Braunston, Daventry, Northamptonshire

CHECKLEY CLOSE

The charming village of Braunston enjoys a special rural setting and is located on the border of Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, and is renowned for being the junction between the Oxford and Grand Union canals. This impressive historic family home sits in the heart of the village and has been the much loved family home for Nigel and Judith for the last thirty four years.

Checkley Close is an impressive and beautifully presented detached property in the popular and well served village of Braunston offering spacious accommodation over three floors, stunning enclosed gardens, a separate converted Coach House with former stables & workshop and a paddock measuring approx. 1.5 acres. The owners have enjoyed over 30 years of this Grade II Listed property and in that time have restored, maintained and enhanced it to create a welcoming and comfortable home.

The property is believed to date from 1752 with accommodation extending to around 4,000 sq. ft. On the ground floor there is a welcoming entrance hall, a separate dining room with flagstone flooring, a hand-built Fraser James kitchen, home office and sitting room with open fire and stone mullion windows. The four bedrooms are over two floors and include a spacious main bedroom with a well-designed en suite, two further double bedrooms, family bathroom and a laundry room (a clever idea to save carrying the washing up and down the stairs)! The second floor currently has a bedroom and office with a further two rooms which could be converted into living space if required. Outside this beautiful property there are landscaped gardens, former stables and a Coach House which has been converted and offers the perfect space for a studio or office/board room as it is now. It has a cloakroom and small kitchenette. Double gates provide access to the parking area and outbuildings and situated at the bottom of the beautiful gardens is the separate paddock measuring approx. 1.5 acres and borders the Grand Union Canal.

KEY FEATURES

Ground Floor

Although the property has a front door most visitors enter through the beautiful rear entrance having an impressive stone archway and covered porch the perfect place for slipping off the wellies following a day in the garden or returning from a wonderful walk in the surrounding countryside. The welcoming entrance hall has a quarry tiled floor, a cloakroom with WC, under stairs cupboard and entrance doors to both the front and rear of the property with the front door having an inner porch.

The spacious dining room with its wonderful inglenook fireplace (still in use) is the perfect place for entertaining family and friends and retains many of its original features, a running theme throughout the house. It has the original flagstone flooring and windows to both the front and rear with the rear window having a charming window seat and views over the beautiful south facing garden.

The stunning hand built kitchen was installed and designed by Fraser James and is very befitting for such an impressive home. There are a good selection of base and eye level units with granite work surfaces and a two oven green Aga. There is an integrated fridge and freezer with a separate two ring electric hob and pretty tiled splashback. Perfectly placed beneath the stone mullion picture window and overlooking the garden is the Belfast sink set into further granite work surfaces with additional units and an integrated dishwasher. A two-seater breakfast bar, partially glazed side door and tiled floor completes this charming kitchen.

The inner hall with its impressive oak staircase rising to the first floor and large stone mullion rear window with window seat provides access to the home office and main sitting room. The home office which could also be used as a family room has a front window allowing the natural light to flood in and can accommodate two desks as it does now. There are storage cupboards one which houses the boiler for the oil central heating.

The light and spacious sitting room has windows on three sides the largest being the beautiful stone mullion window overlooking the gardens. A charming open fireplace creates a lovely feature within the room and perfect for the winter evenings.

SELLER INSIGHT

“When we were hunting for a family home in the area back in 1989 we were young, just starting our family and the location, local amenities, together with the character of the house ticked all our boxes; plus, we somehow felt the house had been waiting for us. Built of Northamptonshire stone and constructed in 1752 our house is visually attractive and interesting in its setting both on the High Street and with glorious views of the surrounding counrtyside. It is a spacious and comfortable family home which has served us well through the years. With most rooms having a dual aspect, light floods throughout the accommodation which is set over three floors. Checkley Close is highly versatile, full of character and well proportioned throughout, providing extensive options on its use. Having great respect to the unique character of our home, we have replaced the kitchen and bathrooms and the conversion of the upper floor of the barn in 2010 created a wonderful new space for home working and gatherings. It has been an exceptional home to share with friends and family, whatever the occasion; such events are always happy and relaxed.”

“The large garden has matured beautifully over the years and it provides interest and colour throughout the year. Apart from our spacious patio and lawns, we have another area where we can sit and enjoy al fresco dining or we can sit quietly by our pond with drinks. Our garden is another area which we like to share with friends and family and we have celebrated special occasions here when we have erected a marquee.”

“We have been very involved with village life and there are many clubs and societies to enjoy, alongside the many village events which take place. It is an extremely friendly village with some excellent amenities including a shop with a PO, a butcher and a hairdresser. With first rate road and rail links being so easy to access, we have a choice of towns for larger shops, theatres etc.”

