NEWS The best ‘good news’ stories from across the county. This month, cause for celebration in Uffington and Burghley. Plus, Rishi in Rutland!

Two local villages are the ‘poshest...’

BURLEY IN RUTLAND AND UFFINGTON NEAR STAMFORD BOTH PRAISED

RUTLAND AND STAMFORD The villages of Burley on the Hill and Uffington have been named as being among the ‘poshest’ villages in the UK in a recent survey conducted by The Daily Telegraph. The newspaper has compiled a list of the most desirable villages out of the 6,116 villages in Britain. Burley on the Hill was formerly the home of the Rutland Show before it moved to a dedicated home on the Rutland Showground in 2013. Covering nearly five square miles and with a population of around 600, the village is home to the magnificent Palladian mansion created by Sir John Harington of Exton in early 1600s. The mansion was split into six dwellings plus 22 further properties around the main house from 1993-1998 and was later purchased by Asil Nadir. The village is also home to The Old Smithy which featured on Cherry Blossom shoe polish tins in the 1920s, and formerly had a motte and bailey castle at nearby Alstoe. Meanwhile, Uffington was featured in our May edition in which we praised the village for its community spirit. Home to 700 people and to an annual Scarecrow Festival, the village also has a popular pub – The Bertie Arms –a community farm and a very busy village hall which hosts all manner of local events. n

Braunston Fair Success

More than 1,800 people attended this year’s Braunston Fair, raising £12,200 for local charities, according to Chris Lovelock of the event’s committee. “We raised a record figure which has been split between Braunston Church, the Braunston Village Hall, and this year’s chosen charity, The Mount Group, Riding for the Disabled (RDA).” The Church was delighted to receive a donation of £8,540 which will be put towards maintaining the Church’s ancient building with the aim of keeping it as a

BRAUNSTON usable space for all the community, for Church services, weddings, funerals and wider events such as a recent Gilbert & Sullivan Evening, and also for events linked to the Village Hall.” “The Mount Group, is an enthusiastic set of volunteers dedicated to offering the benefits of riding to around 50 adults and children with special needs each week.” “Such a successful outcome would not be possible without the help of the local businesses, who continue to be extremely generous with their support of the Fair. n

New Singers Wanted

HARBOROUGH SINGERS ARE INVITING NEW RECRUITS IN ADVANCE OF REHEARSALS

If you enjoy singing, The Harborough Singers are keen to hear from you! The 30-strong local chamber choir has been having a great summer, singing in the sun in Tuscany, making glorious music with Great Bowden Camerata, and lolling around in the chairman’s garden with a glass of something cool. But, but… all that drinking and thinking made them realise something was missing.

RUTLAND More people to share it all with! So if you love to sing, fancy airing your vocal chords visit the group’s website at to see if this is the choir for you. Autumn rehearsals start this month ready for a performance of Brahms’ Requiem at Lyddington on Bonfire Night, November 5th, which, obviously, should go with a bang. For more information on the group see www.harboroughsingers.com. n

Merchant Navy Day Celebrated at Oakham Castle...

OAKHAM Rutland residents will be taking part in a flag raising ceremony to mark Merchant Navy Day 2022 as Pride goes to press. The ceremony will commemorate all those who work at sea, both past and present and takes place outside Oakham Castle. Merchant Navy Day commemorates the date in 1939 when the first UK merchant ship, SS Athenia, was torpedoed. It raises awareness of the country’s ongoing dependence on merchant seafarers. n

Rishi Visits Rutland Hall

ONE OF THE FINAL CANDIDATES IN THE TORY LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN DROPS BY IN RUTLAND

RUTLAND Depending on what happens after we go to press, either the runner up in the Conservative Party leadership contest, or the new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, stopped by in Rutland recently. The hotel, which was formerly known as Barnsdale Hall – and whose fortunes have been transformed by new owners Dineshbhai and Savitaben Patel – reopened a year ago. Rishi hosted an event for local constituents in the sunshine, following last month’s Pride article in which Rutland’s MP Alicia Kearns expressed her support for his bid to become leader and Prime Minister. n Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council have joined up to submit a bid for the second round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. If successful it could see a £23m injection to help boost the economy across five key projects.

RUTLAND n

£23m Investment

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

RUTLAND

Lakeland store opens at Gates Garden Centre...

Kitchenware and home store Lakeland opens at Gates Garden Centre as Pride goes to press. One of our favourite retailers and our favourite Rutland garden centre, the two will bring a great retail experience for anyone looking for practical gadgets, cookware, cleaning equipment and storage solutions. Gates Garden Centre was established in 1948 and has over 12,000 square metres of retail and leisure facilities. Meanwhile Lakeland was set up in 1964 and now sells over 4,000 different products, with nearly 70 stores and a head office in Windermere. n

Support for grieving local parents...

