History and Specification
The property is thought to date from 1623 and to have formerly been a coaching inn and then a farmhouse. The original part of the house is constructed of coursed limestone and ironstone rubble under a thatch roof with a brick ridge and end stacks. It is in an L-shaped design with three storeys. Later additions to the house include the conversion of an outbuilding which added two further reception rooms on the ground floor. rrThe current vendors have lived in the property for 30 years, purchasing it just after it had been renovated. They continued to refurbish the house throughout, sympathetically combining modern amenities with retained period features which include leaded casement windows, an inglenook fireplace with the original bread oven, and exposed beams and timbers. They also designed and landscaped the gardens and grounds.
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The Norfolk reed roof and ridge were rethatched less than two years ago and the thatch was packed and dressed last year. It has been regularly checked and maintained by a Master Thatcher.
Ground Floor
The entrance hall leads to an inner hall which has a two piece cloakroom and a built-in coat cupboard. It accesses the kitchen/breakfast room and there are double doors to the sitting room. A further corridor leads to two further reception rooms and to stairs to the first floor.
Reception Rooms
The sitting room is almost 36ft. long. It has a dual aspect with feature arched windows to the side aspect and French doors to a seating area in the garden. There is exposed stonework and ceiling beams as well as a working open fireplace with a stone surround. Steps lead down to the family room. rrThe family room is dual aspect with arched picture windows with far reaching views over the gardens and countryside beyond. There are also French doors to a terrace for outdoor dining and entertaining. A fully retractable remote controlled electric canopy extends over the adjacent terrace seating area. There is oak panelling and a fitted unit with storage and book shelves spanning one wall. An exposed brick chimney breast features an inset wood burning stove which has doors that fold to make it an open fire. The room has a wood floor, and a vaulted ceiling and there is space for a table seating eight.
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The dining room has exposed stonework and an exposed stone chimney breast with an inset electric fire and shelving either side. There is a bay window and a further window to the front aspect and there are exposed ceiling beams. The study also has exposed ceiling beams and a door to a courtyard terrace.
Kitchen/Breakfast Room
The kitchen/breakfast room is dual aspect with views over the garden to the rear. There are internal stained glass windows to the entrance hall as well as a door to the garden. It is fitted with a range of base and wall mounted units with worksurfaces and an inset one and a half bowl sink. Integrated appliances include a recently fitted Bosch dishwasher, a Zanussi double oven, a fridge and a five ring gas hob. There are exposed ceiling beams and a tiled floor which continue into the breakfast area where there is space for a table seating six and an inglenook fireplace with an inset remote controlled gas stove. It has a built-in storage cupboard that houses the boiler.
Utility Room
An opening from the kitchen leads to the utility room which has further fitted base and wall units, a butler sink, and space and plumbing for a washing machine, a dishwasher and a tumble dryer. There is also space for two freestanding fridge/freezers. A door leads to the garage.
First Floor
The landing accesses all three bedrooms as well as the family bathroom, and there are stairs to the second floor.rrThe master bedroom has exposed beams and a range of fitted wardrobes spanning one wall. There is an opening to a walk-in shower cubicle and a vanity wash basin. Steps lead up to a French door to the roof. There are views across the garden and countryside beyond.rrThere are two further double bedrooms, one of which is dual aspect and has an exposed ceiling beam. It has a corner walk-in shower cubicle and a vanity wash basin. The other bedroom has exposed ceiling beams and a window, with a window seat, overlooking the front aspect. There is also a vanity wash basin.rrThe family bathroom includes a walk-in shower cubicle, a panelled bath with a shower attachment, a vanity wash basin and a WC.
Second Floor
There is a fitted storage cupboard on the landing. rThe largest bedroom has exposed beams and a window overlooking the rear garden and views beyond. There is a built-in cupboard housing the immersion tank. The further bedroom also has exposed beams and a window that overlooks the rear garden.rrThe bathroom includes a corner panelled jacuzzi bath, a vanity wash basin and a WC.
Gardens and Grounds
The established, mature gardens and grounds are secluded and private. The top part of the garden to the rear of the house is mainly laid to lawn and is bordered by conifer hedging, walls and mature trees and shrubs. The stone paved terrace, accessed from the family room, provides various seating areas and there is a stone water feature. rrThere is a fenced vegetable garden with raised beds. A gate leads to the outdoor swimming pool which has a surrounding decked seating and entertaining area with far reaching views. The pool is heated by an oil fuelled boiler. Below is a further expanse of garden backing onto open countryside. This has an orchard area which has a mix of apple, pear and plum trees. There are also two copses with a mix of native trees including oak, horse chestnut, ash, and hawthorn. In addition, there is a wildlife pond.
Upper Stowe
Upper Stowe is village in West Northamptonshire. It is in the civil parish of Stowe Nine Churches and has a church dedicated to St James. The local schools are The Bliss Charity School in Nether Heyford, Campion School in Bugbrooke, Quinton House School in Upton, and Winchester House School in Brackley. There is the Diary Farm Centre in the village and there are shops in the nearby villages of Weedon and Nether Heyford. Wider amenities can be found in Towcester (approximately 7 miles away) which has several supermarkets including a Waitrose, independent shops and a number of public houses and restaurants. The property is conveniently located for commuting with easy access to the A5 and M1 junction 16 and train stations in Northampton and Milton Keynes with services to London Euston.
