Church Lane, Saxby, Melton Mowbray, LE14

Architecture & Interior

An historic former dressed stone church circa 1789 and forming part of the renowned Stapleford Estate. This really is a remarkable church, undoubtedly one of a kind.

As you approach up the gravel driveway the striking significance of the tower is the first thing that draws your attention. The traditional stone dressings and the engraving of ‘1789’ highlight the significance of this property to the area.

Through a heavy oak door, you step into the stone atrium with an original font that has been used by parishioners for centuries. There is a sense of calm when stepping into this space, and walking through what would have been the vestibule connecting through to the heart of the church, now an unbelievable residential space.

This is a very special place as it retains all the wonderful sacral architecture & historic period charm one would want from a church conversion, whilst having evolving into a functioning contemporary home. The current owners really have achieved something extraordinary here.

There are distinct areas for living, dining and entertaining, with the centrepiece being the concert grand piano, located where the altar would have once stood. Looking out over the reception from here, you get an appreciation of the size & grandeur of the space owing to the four original stained glass windows that draw the eye up to the ceiling beams and plasterwork.

Travelling back through the reception, the pulpit stands beneath two huge mirrors both originals from the Savoy Hotel in London. From here you are lead into the living area centred around a warm and fully-operational log burner, which truly is the warm heart of the home.

The kitchen is recessed neatly into the far corner of the space, comprising all necessary appliances and a breakfast bar, creating a natural area to gather, host and serve dinner through to your table, tucked looking up to the pulpit.

In the other corner, subtle dark double doors lead into the bright third bedroom, currently arranged as a studio but is also a perfect guest bedroom. Just across the hallway, you find the family bathroom, which has quirks of colour and the benefit of a separate bathtub & shower.

Back into the atrium, a set of winding stone steps lead up the tower and onto the landing. To your right, is a warm study with 180° views over the surrounding churchyard and fields, and could also be converted back to a bedroom, subject to planning. There is also access to a second floor loft space from here, with plentiful storage for all large & bulky items.

Through to the front of the landing, the first of two bedrooms has a king size bed and a wonderful view over the reception room. Of equal size and proportions, is the principal bedroom with an additional W/C, but is presently utilised as a professional music studio.

This property has been designed perfectly with comfortable & economical living in mind. There is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and a new oil fired boiler has been installed in 2020 & an air-source heat pump system ensures the property is cool in summer and warm in winter. Don’t forget the log burner!

 

Outside

Sitting in grounds of approximately an acre, the churchyard is honoured with a rich local history, having served the parish for well over 200 years. Numerous gravestones scattered amongst wildflowers and a well maintained lawn make for a beautiful scene.

Accessible from the rear of the church, the terrace is the perfect spot for an early morning coffee and late night drinks, and has a delightful view of the Old Rectory, just next door. There is also a wider area of lawn to the rear of the church and a fun gazebo in the middle of it all.

Approached by a gravel path leading to the south west corner of the plot, The Shepherd’s Hut has been installed by the vendor as an alternative spot for their friends and family to stay. There is a wonderful view of the surrounding fields from here, which highlights the splendid & isolated location.

 

In The Neighbourhood

Saxby is a rare village in the rolling hills of Leicestershire, 5 miles east of Melton Mowbray, with the area known as the rural capital of England. The village itself has a number of attractive properties that are all looked after, and there is a genuine community spirit, with the locals all embracing rural life.

The surrounding villages all have a similar feel, with the closest being Wymondham, with its locally famous windmill & The Berkeley Arms, your closest pub and only a 5 minute drive away.

Melton Mowbray is your closest town, less than 10 minutes drive. This historic market town is world famous for its pork pies & stilton cheese, and still has one of the biggest cattle markets in the country, open 3 times a week. The town has a lovely selection of ancient pubs, restaurants & special independent shops, alongside all your regular essential shops and supermarkets.

 

Transport and connections

Driving is an essential part of rural living, and you are well served with the A606 and A607, both less than 10 minutes drive away and connecting quickly to both the M1 and A1, in either direction.

Melton Mowbray train station, again only 10 minutes drive, connects straight through to Leicester & Birmingham to the West, and Peterborough & Cambridge to the east.

 

Property History

Saxby has a long history, one that stems back to old Norse tongue with the common use of ‘by’ throughout Leicestershire.

It is one of the ‘thankful villages’ from after the Great War, meaning that all the villager’s sons returned from the fighting alive, which is why you find no war memorial here.

The church of St Peter was built by the 4th Early of Harborough and was heavily influenced by the works of the architect George Richardson, who built his designs to evoke a classical look of Roman-esque churches. The nearby church of ‘St Mary Magdalene’ in nearby Stapleford, is also his work and has a familiar look and feel.

There is a long and rich tapestry present St Peter’s, being at the heart of village life for two over centuries, and now continuing as a warm private home for many years to come.

An old archive photography of the church, before renovation by the current owners.

A fascinating old floorplan of the church, again before conversion to residential.

 

Material Information

• Property construction – traditional stone
• Utilities – oil, electric, water,
• Heating – oil fired boiler, wood stove
• Electricity supply – mains connected
• Water supply – mains connected
• Sewerage – attached to mains sewerage
• Broadband – upload speed: 50mbps; download speed: 15mbps
• Mobile signal/coverage – good coverage to most major networks
• Restrictions – Grade 2* listed (listing no: 1176759)
• Rights and easements – church graveyard
• Planning permission – permission granted for the rear window

 

EPC rating: Exempt. Tenure: Freehold,