Hall Farmhouse, Barton Seagrave

KEY FEATURES

• A Grade II Listed, Late 18th Century Former

Farmhouse in a Conservation Area

• Situated Only 5 Minutes Drive From Kettering Train Station with Direct Rail Links to London

• Reception Room, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen / Breakfast Room and a Cellar

• Four First Floor Double Bedrooms, One with En Suite and a Family Bathroom

• Two Second Floor / Attic Rooms with Potential for Further Bedrooms, If Required

• One Bedroom Self Contained Annex Accommodation and a Double Garage

• Gated Front, Long Drive, Timber Carport and

Parking Area for Numerous Cars

• Walled Front Garden with Large Lawn and

Enclosed Rear Garden

• Total Accommodation of Main House Extends to

3092 Sq.Ft and Annex is Circa 462 Sq.Ft.

Perfectly blending the benefits of modern living with a characterful, period property, Hall Farmhouse is a spacious yet cosy abode placed within the Northamptonshire village of Barton Seagrave, on the outskirts of Kettering. Tucked away in a private position behind stone walls, a vast driveway sweeps around to the front of the Grade II listed home, welcoming you to a plot that is often regarded as unexpectedly large for the locale. Comprising of a dining room, snug, living room, kitchen/breakfast room, WC, utility room and porch on the ground floor, the dwelling’s first floor presents a bathroom and four bedrooms, including the master with an en-suite and dressing room. The second floor meanwhile provides a play room and bedroom (or office), and there is even more to discover with the property’s cellar, double garage, carport, and brilliant annex, hosting a kitchen/dining/family room, bedroom, bathroom and utility room. The outside grounds are a pleasure to explore with many peaceful spots to sit and a variety of mature trees, established plants, and lawn.With a plethora of amenities an easy walk away, the house also offers quick access to Kettering and its train station (from which London can be reached in 45 minutes) as well as Corby, Wellingborough, and Northampton.

A late 18th century farmhouse originally associated with Barton Hall, the current owners have lived at Hall Farmhouse for nine years, painstakingly restoring the property on their arrival and adding modern conveniences while respectfully maintaining a wealth of period features. They explained: “We bought Hall Farmhouse in 2013, but it wasn’t until around 14 months later that we could move in. Although it was well presented there was plenty to restore and fix. For instance modern wallpaper and glue was used by the previous occupiers, so the walls which were lined with horsehair plaster, weren’t allowed to breathe. This meant that when the wallpaper came down, the entire wall came off! On the plus side, when the plaster came off, we were able to upgrade quite a few aspects throughout the house, merging an historic building with contemporary living, such as ensuring that despite its thick walls internet is available in every room. We even have the radiators wifi-connected!” Now the home has attractively plastered and painted walls that mirror its heritage.

The restoration work saw myriad other alterations such as new flooring in some rooms, replacement of the sewage and plumbing which initially involved old clay pipes, while the annex has been completely renovated

into a terrific home in its own right, and the backyard enhanced with a sociable seating area where a defunct pond once stood.The owners have also started repointing some of the old stone work outside. Forward thinkers, the family have undertaken works in a considered way to add to the property’s potential and ensure that it can be easily maintained or changed in the future, from putting plumbing and power in the rear porch to installing a small wall internal to that running alongside the driveway, akin to a retaining wall, with custom decking between for easy access to cabling reaching down to the carport, which could be rebuilt to accommodate an electric vehicle charger. The owners have even gained planning permission to take down the garage. While plans to erect something in its place have not yet been approved, the owners had thought of creating a gym, having an architect draw up many different iterations of what could be done. “A lot of what we have done is a foundation for anybody to pick it up and shape the house to exactly what they dream of, to realise their vision, it’s not all static,” they said. “Although we have completely renovated the house, there’s still so much promise to do more should someone want to.”

