Tucked in the eaves, a serene study unfolds onto a private balcony with far-reaching pastoral views
Tucked in the eaves, a serene study unfolds onto a private balcony with far-reaching pastoral views
This handsome four-bedroom cottage sits in the peaceful village of South Luffenham, Rutland, surrounded by agrarian countryside and rolling hills. Inside, vibrant pops of colour are juxtaposed with period features, including original fireplaces, sash windows and painted, exposed brickwork. The rear garden brims with greenery, bulbs and broad-leafed trees interspersed with fruit canes and climbing foliage. Despite its decidedly rural setting, the area is well connected; Stamford railway station is a nine-mile drive away, providing links to London King’s Cross via Peterborough in around 90 minutes.
Setting the Scene
South Luffenham is a picturesque village in the heart of rural Rutland, positioned midway between the historic towns of Stamford and Uppingham. Sitting alongside a tributary of the River Chater, the majority of the buildings are hewn from the honey-hued vernacular stone. Traditionally, the village had four farms, along with its medieval church, a fine 18th-century hall, a substantial 19th-century rectory, and many cottages.
This house, commonly known as Swiss Cottage, was built in 1897 by Edmund J Stapleton, a local publican, builder and mill-owner, who is commemorated by a small plaque high on the front of the house. Further back into its history, it is thought that two stone cottages initially stood on the site; records date back to 1774, indicating occupation by a shepherd, Francis Cook, and later sold to local blacksmith Robert Shelton. Throughout its storied life, the site has been home to generations of local workers, including blacksmiths, carpenters, bakers, stonemasons and a butcher, as well as general agricultural labourers.
Due to it having a slate rather than a thatched roof, the house narrowly survived a fire that engulfed part of the village in 1913.
The Grand Tour
This refined detached house sits on a quiet lane in the heart of South Luffenham. Faced in honeyed brick and with a slate-tiled roof, the house is embraced by a low brick wall with blackened wrought-iron railings atop. A panelled front door, with a stone lintel and flat-arched fanlight overhead, has been painted in a striking duck-egg blue, in symphony with the trim and mullions of a series of sash windows.
In the first of two sitting rooms, exposed brick walls are washed in a warm yellow tone. Pine floorboards run underfoot, and the fireplace alcove has shelving overhead. A floor-to-ceiling storage cupboard has been discreetly fitted, and a pair of sash windows fill the space with an ethereal quality of natural light. An additional sitting room is found across the hall, its walls washed in cherry red. It too has an original fireplace and a further duo of sashes.
A generous kitchen is found at the rear. Here, bespoke, hand-crafted cabinets, topped with smart beechwood block worktops, provide plenty of space for storage and food preparation. A large window and half glazed door frame views of the leafy garden beyond and provide access to the outdoor patio - an enticing spot for a morning coffee or long lazy lunch.
On this floor there is also a pantry, and a WC/utility room, with a lovely view to the garden.
In the principal bedroom, sash windows on two sides fill the space with light and afford beautiful aspects over the village. Walls have been washed in a dusky pink tone, while the fireplace has an original Victorian surround and pretty hearth tiles.
There are two further double bedrooms on this floor; the first, washed in a vibrant shade of green, has an original fireplace and handy shelving built into the alcove. The second is also distinct and characterful yet offers a more neutral backdrop.
The shared bathroom has dark-stained tongue-and-groove panelling, pine floorboards and a large soaking bathtub.
The second floor is home to a generous study. Set into the eaves and roof space, the room has a pitched ceiling and white-washed exposed brickwork. Flooded with light care of a glazed screen, it unfolds onto a tranquil balcony. Beyond are beautiful and far-reaching panoramic views. An adjacent, fourth bedroom, with a lofty vaulted ceiling and large dormer completes the plan.
The Great Outdoors
The elevated position of the second floor balcony provides far-stretching views across the village's broad-leafed treetops. Spacious in nature, it is perfectly established for enjoying outdoor living on warmer days and evenings.
An attractive and private south-facing garden extends at the rear of the house, itself wrapped in pretty climbers. Though largely laid to lawn, it has a generous paved area for casual outdoor dining and easy entertaining. The borders brim with verdant foliage, while fruit trees and canes produce bountiful and tasty produce. There is a versatile timber-framed summer house - a wonderful play space or work retreat.
The garden can be accessed via double gates from the front of the house, offering potential to reinstate off-street parking.
Out and About
Set in the heart of rural Rutland’s county, South Luffenham is divided in two sections by the Foss, a small tributary of the River Chater. The village has a thriving community, and its village hall runs a year-round programme of cultural events, classes and gatherings. A five-minute walk from the house, The Coach House Inn is an 18th-century country pub serving hearty food and local ales on tap.
Nearby villages and towns provide a wide selection of amenities and dining options. For groceries, Stamford is a 14-minute drive away and has a Waitrose, M&S and several large stores. The largest market town in the area is Oakham, less than 20 minutes away by car; its lively town centre is home to an excellent choice of dining options. Local favourites include Hitchen’s Barn, San Giorgio and Hungry Birds.
Surrounded by countryside, the house is ideally positioned for activities in nature. For those seeking outdoor adventure, Rutland Water Nature Reserve is less than 10 minutes away by car. Set over 4,000 acres of countryside, it is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and teems with opportunities for walking, swimming, cycling, fishing, birdwatching and taking part in water sports. The park is also home to a golf course and an aqua park.
Just outside of Stamford, Grade I-listed Burghley House is a local landmark and a fine example of Elizabethan architecture. Built in the 16th century, it sits amid spectacular gardens designed by renowned gardener and landscape architect Lancelot “Capability” Brown.
The surrounding area offers brilliant state and public schools. St Mary and St John C of E VA Primary School in North Luffenham and Ketton C of E Primary School are close to the house. For older pupils, Uppingham School, Oakham School, Catmose College and Stamford School are well regarded by local families.
Stamford station is a 14-minute drive, providing railway links to London King’s Cross via Peterborough in 90 minutes and to Stansted Airport in under two hours. Birmingham Airport can be reached in 80 minutes by car, and Stansted in 90. There is convenient access to the national motorway system via the A47 and A1.
Council Tax Band: E
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