‘A rural retreat in a central location.’ Characterful and imposing Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac but within walking distance of the small village of Elmesthorpe in south Leicestershire, the Homestead is a delightfully bespoke residence providing four bedrooms with partner en-suites and a generous combination of spacious and versatile ground floor reception rooms. It was originally built in 1996 and has been extended by previous owners to provide a unique house offering character and charm. As an executive property, it has been maintained to a high standard, is situated in a superb location and fulfils contemporary expectations for a family home. From the kerb side, the house appears immediately imposing. It is positioned atop a gated drive and designed with a striking cross gabled roof, distributed with multiple dormer bedroom windows and a weathervane mounted by a traditional cockerel. A delightful Juliette balcony, striking apex window and arched solid wood, tongue and groove front door all add to the imposing first impression. Swathed in Virginia Creeper, carefully trained across the front of the house, this home presents as one of character and style, with a twist of originality that will be appreciated as our tour continues. Once beyond the front gates, the landscaped front garden is a combination of hedges, lawn, established shrubbery and planted beds: indicative of the generous, well maintained nature of the whole property and grounds. A double garage, covered double car porch and sweeping drive lead to the front of the house. To the side, a wrought iron gate and path lead to the rear gardens. A bespoke welcoming entrance As we enter by the front door adorned with ornate black ironmongery, bell and outside light, through the double glass doors opening into the hall, the splendid L shaped staircase takes central stage as it rises - seemingly without support - to the galleried landing above. This lofty expanse is illuminated during the daytime with natural sunlight, as the tall front windows above the porch permit light to flood into the vault above the hall, showcasing the mellowed beams straddling the ceiling and carved spindles of the staircase. It is a beautiful feature of the property and primarily leads to three double bedrooms with en-suites on the first floor. One of the bedrooms is a Jack and Jill room, permitting access to the second landing, the fourth double bedroom with en-suite and a second staircase. The second staircase The spacious and welcoming hall sets the standard for the quality and taste of the interior decoration throughout the property. At the centre of the house, all the reception rooms can be accessed from the hall, with the exception of the utility room and sitting room. The sitting room was originally garage space and has been altered to create an additional, informal and relaxing family room in close proximity to the kitchen. This large, airy room has five bi folding doors that open into the privacy of the front garden, with integrated access to the double garage next door. It has a combination of features including plain painted walls, exposed brick work, solid wooden flooring and flushed ceiling lighting that will feature throughout the house to present a coordinated, contemporary style. We can now leave the sitting room and enter into the utility area. The second staircase divides the room and provides a practical space fitted with worktops, sink and plumbing for all laundry appliances. An exterior door to the rear garden allows convenient access across a tiled floor. This practical arrangement allows the main hall to be bypassed by using the smaller flight of stairs to reach the second landing and balconied bedroom above the sitting room. A tastefully designed, contemporary kitchen The kitchen has a beautifully streamlined arrangement of wall and floor units that curve around the room and the central island. This contains the convection hob with overhead extractor fan, storage facilities and working areas. Large neutral floor tiles contrast against the smooth, fluid surfaces of the cabinetry, where handles are sleekly minimalistic and kitchen appliances – ovens, dishwasher, fridge freezer - are discreetly integrated to enhance the overall design. It has subtle and targeted lighting and features vertical industrial styled radiators in graphite grey. French doors open into the garden and a seating area amply provides room for a dining table and chairs. With windows or doors on three walls, this light, well-proportioned room, ticks all the boxes for creatively using the hub of the house, as a relaxed, social area focused around mealtimes. The remaining ground floor rooms Leaving the kitchen the main hall can be re-entered and in a clockwise direction there are doors opening into a cloak room, dining room, lounge and study. This property is luxuriously equipped with en-suites to partner each bedroom and as with the downstairs cloakroom, is similarly fitted to a high specification with white sanitary ware, hard flooring and contemporary radiator. The large dining room overlooks the rear grounds and has a set of French doors. Likewise, the spacious lounge next door has two pairs of equidistant French doors on either side of a rustic fireplace, complete with gnarled wooden beam and recessed chimney breast. Windows provide dual aspects and create a lovely, light and airy room. The remaining room is the separate study, which is fitted with appropriate furniture for a desk area, storage and office appliances. It also has a fireplace, with wooden mantel and tiled hearth. It is worth noting that due to the number of reception rooms providing multiple functions, the dining room or study, could easily serve a different purpose. Whatever their use, they are ideally positioned within a few steps to the cloakroom and kitchen. The ascent to the galleried landing The carpeted staircase has partially exposed white painted steps that lead to the wonderful galleried landing above. From this position, the large apex window can be appreciated and around its base, an internal wooden balustrade creates a feature reminiscent of a minstrel’s gallery. The unhindered light floods along the landing leading to three of the double bedrooms. The rooms at the front of the house benefit from the additional space afforded by the dormer windows and two of them have balconies from which to appreciate the views. The prime suite is one of these and comes complete with a spacious bedroom, dressing room and five piece en-suite with roll top bath. Each bedroom is unique but similarly, tastefully decorated, with solid flooring, painted walls and the luxury of a partner en-suite. Spacious house, spacious garden The front, side and rear garden at some point in the course of the day enjoys the sun and the sweep of lawn along three sides extenuates the width of the plot. It is bordered by hedges and there are many idyllic, private places to sit, work, relax or play, with flower beds, a pond, paved areas and established trees. Covered patio spaces provide shade and outside retreats for entertaining, while a greenhouse and sheds accommodate tools and garden equipment. LOCALITY Elmesthorpe is a small village in central England, a region referred to as the East Midlands. It is situated approximately 9 miles south-west of Leicester’s city centre and approximately 28 miles south of Nottingham’s city centre. The village is in the LE9 postcode district and falls within the civil parish of the Blaby district of Leicestershire. It is situated to the south-west of the larger village of Earl Shilton, near to greater variety of amenities provided by the bustling town of Hinckley, (3 miles north-east) on the A47 road. The M69 is predominantly the swiftest link road to access the county’s motorway network including the M1 (junction 21, west towards Leicester Forest East). The M42 is south, heading towards Tamworth. Elmesthorpe is 89 miles north-west of London. There are railway stations in Hinkley, Narborough and Leicester, where the Midland Main Railway Line runs trains to London – Leicester to St Pancras - regularly. There are normally 70 trains running daily, to London, the fastest taking approximately an hour. The village has been inhabited from at least Roman times as there is evidence of Roman occupation within the parish. The parish church is dedicated to Saint Mary and was built in the 13th century. In 1485, it is thought King Richard III and his troops stayed in the partially ruined church for shelter on their march from Leicester to the Battle of Bosworth; with the king and his officers sheltering within the building, and the soldiers camping outside. Although falling into ruins by 1869 it was partially rebuilt on its foundations to a smaller scale. The present church occupies the east-end, while the west end of the church has been left in its original state. Elmesthorpe maintains all the charm and features associated with a rural location and several amenities including public houses and restaurants are in the village or close by: The Wentworth Arms public house, Restaurant Glen Watson or Oscar’s Lounge and Bar. Many serve meals and some provide a takeaway service. Elmesthorpe is 3 miles north-east of the town of Hinkley and 5 miles south-east of the historical centre of Market Bosworth. These towns offer a variety of amenities such as edge of town super stores or uniquely bespoke shops, restaurants, sports venues, public houses, cafes and parks. For an even greater variety of entertainment including theatres, the cosmopolitan city of Leicester with its diverse cultural influences is on hand. For those who prefer rural retreats Burbage ...