BALM (BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS MATTERS) SET UP BY STAMFORD PARENTS

In December 2021, Helen and Pete Blythe suffered the agonising and tragic loss of their five-yearold son, Benedict, who died suddenly following a collapse at school just before Christmas. Heading home from hospital after his death, they left carrying a pile of his clothes and a piece of paper ripped from the corner of a notepad with the details for a police officer. That was, and remains, the full extent of signposting and support they’ve received to help them through the death of their son. Their experience isn’t uncommon and so the couple set up BALM (Bereavement and Loss Matters) to help other local families having little or no support following the death of their child and who have to try and seek out their own help at a time when they don’t have the strength. BALM is looking for passionate volunteers to support with setting up and running support groups from the Autumn, giving families the opportunity to spend time with others who are going through the same devastating loss. The group will also be running regular events beginning before Christmas. BALM relies on generous

STAMFORD donations to meet the needs of families who have lost children and the group is also looking for volunteers. If you are able to donate, or help, you can do so via www.balm.support. n

LOCAL NEWS

In Brief

BRAND NEW SHOP OPENS FOR MAN’S BEST FRIEND!

A brand new store dedicated to man’s best friend will open in Uppingham as Pride goes to press. Created by Philip and Deborah Hutchinson, Barkers will be located on High Street East and will sell premium dog foods, treats and accessories. The couple have a dapple Dachshund called Ronnie and a Cockapoo called Coco. n

Curve appoints Sita

LEICESTER’S CURVE THEATRE APPOINT SITA MCINTOSH AS CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

LEICESTER Sita McIntosh, former Chief Operating Officer of leading UK theatre website What’s On Stage, has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Leicester’s Curve theatre. A Curve Trustee since 2018 with over 34 years’ experience in UK theatre, McIntosh brings a wealth of knowledge across the sector, including working for West End, Off-West End and regional venues and ticketing agents. As part of her role at What’s On Stage, McIntosh also co-produced its awards, the largest publicly voted theatre awards in the UK. n

EMPINGHAM, RUTLAND OIEO £500,000

Set well back and up steps behind a picket fence enclosing its front garden, this

Grade II listed charming cottage dates back to circa 1755. The property retains many of its historic features with its pretty arched panes in the front windows, inglenook fireplaces, original flooring, exposed stone, an old bread oven, a wealth of beams and a well-used cellar. The property offers 3 double bedrooms, 3 sizeable reception rooms and a generous, mature and secluded garden at the back that houses an outside home office. Situated in the Rutland village of Empingham within walking distance of all the amenities, this is a rare opportunity to purchase such a quaint property.Road links are superb as it sits on the A606 about halfway between Stamford and Oakham, each less than a 10 minute drive, the A1 is even nearer and Rutland Water is just a stone’s throw from the property. Uppingham is about 15 minutes away and Peterborough with its direct fast trains to London, about half an hour.

UFFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE Guide Price £1,350,000

An exemplary barn conversion stands in a tranquil position in the pretty village of

Ufford, between Stamford (5 miles) and Peterborough (8 miles). Built in local limestone, Hope Barn is a superb four bedroom home with huge open spaces with vaulted ceilings and an abundance of bi-folding doors, a courtyard garden to the south and sweeping lawns and terraces, overlooking paddocks backed by trees, behind. The L-shaped property has a central open plan living room with a formal dining area. The adjacent kitchen breakfast room is magnificent with its vaulted ceiling, exposed timber trusses and two sets of bi-folding doors. Three of the 4 bedrooms are located on the ground floor whereas the master suite is on the first floor. Outside, the courtyard is completely enclosed by stone walls and contains a sizeable patio area ideal for alfresco dining. The back garden is mainly lawn with two more paved areas, one leads from the kitchen, the other is housing a built-in barbecue.

NEW NEW

MARKET OVERTON NO ONWARD CHAIN £715,000

A substantial, detached, individual property with private, mature, south-facing garden in a desirable village location. 2 Reception Rooms, open-plan Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom/WC, 4 Bedrooms, Master Dressing Room & En-suite Bathroom, Family Bathroom; double Garage, ample off-road Parking. Energy Rating: C.

NEW

OAKHAM Offers Over £560,000

An elegant, period detached stone-built house in the heart of Oakham town centre and providing beautifully appointed accommodation, largely refurbished to a high standard with a few small items still needing attention. Lounge, Sitting Room, Family Room, Breakfast Kitchen, WC, 3 Double Bedrooms, En-suite Shower Room, Bathroom; Cottage Gardens, Parking for 2 cars. Energy Rating: E.

