North Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8

A handsome and historically significant family home, with elegant and versatile accommodation, beautiful gardens, superb parking and large barn, in the heart of this much-admired market town.

White Lion is an exceptional Grade II* listed town house, set in an unrivalled location opposite the Church of St Peter, at the very heart of historic Oundle. Constructed of ashlar limestone beneath a Collyweston slate roof, the house dates from 1641, during the reign of Charles I. Rich in architectural detail, the property is widely admired and features in a number of notable historical publications, including Betjeman’s Pictorial History of English Architecture. Particularly striking are the canted gables and fine stone-mullioned, leaded windows, which frame superb views of the church.

Set over three floors, with over 3,000 sq ft of accommodation, the property retains beautiful original detailing, including oak panelling, exposed beams and several magnificent stone fireplaces, one reputedly concealing a priest’s hole. The property has evolved sensitively, with modern comforts introduced discreetly, including upgraded heating and plumbing systems, a newly installed gas boiler and an exceptional kitchen and bathroom specification.

A glazed and oak-framed vestibule opens to the drawing room, where the principal inglenook fireplace is set into a carved stone surround, with pew seating to one side. The oak-panelled wall and mullioned window overlooking the church create a room of enormous warmth and character. Across the hall, the dining room is similarly atmospheric, with window seat, oak dresser and beautifully crafted curtains and seat cushions, all made by the upholsterer responsible for furnishing some of London’s most prestigious private members’ clubs.

The kitchen is a generous and thoughtfully designed space, blending tradition with contemporary convenience. A bespoke range of cabinets with hardwood work surfaces are complemented by Brazilian granite. There is a built-in electric oven, warming drawer, integrated dishwasher and space for an American-style fridge. The island unit serves as both a preparation space and breakfast bar. Bi-fold doors open to the glazed atrium — a striking daily dining space with a glass roof.

Beyond the kitchen, the back hall provides access to the utility room, boot room and a super ground floor bedroom suite or children’s play room with its own external door, wet room and potential as a self-contained annex. Beneath the house, a brick-vaulted cellar with barrel race remains as a testament to the building’s history as a former public house.

An oak staircase rises to the first floor, where the large sitting room, double bedroom or study enjoys uninterrupted views over the church. It features a further carved stone fireplace and is rumoured to conceal a priest’s hole — a nod to the building’s storied past. The principal bedroom is positioned opposite, also enjoying the same spectacular view. It benefits from a luxuriously appointed en-suite and beautifully crafted bespoke wardrobes, created by the former full-time carpenter to Barnwell Manor, once the residence of the Duke of Gloucester.

Also on this floor is a generous family bathroom with full suite. The second floor offers two further substantial bedrooms with attractive leaded windows and church views. Wallpaper in the guest bedroom is by Alice Palmer & Co., a boutique London design house. Consent had previously been granted for the creation of a forth bathroom on this level, to be set between the two bedrooms.

Discreet and bespoke stair gates have been installed for the current owners’ young family, also the work of the carpenter mentioned above.

White Lion is one of the rare properties in Oundle town centre with extensive, private parking. A pair of timber gates on Duck Lane lead to the rear garden, where there is comfortable room for two large SUVs and access to a superb stone barn. This building provides vehicle storage and workshop space and offers potential for conversion to ancillary accommodation, subject to consent.

The gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped to offer a calm and sheltered space behind the house. A circular lawn is bordered by mature planting, including climbing roses and a sculptural Acer. A brick terrace and path lead to a further circular seating area, perfectly positioned for late afternoon sun. Adjacent to the parking area is a timber outbuilding (10’ x 13’) with light and power — ideal as a store or hobby space.

Location
White Lion sits in a landmark position on North Street, directly overlooking the Church of St Peter, which dates to the 13th century. The historic Market Place is a short stroll away and offers a fine range of traditional shops, cafes and restaurants. Oundle is widely celebrated for its Georgian streetscape and as the home of the renowned Oundle School, founded in 1556 by Sir William Laxton, Lord Mayor of London.

There is excellent local schooling across all age ranges, and the town also offers a theatre, galleries, a library, country park and riverside walks. The surrounding countryside is a haven for walking, riding and cycling — all accessible within minutes of the town centre.

Peterborough lies about 12 miles to the north-east and provides extensive shopping, leisure and mainline rail travel, with journey times to London King’s Cross from just 48 minutes.

Further Information
Tenure: Freehold
Services: Mains water and electricity, gas-fired central heating, private drainage
Council Tax: Band F
EPC: Exempt
Listing: Grade II*, within the Oundle Conservation Area


IMPORTANT NOTE TO PURCHASERS:
We endeavour to make our sales particulars accurate and reliable, however, they do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract and none is to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact. Any services, systems and appliances listed in this specification have not been tested by us and no guarantee as to their operating ability or efficiency is given. All measurements have been taken as a guide to prospective buyers only, and are not precise. Please be advised that some of the particulars may be awaiting vendor approval. If you require clarification or further information on any points, please contact us, especially if you are travelling some distance to view. Fixtures and fittings other than those mentioned are to be agreed with the seller.

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