A hidden retreat, when taking a tour of the property one will begin at its gates, opening onto a curving driveway with a tall stone wall meaning you don’t actually see the house until you round the bend. “You’re not overlooked by anyone, or out on the road. It’s a nice private spot to be, so much so that it almost feels like you don’t have any neighbours,” the owners noted. “Being tucked away, most people don’t even know it’s here, despite its substantial size! It’s a wonderful surprise. A house like this is hard to fathom here when you see the more compact homes in the area.” As the stone property peers out at you it instantly looks grand with its portico and patio, hiding a cosy interior, made all the more impressive thanks to the luscious lawn, plants and mature trees up front, which used to be part of an apple orchard for the area. The site boasts some original trees, and you will definitely be all set to make a fruit pie with apple, pear, fig and cherry trees, while the owners note a gardener used to take apples

away to make pies, cider and jam.

A double garage with electric roller shutter door sits next to the property at the end of the drive, with water and gas lines running into it that simply need to be connected for use, while there is also a sizeable carport at the fore of the driveway, which the owners have considered converting to create a large 3 or 4 bay garage with an apartment above. “We can imagine it becoming an Airbnb or another annex,” the owners said. Furthermore, the south-facing front garden and drive are ideal for those with children and dogs. “This was a key reason that we bought the property,” the owners revealed. “The big yard means kids can play there, ride their bikes, and because it’s all walled in they can’t run out on the road. Plus if you have a dog you can let them run around without worrying about them getting out or going anywhere.”

Stepping up to the front of the property one is greeted by what is said to be an original door from Barton Hall, with a fabulous fanlight above. The home’s windows meanwhile are mainly UPVC heritage style double glazed windows. Wandering into the abode, which has a lovely neutral palette in its spacious rooms and utilises heritage colours while integrating a modern feel, a vestibule with glass door introduces you to the interior, allowing you to peek into the hallway ahead. An old traditional door bell is a delightful feature. From the entrance hall with its classic panelling and high ceilings, one will find the formal dining room immediately to the left, hosting a feature fireplace with a beautifully carved wooden surround, original wooden floorboards, restored period window shutters, and detailed cornicing. French doors connect to the living room with its centrepiece the inglenook fireplace, with a multi fuel burner and large brick surround. “The surround is made of reclaimed bricks from the original grounds of Barton Hall, from one of the outbuildings there,” the owners detail. A stunning ceiling rose is also a stand out element in the light filled, dual aspect room, which has trifold oak doors leading outside.

Returning to the entrance hall the snug is on the right, holding another gorgeous feature fireplace, built-in storage, restored window shutters and detailed cornicing. “This is where you go for a grown up quiet room,” the owners laughed. “We had to replace the floor, so we put in high quality wood flooring to complement the original in the dining room. It’s a more contemporary room in the house, though of course keeps the old features.” Continuing down the hall the kitchen/breakfast room waits to be discovered with beams overhead. Further blending the current and traditional, the kitchen offers a classic ambience intertwined with spotlights and modern appliances from Fisher & Paykel, and there is a double bowl Villeroy and Boch butler sink. A kitchen ready for a chef, there are a range of base and eye level units, granite worksurfaces, a central island, two integrated ovens and four ring ceramic hob with extractor, in addition to a double drawer dishwasher, space for an American fridge freezer, and a dining space.

An old Aga stove is a treat too, though not in use. A door from the kitchen leads to the rear porch which has plumbing and electrics installed, meaning appliances could be placed here to further extend the kitchen, should that suit one’s ideal. There is also a door to the outside enclosed courtyard. The ground floor is completed by a large utility room - with plenty of storage, a single bowl single drainer sink unit, roll top worksurfaces, and space for a washing machine and tumble dryer - and WC, with both of these rooms hosting original flagstone flooring.