NEW

OAKHAM £615,000

Substantial, five-bedroom 1950's detached house occupying a large plot with beautifully maintained gardens situated on the very edge of town, a short walk of amenities therein. Requiring routine modernisation, this imposing property possesses immense potential to create a stunning family home in a much sought-after location. 3 Reception Rooms, 5 Bedrooms, 2 Bath/Shower Rooms, Tandem Garage. Energy Rating: D.

KETTON £610,000

Stunning barn conversion providing stylish and well-proportioned accommodation equipped to an exceptional standard and situated next to the church in a much sought-after village close to the historic market town of Stamford. Sitting Room, Dining Kitchen, Cloakroom/WC, 3 Bedrooms, Master En-suite Shower Room and Bathroom; picturesque Courtyard Garden. Energy Rating: C.

NEW

COTTESMORE OFFERS OVER £450,000

Beautifully presented cottage providing contemporary accommodation of a character of its own in a sought-after village setting. The accommodation is appointed to a high standard and features oak doors, exposed timbers and a wood-burning stove. Open-plan Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen, Utility, WC, 4 Bedrooms, En-suite Shower Room, Bathroom; Parking, landscaped Gardens. Energy Rating: C.

COTTESMORE OFFERS OVER £430,000

Modern detached stone-built house with garage, parking and enclosed rear garden, offering immaculate, stylishly presented accommodation in a popular village. Featuring good quality oak doors and full-height fitted wardrobes, the property offers well-proportioned accommodation with Living Room, superbly equipped open-plan Kitchen/Dining Room, useful Utility, Clkrm/WC, 4 Bedrooms and 2 Bath/Shower Rooms. Energy Rating: B.

Guide Price £600,000 Guide Price £600,000

The Old Stable, Ashwell Hall Stables

A wonderful Grade II listed, three-bedroom stable conversion with unique and flexible living accommodation and a superb South-West facing mature garden.

Guide Price £425,000 Alsthorpe Road, Oakham

A four-bedroom, detached family home with spacious accommodation, a west-facing garden, garaging & off-road parking, all within walking distance of Oakham town centre.

Guide Price £275,000

Wenton Close, Oakham

A five-bedroom, detached family home sitting on a generous plot with off-road parking and garaging on the edge of the ever popular village of Cottesmore. Stockerston Crescent, Uppingham

A semi-detached, two-bedroom bungalow with off-road parking and garaging within walking distance of Uppingham town centre.

Top of the Class Postcodes

Professional property finder Kate Vincent explores the challenge of finding a home in a location that offers the right schooling.

In the coming weeks, as summer draws to a close, life will return to a more familiar rhythm for families with children of school age. This return to school also acts as a prompt for those considering schooling options for the next academic year. With school application deadlines approaching in the coming months and the deadline for most primary schools falling in mid-January, those looking to move home and secure a place at their school of choice in 2023 will need to begin their search imminently if it is not already underway. Stamford and Rutland have several highly regarded state and independent schools in Rutland and the surrounding areas and competition for places can be fierce, as is the demand for homes in the surrounding areas, presenting unique challenges for parents seeking to find the balance between the right school and the right location to buy a home.

Changing family priorities

Priorities and needs have changed over the last couple of years with families now seeking more spacious homes to allow for working or studying at home, more outside space, and within close proximity of a desirable school. But with such limited stock of ‘best in class’ homes fitting these criteria, it is easy to understand why premium prices continue to be paid for properties close and convenient to highly favoured schools. Living close to a top performing school is always going to be an attractive proposition for family buyers, but at what cost? The debate between funding an independent education or allocating money to buying a superior property in a good catchment area is a frequent one for those able to consider either option, with no clear answer.

Location is paramount

Given the cost of an independent education, obtaining a place for your child or children in a top performing state school can be an attractive and sensible option for many, who will then focus their efforts on finding a new home within the school’s catchment area. Indeed, there are signs of some parents looking to move further into Lincolnshire to take advantage of the grammar schools such as those in Bourne, Grantham and Lincoln. Independent schooling presents different challenges. With the cost difference between day pupils and boarders, living nearer to the independent school of choice could be a financially savvy move. Over the period of a child’s schooling, parents who live within travelling distance to the school could save a considerable amount by avoiding boarding fees. Competition for places at the best schools is undeniably tough, and for those family buyers looking to make a move prior to the start of the new academic year in 2023, now is the time to be making plans and seeking the right advice.

Garrington’s property consultants help buyers to find and purchase properties that meet their requirements. Their local expertise and in-depth knowledge of the property market helps homebuyers to consider a wider choice of properties and purchase more effectively.

If you are considering moving and would like more information about how to better navigate your local property market, contact Kate Vincent to arrange a no-obligation discussion.

Kate Vincent Garrington

Tel. 01780 408377. Email info@garrington.co.uk www.garringtoneastmidlands.co.uk