of the Listing or the sense of history, and we believe we succeded in achieving that aim.”

“North Kilworth is a lovely little village with a really friendly and very active community,” says Peter. “There’s a primary school just down the road, a bowling green across the way, tennis courts, an all-weather court ,an active cricket and sports club.” “The village has successfully retained a pub that serves appetising menus (much sourced locally) For everything else we usually head into Market Harborough,” adds Elizabeth.

“The house is just lovely as it is, but there’s definitely potential to enhance it further,” says Peter. “Plumbing is already in place should the new owners want to add more ensuites .We also have planning consent to add a fully independent ground floor granny flat.”

“We’ve loved every minute of our time at Ivy House. It has been a terrific place to bring up our children , but they have long since flown the nest so now is the time to downsize,” says Peter. “In terms of what we’ll miss most, I’d say the atmosphere of the house. It’s very warm and welcoming, so much so that it’s almost as if it talks to you.” “It now needs a new family to fill it, look after it and love it just as much as we have,” says Elizabeth.

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

The dining room has to be one of the most impressive rooms in the house,” says Peter. “It still has the original painted panelling, alcov e cupboards and beautiful oak and elm floorboards. It’s extremely elegant and a lovely place to entertain friends and family.”

On the first floor there are three double bedrooms, including large Principal Bedroom with views to the front. All bedrooms have plumbing for sinks and offer greater potential for addition al bathroom suites, subject to the usual listed building consents. One of the bedrooms serves as a perfect guest suite, having its own en-suite bathroom and views of the garden, whilst across the landing is family bathroom with a Victorian style four-piece bathroom suite and views of the garden. The second floor offers an abundance of character features, with a variety of exposed oak timbers, lead- light windows and original oak and elm floorboards. There are three bedrooms and a convenient attic room, perfect for a growing family.

The property currently has planning consent for the creation of annexe, via the conversion of the library and study area and utility area to create a one-bedroom ancillary dwelling, buyers are advised to contact Harborough District Council Planning Department for more information under the reference 14/01653/FUL. We understand that the consent is still valid as the footings for the original plans have already been undertaken, granting planning permission in perpetuity.

Another lovely feature is the garden,” says Elizabeth. “It extends to almost a quarter of an acre and it’s a very peaceful and private sp ace. The planting has matured over many years (including a “wild” patch) so we enjoy a lovely outlook, but as it’s mainly laid to lawn it’s very easy to maintain. It’s also a very family-fri endly space, ideal for children and a pace for sitting out, relaxing and alfresco entertaining.” The yard can easily accommodate 6 vehicles when the family invade.

Outside

The property offers a plot in a region of 0.23 of an acre, of which some of which is dedicated to a large parking area, accessible via a wrought iron gate, providing access to a block paved courtyard which neighbours the some attractive barn conversions, that were previously part of Ivy House. The vendors have constructed an excellent double garage in period style, which also has a basement and first floor, there are steps that lead up to the first floor which is split into two distinct areas and has conservation roof windows and no heating but could, with very little imagination, be converted into the perfect ‘work from home’ office. The basement offers a considerable amount of further workshop space or storage and is ideal for a motoring enthusiast considering the space available.

The rear gardens are laid mainly to lawn and offer a westerly facing aspect and enjoy the sun in the afternoon in the summer months. There are some well stocked borders and mature trees on the rear boundary, together with a variety of perennials and well-tended hedges. The rear of the property can be appreciated with its two Gable ends one of which was part of a sympathetic extension, constructed by our present owners in their time here. There is large terrace just off the Kitchen and listed hipped walls leading up both sides of the boundary of the garden.

LOCATION

North Kilworth is a small village located in the Harborough district of Leicestershire, England. It is situated approximately 10 miles south of the city of Leicester and 6 miles east of the town of Lutterworth.

The village has a long history, dating back to the Pre-historic era, and there are several notable buildings in the area, including the 12th century All Saints Church and the Old Rectory, which dates back to the 17th century. There is also a village green, a village hall, and a pub, The White Lion. The village has written an approved Neighbourhood plan.

North Kilworth is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is situated close to the Grand Union Canal, which provides opportunities for leisure activities such as boating and fishing. The village is also home to several walking and cycling routes which pass through the village.

Despite its small size, North Kilworth is a vibrant community with a range of social and cultural events throughout the year, including an annual village fete, a beer festival, Christmas market and an all weather sports facility. The village also has a primary school, which serves the local area.

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 09929046 VAT No: 232999961

Head Office Address 1 Regent Street Rugby CV21 2PE

copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd.

INFORMATION

Services

Oil fired heating, supplemented by an air source heat pump, mains water, electricity, drainage and broadband are connected

Local Authority Harborough District Council Council tax band ‘G’.

Viewing Arrangements

Strictly via the vendors sole agents Sam Funnell 07714 515484 and Claire Heritage 07894 561313, Fine and Country Rugby.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 17.04.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in over 300 locations, spanning Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia, we combine widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation –leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.

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Claire has worked in the property industry for over 18 years, during which time she has mastered the ever changing marketing techniques that have evolved numerous times during her working life. In particular, Claire is a marketing manager and social media expert which puts her in the perfect position to elevate the status of your home and create a successful and bespoke marketing strategy tailored to your needs. She has received many awards and testimonies from her contemporaries and clients alike. Claire is consistently dedicated to her role and is the consummate professional, always going out of her way to help others at any given time. With her warm personality and outstanding customer service, Claire’s sole aim is to ensure that our clients; journey is as smooth and as stress free as possible. Claire works closely with her partner Sam (Fine & Country Branch Partner) and lives in Rugby with her two children.

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Sam heads up the team in Rugby and has worked in a Managerial capacity in the local area with other agents for over 20 years. Sam combines his wealth of local knowledge, with an enthusiasm for marketing, service and results. He is more than happy to provide a bespoke, tailored plan to aid any seller’s move using Fine & Country’s incredible marketing tools. The office constantly receives repeat business and excellent reviews, a true testament to the quality of service that Sam and the team consistently deliver.

The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness.

5 Regent Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2PE

01788 820062 | rugby@fineandcountry.com