While there is a handy cellar downstairs, ascending to the first floor the landing presents a big window with an arched top, an original bannister, and continues the property’s high ceilings. Four double bedrooms can be found on this floor, including the master with its walk-in wardrobe and redesigned en-suite containing a low level WC, stylish wash hand basin, glass shower enclosure with rainfall shower, heated towel rail, and ceramic tiled splash backs and flooring. The bedroom neighbouring the master, meanwhile, usefully has built-in wardrobes and a built-in desk. The home’s main bathroom is also on this floor, providing lots of storage and easy access for boiler maintenance. The owners replaced the bathroom to feature a suite with a low level WC, pedestal wash basin, panel enclosed Jacuzzi bathtub, walk-in glass shower enclosure with rainfall shower, heated towel rail, airing and storage cupboards, ceramic tiled splash backs and flooring. The front electric gates can also be operated from here so that young children are not left unattended whilst bathing.

Up on the second floor, two rooms remain with one leading into the other. The first could be utilised for a number of different uses including a playroom or library and there is lots of hidden storage space, whereas the back room could act as a fifth bedroom or stay in its current state as an office with a kitchenette and beautiful beams.

Moving outside the house, to the rear there are two sections to explore with an array of plantings and seating areas. Behind the living room and garage is a lovely, relaxed patio seating area that would be ideal for al fresco dining and steps down to a lawn where the owners’ children love playing on a trampoline. Walking across to the other portion of the rear of the home, an enclosed courtyard sits behind the kitchen and rear porch, guiding you from the main building to the annex and featuring attractive raised flowerbeds and built-in seating.

The convenient location of Hall Farmhouse within the Barton Seagrave Conservation Area makes it all the more desirable, with a quick walk to access Barton Seagrave’s amenities such as the post office, village hall and Norman church. The home is across from a cricket club, close to a Co-op, parks and fields, and is a stone’s throw from Barton Hall and Vines Brasserie and Wicksteed Park with its rides and walking routes. “When Wicksteed Park has fireworks for Guy Fawkes Night you can invite friends over to watch the display from here,” the owners noted.

There’s a good selection of state and independent schools nearby as well as the universities in Northampton and Leicester, golf courses, and a 5 or so minute drive will take you to Kettering town centre with a plethora of high street shops and restaurants. Kettering train station is also walking distance or a short bike journey away, with direct trains that can reach London on non-stop services in about 45 minutes, making the home a dream for commuters to the capital. Furthermore, the towns of Corby and Wellingborough are just a 20 minute drive, Northampton and Market Harborough a 35 minute drive, and Milton Keynes 45 minutes away.

ANNEX

Redone by the owners, the one bedroom annex with two separate entrance doors is perfect for those with elderly relatives or for guests, complete with an open plan bespoke fitted kitchen and pantry cupboard/living/dining room, double bedroom with bespoke built-in storage, bathroom with shower over the bath and heated towel rail, and laundry room. There is also additional storage space in the loft, and the annex has its own connection with Virgin Media, meaning it can either be included on the same bill as the main house or kept separate to have two different accounts. One can also usefully operate the gate access from the annex, which like the house has its own maintained alarm system.

North Northamptonshire District Council

Council Tax Band: G

SERVICES: Mains Electricity, Water and Drainage, Gas Central Heating

TENURE: Freehold

DISCLAIMER:

These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set out as a general outline only for guidance and do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. Intending purchasers should not rely on them as statements of representation of fact, but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy. No person in the employment of Fine & Country or Rutland Country Properties has the authority to make or give any representation or warranty in respect of the property.

We would also point out that we have not tested any of the appliances and purchasers should make their own enquiries to the relevant authorities regarding the connection of any services.

Agents notes:

The floor plans are for illustration purposes only. All measurements: walls, doors, window fittings and appliances and their sizes and locations are shown conventionally and are approximate only and cannot be regarded as being a representation either by the seller or his agent. © Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Rutland Country Properties. Registered in England and Wales No. 11897195 Registered Office - 27-29 Old Market, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1NE

Copyright © 2022 Fine & Country Ltd.

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