Property description

Mere Cottage is an idyllic country cottage occupying a commanding position within the village with views over Thornton Reservoir. Dating back almost 350 years, this detached cottage has four double bedrooms and is presented to a high standard having been the subject of an extensive and sympathetic programme of refurbishments over a number of years. Notable features of the property are two multi fuel burning stoves, three heavily beamed reception rooms complimented by a tall vaulted open plan dining kitchen. On the first floor are four double bedrooms and three bathrooms served by two staircases. The property benefits from sealed unit double glazed wooden windows, gas central heating and under floor heating in the dining area leading off the kitchen. Electric gates provide access to a generous stone gravelled driveway which in turn gives access to a large integral garage, separate detached oak framed double garage beyond which are large south facing established gardens.The plaque on the wall bears the date 1666, the date of the great fire of London. Thought to be one of the oldest properties in the village, Mere Cottage was built as an inn at the turnpike and was originally called 'The Stork'. A large cellar used to run the length of the cottage and was used to keep the ale at the correct temperature. A village water pump that never dried up once stood at the turnpike and was a meeting place for villagers to pass the time of day. The property is entered under an oak framed entrance porch through a solid oak door into the entrance hall with oak boarded floor and beamed ceiling. Under the staircase brick steps lead down into a barrel vaulted cellar directly below the entrance hall with power and light. Off the hall is a study believed to be a former kitchen with two windows and external door to rear, exposed oak boarded floor, beamed ceiling featuring exposed brick and stone work. The snug has exposed brickwork, a fireplace with inset multi fuel burning stove, beamed ceiling, dual aspect with distant views over woodland, a latch door gives access to a cloakroom with enclosed gas fired Halstead combination boiler. Off the snug an interconnecting latch door opens into a large open plan reception room with a triple aspect, heavily beamed ceiling and oak boarded floor. The sitting area is situated to the front with a glimpse of Thornton Reservoir, exposed brick chimney breast with inset multi fuel burning stove on a quarry tiled hearth, to the rear of the room is space for a dining area if desired. Steps lead from the sitting room into a rear hallway with a stable door opening to rear courtyard. Off the rear hall is a cloakroom with matching terracotta tiled floor and fitted with a white Heritage style suite. The kitchen has a vaulted ceiling with three Velux windows, ceiling beams and is fitted with a range of cream Shaker style units with solid wood worksurfaces, under mounted Belfast sink and space for a gas fired range cooker. Off the kitchen is an oak framed dining area with vaulted ceiling and French doors opening onto the gardens. An inner lobby gives access to a utility room with fitted painted Shaker style units with wooden worksurfaces, under mounted Belfast sink, Worcester combination boiler. A second staircase rises to a double guest bedroom with two pretty leaded dormer windows and latch door into en suite shower room fitted with a white four piece suite and a dormer window.The first floor landing has a window to the front enjoying views over Thornton Reservoir. A latch door gives access to the master bedroom with leaded window to front, views over the Reservoir, cast iron feature fireplace and exposed roof timbers. A door leads into a luxurious fully tiled en suite shower room with large walk in shower with chrome and glass enclosure, fixed drench head shower and separate hand held shower attachment, wash hand basin with wall mounted tap with oak pedestal, low level wc and window to rear. Bedroom three is a double bedroom having a leaded window to rear, exposed floor boards. Bedroom two has a front elevation leaded window enjoying superb views over Thornton Reservoir with exposed floorboards and ceiling beams. The family bathroom has a cast iron roll top bath with mixer tap and shower attachment, pedestal wash hand basin, low level wc, leaded window to rear, exposed polished floorboards.Outside, the property stands in an elevated position behind a granite stone wall, the gardens are low maintenance and stocked with a variety of flowering plants and shrubs. Electrically operated wooden gates provide access to a gravelled driveway that extends to the rear of the property providing parking for numerous vehicles. Directly to the rear of the property is an attractive flagstone style south facing courtyard, access to a brick store, large integral garage with two single up-and-over doors, power and light. In addition there is an oak framed detached double garage with power and light. The gardens are south facing with an ornamental pond. Behind the garage is a gated area providing a log storage area and metal garden store. The garden has natural boundaries to all sides, there is a greenhouse, pergola, pond, chicken coop and offers a high degree of privacy.

Location
Thornton is a popular and picturesque village located in North West Leicestershire known primarily for its stunning Reservoir, built in 1853. Tall Scots Pine and Larch trees line the pleasant walk around the stretch of water, which is now used for fly fishing, with the surrounding area attracting runners, walkers and cyclists. Other great countryside walks are within easy reach including Bradgate Park, the Ivanhoe Trail and Bagworth Heath Woods. Village amenities include a well regarded primary school, shop and two public houses/restaurants. The latest inspection report (dated Nov 2010) described South Charnwood High School as an outstanding school which achieves exceptional outcomes for its pupils, both academically and in their personal development (source South Charnwood High School website) Thornton is well placed for fast access into Leicester City Centre via the A50 and Junction 22 of the M1. Leicester 10 miles / Loughborough 10 miles / Nottingham 26 miles / Market Bosworth 6 miles / M1 (J22) 3 miles

Local Authority
Hinckley & Bosworth District Council.

Services
All mains services are available and connected to the property which is gas centrally heated.

Tenure
Freehold with vacant possession upon completion.

Directions
From J22 of the M1 take the A50 towards Leicester and at the first roundabout take the third exit onto Launde Road which continues to become Ratby Lane and then Thornton Lane. Crossing over the M1 motorway continue approximately 3 miles and eventually taking the right turn into Reservoir Road and continue into the village passing the Reservoir on the right hand side. At the T junction turn left onto Merrylees Road where the property can be found on the right hand side identified by our For Sale board.

Property Features :

• Spacious four bedroom character cottage
• Over 2900 sq ft of immaculately presented accommodation
• Large part vaulted dining kitchen
• Three heavily beamed reception rooms
• Utility, cloaks/wc & cellar