“With our retirement, we now wish to live closer to our family. We feel we have been custodians of this special house and it is time for another family to enjoy the experience of living in such a wonderful home in such an outstanding location.”*

First Floor

The galleried landing is full of light due to the large picture window with window seat overlooking the garden. From here there is access to the main bedroom and two further double bedrooms, family bathroom and the laundry room. The main bedroom has a generous range of built in wardrobes, two windows with fitted shutters and ample space for a super king bed and dressing table (as it does now). Double doors lead into the ensuite having a claw foot roll top bath with mixer tap and separate shower attachment, low level flush W/C, pedestal hand basin, attractive Amtico flooring and panelled walls with a large stone window with fitted shutters allowing the natural light to flood in. Bedroom three is currently used as a second home office and has a window overlooking the front. The family bathroom has half tiled walls and attractive Amtico flooring with a pedestal hand basin, bath with mixer tap and shower head attachment, low level flush WC and front window. The cleverly designed laundry/ironing room houses the washing machine and tumble dryer and has a sink, storage cupboards and a large front window. As you continue along the landing there is a further stone mullion window with window seat, storage cupboard, airing cupboard housing the hot water cylinder and a door leading to the second staircase. At the far end is bedroom two, a generous double bedroom with dual aspect windows and ample space for additional bedroom furniture.

Second Floor

A steep dog leg staircase rises to the second floor where there are currently 4 separate rooms, two having been converted into living space. Bedroom 4 is also a double bedroom with built in bedroom furniture including wardrobes and dressing table. There is space for a double bed and both a picture window and skylight window. Next door is the perfect homework room or second home office with a good range of built in furniture including a large desk, drawers, shelving, and skylight window. From the landing a door leads into a large room having a skylight window, A frame beams and ample space for storage with a further room with high ceilings and window both which could be converted to make additional living space.

Coach House & Outbuildings

During their time living at Checkley Close the owners have made some lovely improvements one of the most impressive being the conversion of the Coach House. Entering through the last door of the outbuildings you arrive in a welcoming entrance hall with oak stairs rising to the first floor. Off the entrance is a cloakroom and separate storeroom. At the top of the stairs there is a separate room with a picture window and skylight which would make the perfect office with a separate door leading into the large open plan studio. The impressive space is so versatile and could be a gym, studio, workspace, meeting room to name a few. There is a built- in screen with a projector point.

There is a separate electric heating system and a small kitchen area with Amtico flooring, built-in cupboards, wooden work surfaces and an inset fridge and sink.

The remainder of the outbuildings have been former stables (and could be converted back) with an additional workshop and storeroom.

Gardens & Paddock

One of the many lovely features of this impressive home are its gardens. Measuring nearly half an acre they are south facing with stunning views over open countryside and have been maintained and enhanced lovingly by the current owners. There are a selection of sunny terraces to enjoy outdoor entertaining or a shady spot under one of the pretty trees that are perfectly positioned around the garden. The garden is very private and would be the perfect place to host a wedding or special occasion. At the far end next to the paddock is a small natural pond, a particular favourite spot of the owners. The paddock which measure approximately 1.5 acres has a post and rail fence and borders the Grand Union Canal. Although there are no mooring rights this is something that a new owner could investigate.

Parking

Double gates and a driveway lead to the parking area where there is provision for an electric car charger. There is a smart and discreet storage area for the bins and pathways leading to the rear entrance and side door into the kitchen.

LOCATION

The village of Braunston is situated just off the A45, three miles northeast of the market town of Daventry and 9 miles south of Rugby. There are a wide range of amenities within this popular village including: shops, hairdresser, fish and chip shop, variety of public houses, primary school, village hall and church . The Grand Union Canal passes the outskirts of the village where there is also a thriving marina for narrowboats and a family restaurant situated a short distance from the marina. Communications are good with easy access to the A5 (Watling Street), M1, M45 and M6 and rail services to London and Birmingham from Long Buckby (approx. 6 miles) and Rugby (approx. 9 miles). There is an impressive range of private and public schools in Rugby including Rugby School, Bilton Grange and the Grammar schools Rugby High and Lawrence Sheriff.

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: Mains water, drainage, electric and BT Broadband, Oil fired heating.

Council Tax Band G

Local Authority: West Northants Council (Daventry), Tax Band G

What Three Words: ///cashiers.snuggled.crossings

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 09.06.2023

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 com mon, 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.

LIZ & NICOLA PARTNER AGENTS

Nicola & Liz have collectively worked at Fine & Country for 30 years. During this time they have experienced a high level of repeat business with many previous clients coming back to them who have been impressed by their exceptional service standards, knowledge and integrity. They are fully qualified in Estate Agency and excelled in the NFOPP exams. Throughout their time at Fine & Country they have received several Sales and Marketing awards.

Between them they have also achieved a B.A in Hotel Management and Banking Qualifications. With previous careers in International Banking and International Hotel Management they are well travelled with their careers having taken them to London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Dusseldorf, and the Middle East. They are adept at moving home and offer a great deal of empathy and support to their clients throughout the sale.

They offer a bespoke marketing strategy to all their clients. Both are excellent negotiators and will always ensure that offers reach their full potential. Nicola & Liz live in Rugby with their husbands and children and have a wealth of knowledge of the local area.