Barnstone Cottage is an enchanting early 18th-century stone cottage set within private gardens in the picturesque village of Thorpe Waterville. Thoughtfully extended and beautifully reimagined, the house seamlessly combines historic character with contemporary comfort, creating a home of exceptional warmth and individuality.

The Property

Approached via a generous gravelled driveway and set well back from a country lane, the cottage enjoys a wonderfully secluded position. Constructed of warm local stone beneath a traditional tiled roof, its handsome façade immediately hints at the charm and craftsmanship found within.

Inside, a carefully curated palette of natural materials celebrates the building’s heritage. Exposed stonework, original beams and wood-burning stoves sit effortlessly alongside polished concrete floors, bespoke joinery and thoughtfully designed living spaces.

A welcoming reception hall forms the heart of the home, connecting a series of beautifully proportioned rooms. The snug is an intimate retreat, centred around an impressive stone and brick fireplace with wood-burning stove, while the dual-aspect sitting room offers a light-filled setting with views across the gardens and a second stove creating a focal point for winter evenings.

The kitchen and dining space is undoubtedly the centrepiece of the house. Stylish cabinetry, timber worktops and a substantial island are complemented by a range cooker, a walk-in pantry and cleverly integrated storage. Above, a dramatic roof lantern floods the room with natural light, while bifold doors dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, opening onto the gardens and framing far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. Complementing the kitchen is a practical utility room together with a cloakroom, providing useful ancillary accommodation for everyday living.

The first floor provides three generous double bedrooms, each enjoying a peaceful outlook. The principal suite is particularly impressive, featuring a dedicated dressing room, an elegant ensuite shower room and doors opening onto a private balcony overlooking the gardens and surrounding countryside. A family shower room serves the remaining bedrooms.

Gardens & Grounds

A particular highlight of Barnstone Cottage is its beautifully landscaped garden, which has been carefully designed to create a series of enchanting outdoor spaces whilst taking full advantage of the property’s delightful rural setting. Mature trees, deep herbaceous borders, flowering shrubs and specimen planting combine to create a quintessential English cottage garden, offering colour, texture and interest throughout the seasons.

Immediately adjoining the house, generous paved terraces provide ideal spaces for outdoor dining and entertaining, seamlessly connecting with the principal living areas. Beyond, well-tended lawns are framed by established planting and enjoy attractive views across the surrounding countryside, creating a wonderfully peaceful backdrop.

To the rear of the garden is a substantial workshop together with a detached studio, created from the former garage. These versatile buildings provide excellent ancillary accommodation and are ideally suited to home working, creative pursuits, fitness or hobby use.

The gardens enjoy an exceptional degree of privacy and seclusion, complementing the character of the cottage and providing a setting of remarkable charm and tranquillity.

Location

Set on the banks of the River Nene, Thorpe Waterville is surrounded by unspoilt countryside, water meadows and scenic walking routes. The nearby Nene Way offers miles of riverside exploration, while a local heronry adds to the area’s natural appeal. The cottage is ideally positioned between the sought-after market towns of Oundle and Thrapston, both offering a vibrant mix of independent shops, schooling and everyday amenities. Dining is a pleasure close to home, with the well-regarded Fox Inn providing a welcoming local destination, while Rushden Lakes offers a more extensive retail and leisure experience.
For those needing to travel further afield, excellent road links via the A14 and A1(M), along with mainline rail services from nearby towns, provide convenient access to London in under an hour.

Services
The property benefits from mains water and electricity. Drainage is via a private septic tank system, and heating is provided by an oil-fired central heating system.

Tenure
Freehold, with vacant possession

EPC
Band D

Council Tax
Band F

Local Authority
North Northamptonshire Council

Viewing:
Strictly by appointment with Woodford & Co
T: 01832 274732 E: [email protected]