Fineshade, Northamptonshire

Distances:

Stamford 7 miles, Oundle 9 miles, Peterborough 17 miles (London Kings Cross from 50 minutes). (All distances and times are approximate)

Situation:

Fineshade Abbey is situated in approximately 8 acres of gardens and grounds with panoramic views over undulating countryside within an area of outstanding beauty on the edge of Fineshade Woods.

Fineshade Abbey nestles beautifully into the landscape and sits on an ancient monument site which was occupied in the 12th century by Castle Hymel, a motte-and-bailey castle. The castle was demolished in about 12th century and an Augustinian Priory was established which was eventually named Fineshade Abbey. In the mid 18th century a new property was built, which was bought by Colonel Mockton in 1759. It was the Moncktons who built the stable block in 1848 and their coat of arms is visible over the main archway. The stable block was converted in 1968 retaining the Fineshade Abbey name. There is evidence of iron age and roman settlements on the site too.

The A43 and A47 give easy access to the cathedral city of Peterborough (17 miles) with its many shopping and leisure facilities. It has a mainline station with fast and frequent trains to London Kings Cross taking about 50 minutes.

To the west on the A43 is the town of Kettering (17miles) which has a mainline station to London St Pancras taking 50 minutes. The A1 lies approximately 7 miles to the east giving access north and south, whilst the A14 lies some 16 miles to the west giving access east and west.

There are many recreational facilities in the area including golf clubs at Luffenham Heath, Burghley and Stoke Rochford. Rutland Water, renowned for its water pursuits including trout fishing, sailing, wind surfing, cycling and walking is some 8 miles to the north. Fineshade Woods, owned by the Forestry Commission, offers leisure facilities including walking and hacking.

The area has many excellent schools affording both state and private education in Peterborough, Oakham, Uppingham, Oundle and Stamford.

Description:

Fineshade Abbey, listed Grade II, is a superb conversion of a 19th century Italianate stable block built of local stone under a slate roof. The octagonal stone cupola with clock and weathervane are particularly striking features of this beautiful property.

The exposed stonework, beams, trusses and high ceilings are all strong elements throughout Fineshade Abbey as is the work of the designer Clive Christian, who’s influence can be seen from the kitchen - dining - living area through to the bathrooms and built-in cupboards featured within the bedrooms.

The heart of the home, the kitchen-living-diner, has two sets of double doors onto the dining terrace overlooking the formal lawn. There is ample built-in storage and a multitude of built-in appliances from the cream Aga to the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. A wooden island provides further preparation surface and breakfast bar seating. Several windows look into the courtyard and there is a large fireplace complete with log burner.

The flagstone floor flows into the formal dining room which can comfortably sit a table of ten. It too has a magnificent fireplace with log burner and has French doors onto the dining terrace. The light and bright Reception Hall has access to both the courtyard and the dining terrace and has a feature fireplace. The downstairs WC with automatic light is just off the hallway.

The ornate drawing room, again with access to the dining terrace through double doors, displays an imposing stone surround fireplace with large log burner. To the end of the room is beautiful, dark wood shelving creating a library, reading nook, a door behind which leads to the guest wing and clock tower.

Alighting the stairs, to the right of the landing is a further staircase to the clocktower and large storage room. To the left of the landing is the lavish Guest Suite with views out towards the lake. With built-in wardrobes, this suite boasts two bathrooms, one with shower and one with bath.

To the south wing of Fineshade Abbey, through from the kitchen is the side hall leading to a useful utility with kitchenette, built in storage and a large pantry cupboard. Off the utility is the boot room with access to the courtyard garden and adjacent to the boot room is the ground floor wet room. Rounding the side hall, there are stairs rising to the first floor.

Walking through the walk-in wardrobe, it opens to reveal the Principal Suite with further built-in storage. Dual aspect and flooded with light, the Juliet balcony overlooks the courtyard and views to the South and rolling countryside beyond. The ensuite features both bath and shower and is a fine example of Clive Christian’s work with opulent, Corinthian column design.

To the first floor south wing are a further two double bedrooms each with ensuite shower rooms, one with dual aspect and exposed stone walls and the other with built in storage and courtyard views.

