A handsome late Victorian house, beautifully presented and maintained throughout, situated in a quiet lane within the historic and highly regarded village of Lilford.

Gardener’s Cottage is an exceptionally well-maintained country home, quietly positioned within the sought-after village of Lilford and occupying a wonderfully private setting of approximately 0.25 acres. Originally forming part of the historic Lilford Hall estate, the property combines the charm and architectural character of a late Victorian estate cottage with the scale, comfort and flexibility of a thoughtfully designed contemporary extension.

The current owners have undertaken a substantial transformation of the property, introducing a two-storey, pitched-roof extension which has been carefully designed to complement the original house. The quality of the materials, proportions and detailing is particularly successful, giving the impression that the house has evolved naturally over time with a pleasing sense of continuity, generous ceiling heights, well-proportioned rooms and an abundance of natural light.

The original part of the house is arranged around a welcoming entrance hall, from which the principal reception rooms are accessed. To either side are two elegant reception rooms, each enjoying an attractive bay window to the front and retaining a wealth of period character.

The formal sitting room provides a particularly inviting space, with a log-burning stove creating a natural focal point and adding warmth and atmosphere during the cooler months. Opposite, the formal dining room is equally well proportioned, with its bay window and LPG feature fireplace creating an elegant setting for more formal entertaining. From here, the accommodation flows naturally into the kitchen, creating a pleasing connection between the rooms.

The kitchen is very much at the heart of the home. Beautifully crafted handmade cabinetry is complemented by a traditional butler’s sink and Quooker tap, while an oil-fired AGA forms the centrepiece of the room. Integrated appliances include a dishwasher and fridge, with a further companion AGA providing an LPG hob and electric oven. The generous arrangement is particularly well suited to family life and entertaining, offering both practicality and a strong sense of occasion.

The accommodation continues through to an inner hall, where there is a useful downstairs cloakroom and access to the newer part of the house. Here, a second sitting room provides a more relaxed and informal space for everyday living. French doors open directly onto the patio and gardens, allowing the room to connect effortlessly with the outside during the warmer months and creating a particularly enjoyable space for summer entertaining.

To the first floor, there are four well-proportioned double bedrooms, together with a family bathroom and a particularly generous principal bedroom suite. The principal bedroom benefits from a larger-than-average en-suite, while the remaining bedrooms provide considerable flexibility for family, guests or those working from home.

Outside, the gardens are undoubtedly one of Gardener’s Cottage’s greatest assets. Extending to approximately 0.25 acres, they have been beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained, whilst retaining a sense of natural maturity and seclusion. Mature fruit trees, raised vegetable beds and a Rhino greenhouse reflect the owners’ care and enjoyment of the garden, creating an environment that is as productive as it is attractive.

The gardens provide a wonderfully private backdrop to the house and a series of spaces to enjoy throughout the day and across the seasons, from morning coffee in the garden to outdoor entertaining in the summer months. Their established character and thoughtful planting complement the architecture of the house perfectly.

A further practical and valuable feature is the detached double garage, which provides secure parking and excellent additional storage. With both plumbing and electricity connected, the space offers considerable versatility and could readily accommodate a range of uses, from workshop or hobby space to additional storage, alongside ample room for vehicles and garden equipment.

The setting is equally appealing. From Gardener’s Cottage, the surrounding countryside is readily accessible, offering the opportunity to enjoy a more relaxed rural way of life, while the property remains conveniently placed for the main road network and the highly regarded schools of Oundle.

Location

Lilford is an attractive rural village set amidst gently rolling Northamptonshire countryside, having evolved around the magnificent Lilford Hall and its surrounding parkland. Many of the properties within the village were originally built as estate cottages or converted from former farm buildings, giving Lilford a distinctive and appealing character.

The village enjoys a wonderful countryside setting, with the River Nene running nearby towards the historic market town of Oundle. A network of footpaths and bridleways leads directly from the village, providing excellent opportunities for walking, riding and enjoying the surrounding countryside.

The historic market town of Oundle, approximately 4 miles away, provides a comprehensive range of amenities, including traditional family-run shops, independent businesses, cafés and restaurants. The town also offers an excellent choice of leisure and cultural facilities, including a theatre and a range of sporting amenities, together with highly regarded schools in both the state and independent sectors.

Lilford is well placed for access to the regional road network, with the A14 approximately 5 miles to the south and the A1 around 9 miles to the north-east. Mainline railway stations can be found at Kettering, Huntingdon, Peterborough and Wellingborough, providing regular services to London with journey times from around 50 minutes.

Services
Mains Electricity and Water, Private Drainage. Oil- fired central heating.

Tenure EPC Council Tax
Freehold Band E Band F

Local Authority
North Northamptonshire Council


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