Property description

A substantial seven bedroom home in this picturesque hamlet close to Melbourne boasting large south facing walled gardens and being in the heart of the Kings Newton Conservation Area. Dating back to the early 17th Century and brimming with character Kings Newton House features a large reception hall with stone floor, five reception rooms, stunning farmhouse kitchen, cellar and three bathroom/shower rooms. Standing in approximately 0.75 of an acre this exceptional detached home further benefits two brick outbuildings and a rural outlook to the rear.

Location
Kings Newton is a picturesque hamlet in South Derbyshire situated less than 1 mile from the popular market town of Melbourne. The Main Street consists of stone and timber framed houses that include a 16th Century Hall. It was described by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as being one of the most attractive village streets in Derbyshire. To the front of Kings Newton House stands a stone cross set on medieval steps, erected in 1936 to commemorate the accession to the throne of King Edward VIII. The nearby village of Ticknall is home to Calke Abbey, the second largest stately home in Derbyshire and the local area provides great opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding, sailing and fishing and excellent road, rail and air links. The major cities of Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham are within easy reach and London is accessible in 1.5 hours from East Midlands Parkway station. Excellent schooling is available at Repton, Foremark Preparatory School, Derby High and Grammar School.Ashby-de-la-Zouch 8.5 miles / Burton-upon-Trent 11.5 miles / Derby 11 miles / Loughborough 13 miles / Nottingham 17.5 miles / Leicester 22.5 miles / Repton School 6.5 miles / Foremarke Hall Preparatory School 4.9 miles / East Midlands Airport 4.5 miles / East Midlands Parkway station 9.5 miles/ M1 (J23a) South 5.5 miles / M1(J24) North 6.5 miles

History
The earliest records date back to 1623 when a three storey, stone built house was erected with an entrance on the south side (garden side). We believe the original entrance was the doorway that now leads from the hall to the dining room. A rear wing, which now houses the sitting room, was added in the late 17th Century and then what is now the breakfast kitchen was added towards the end of the 18th Century. Around 1802 to 1804 substantial alterations were made, the eaves of the house were raised, the stair tower added and the hallway, lean-tos and outbuildings on the east side of the courtyard added. Many of the beams in the house were used elsewhere beforehand and were reputed to have been taken from ships which were dismantled on the River Trent. The floor in the hallway is Hopton Wood limestone from the quarry near Wirksworth, the same stone used to build Westminster Abbey and The Albert Memorial. Below the fridge in the kitchen steps lead down to a cellar that has been filled by previous owners but could be re-opened. The painted ceiling on the landing dates from the early 20th Century and was painted by the daughter of a previous owner.

Ground Floor Accommodation
An external stone staircase under a barrel vaulted leaded entrance canopy creates a superb first impression and grand entrance. A six panelled Georgian door with fanlight opens into a long entrance hall with stone floor incorporating a reception area with French doors that open onto the rear gardens, cloaks/WC and china cabinet. Two staircases provide access to the first floor accommodation and off the hallway a stone staircase leads down to a barrel vaulted cellar. There are five individual reception rooms. The family room/snug with tall cathedral ceiling and exposed roof timbers has a multi pane door to the rear gardens. The library has fitted bookcases and large multi pane window with original shutters. The dining room is large, has a walk-in segmental bay window with shutters and antique stone French fireplace. The study has an attractive glass fronted book case and period fireplace. The sitting room, with large open fire and attractive tiled floor, leads into a stunning farmhouse style kitchen with central dining area, range of fitted cabinets, butler's sink and gas fired AGA. From the kitchen there are superb views over the rear gardens through gorgeous multi pane windows. A boot room, laundry room and cold store completes the ground floor accommodation.

First & Second Floor Accommodation
The first floor landing is cavernous and is approached via a grand oak staircase, featuring a Victorian painted ceiling and large Gothic style window. A further staircase continues to the second floor. The master bedroom features an old elm wood boarded floor, Georgian fireplace and doors opening to a large dressing room / potential en suite which is currently used as a studio. Also on the first floor is a large family bathroom with freestanding, cast iron roll top bath and period fireplace. There is also a stylishly fitted shower room with double shower. Two further double bedrooms including a guest bedroom with its own staircase complete the first floor accommodation. On the second floor a long landing with exposed boards provides access to four further double bedrooms and a loft room which offers considerable scope to create a guest suite or self-contained annexe.

Outside
The drive entrance is marked by two towering stone pillars opening into a walled courtyard which provides plentiful parking and access to the old coach house which makes an ideal garage / store. At the end of the courtyard wooden gates under a tall brick archway provided access to now converted groom's quarters/stables that at one time were part of Kings Newton House. To the rear of the property is a large courtyard with old, heavily worn flagstones and extending away from the property are large south facing gardens with sweeping lawns. The gardens are largely walled and include a variety of large established trees that include several yew trees, a huge Copper Beech and a magnificent Monkey Puzzle. Within the garden is a large orchard, fully enclosed with brick and stone walls. Running along the western boundary of the property is a further walled garden with patio, further lawns and a pedestrian gate that opens onto Main Street.

Outbuildings
The driveway provides vehicular access to the old coach house and from the rear garden is a further single storey brick outbuilding that includes a former dairy which still houses the original cheese press and wash house/bakery with bread oven, soft water pump, copper, fireplace and stone salting trough.

Services
Mains water, drainage, electricity and gas are connected. The property has gas central heating fired by three boilers and there are cast iron radiators throughout the ground floor of the property.

Tenure
Freehold with vacant possession.

Local Authority
South Derbyshire District Council.

Directions
From the M1(J23a/24) travel in westerly direction along the Ashby Road(A453) passing East Midlands Airport on the right hand side. Turn right at Isley Walton onto Melbourne Road and just before reaching the market town turn right following signs for Kings Newton & Derby on to Main Street. On entering Kings Newton the property can be found situated on the left hand side close to a stone cross.

Property Features :

• Substantial Detached Country Home
• Approximately 0.75 of an Acre
• Seven Double Bedrooms
• 6700 sq ft of Accommodation & Outbuildings
• Five Reception Rooms