To the remainder of the converted stable block is a beautiful Garden room accessed from the courtyard with double doors to the courtyard garden, with floor to ceiling glass panels the space is flooded with light. The current vendors use it as an ideal office space.

Continuing along the ground floor of the south wing, between the colonnades of the courtyard, are five double doors into heated garaging. There is a further tack room and garden store.

To the remainder of the north wing of the ground floor is the gymnasium, with a nod to the property’s historical past as stables, the gymnasium equipment has been cleverly set up between stalls.

Both Bumble Bee Cottage and Walkers Pass Cottage make up the rest of the stable block conversion. Both self-contained cottages have two bedrooms and a family bathroom. Walkers Pass, forming the Southeast corner of Fineshade Abbey, has a living- kitchen area with fireplace and log burner and large glass doors with views to the South. Bumblee Bee Cottage has a ground floor kitchen of Clive Christian design and stairs rising to a dual aspect sitting room and the remainder of the accommodation.

A double carport and large storage room form the eastern aspect of Fineshade Abbey.

Outside:

From the long sweeping driveway, over the bridge, one is met with imposing electric gates providing access to the large turning circle and superb archway of Fineshade Abbey. With a handsome pair of wrought iron gates and octagonal stone cupola with coat of arms and date stone of 1848, the archway leads to the central courtyard which has a wall water feature.
To the west of the property is a paved dining terrace running the full length of the property with a Contemporary, mirror pond. The terrace over looks a formal lawn which then rolls into meadow grass leading down to the lake, the banks of which are softened by beautiful willows.

To the south of Fineshade Abbey is a delightful, private, walled courtyard garden accessed from the Garden Room. It is laid mainly to lawn with well stocked herbaceous borders and many climbing plants including grandiflora magnolias and a variety of roses. There is a paved terrace and pebbled walkways.

To the east of the property is a gated gravelled area, providing further parking and access to the cottages.

The remainder of the 8 acres (approx.) falls to paddock and parkland providing stunning and uninterrupted countryside views.

There is the possibility of a further approximately 9acres of paddock land for sale by separate negotiation.


SERVICES

Mains water and electricity are connected. Private Drainage. LPG gas central heating. None of the services have been tested by the agents.


FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

Only those mentioned in these sales particulars are included in the sale. All others, such as curtains, light fitting and garden ornaments are specifically excluded but may be available by separate negotiation.


RIGHTS OF WAY, EAVESMENTS, WAY LEAVES

The property will be sold subject to the benefit of all existing rights, both public and private including rights of way, supply of drainage, water abstraction, electricity supplies and other rights, covenants, restrictions and obligations, quasi-easements and all wayleaves, whether referred to or not.
It may be necessary for rights and reservations to be made to provide services, access and maintenance to the properties if the property is not sold as a whole.


STATUTORY AUTHORITY

North Northamptonshire District Council:


VIEWING

The property may only be inspected by prior arrangement through King West


DIRECTIONS

From Stamford take the A43 towards Kettering. At the roundabout with the A47 continue straight over passing the village of Duddington on your right. After approximately 1 mile, the gated entrance to Fineshade Abbey is on the left.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

King West, their joint Agents (if any) and clients give notice that:
1. These property particulars should not be regarded as an offer, or contract or part of one. You should not rely on any statements by King West in the particulars, or by word of mouth or in writing as being factually accurate about the property, nor its condition or its value. We have no authority to make any representations or warranties in relation to the property either here or elsewhere and accordingly any information given is entirely without responsibility.
2. The photographs illustrate parts of the property as were apparent at the time they were taken. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate only.
3. Any reference to the use or alterations of any part of the property does not imply that the necessary planning, building regulations or other consents have been obtained. It is the responsibility of a purchaser or lessee to confirm that these have been dealt with properly and that all information is correct.
4. All dimensions, descriptions, areas, reference to condition and permission for use and occupation and their details are given in good faith and are believed to be correct, but intending purchasers should not rely upon them as statements of fact but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the accuracy of each item.
5. King West have not tested any services, equipment or facilities, the buyer or lessee must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.
6. MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS: Intending purchasers will be asked to produce satisfactory proof of their identification and address at the point any sale is agreed in order to comply with The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. King West asks for your co-operation in this regard.
7. These particulars should not be reproduced without prior consent of King West. September 2024