Mill Lane, Water Newton, PE8

Resting comfortably in the elbow of a gentle crook in the River Nene, tranquillity awaits at The Old Barn in Water Newton, a village unhurried by the pace of neighbouring towns and cities.

EPC Rating: D

Tranquil Village Life

Just a few minutes from Peterborough’s shops, restaurants and theatres, it remains a quiet secret, its population little changed since first recorded in the Domesday Book, while the clue to its Wind in the Willows-esque name may lie in the two watermills once at work along the riverbank. A peaceful, no-through-traffic village, The Old Barn in Water Newton sits privately back from the quiet lane, beyond a cheerful blue, electric gated entrance and with a walled garden, with the gentle flow of the River Nene visible upon approach. Parking is plentiful within the private courtyard, off which a large clay-tiled roof carport offers further space for two cars, with gated sheds to either side.

Welcome Home

Within the stone built Old Barn, whose heritage possibly dates back as far as the 1800s, light and easy modern living awaits. A light-filled central entrance hall forms the heart of The Old Barn, with wings flowing off through archways to the left and right.

Contemporary Spaces

Nestled in the west wing, the inviting and open kitchen, extended and transformed in 2022, holds court. A natural, sociable hub, with seating at the glittering black granite breakfast bar, the Belfast sink and Rangemaster bring a farmhouse warmth, while sliding doors invite the outdoors in. Worktop space is abundant for baking enthusiasts, with light streaming in through a box bay window overlooking the garden. Follow the sun round, with access out to both the bistro terrace at the front and the rear patio. A utility room keeps the everyday clutter hidden away, with further storage and plumbing for a washing machine and dryer.

What the Owners Love:

“Warm in winter and cool in the summer, The Old Barn is such an easy house to live in.”

Peaceful Places

Unwind beneath the beams in the sitting room where exposed stone and a roaring log-burning stove, nestled within a deep inglenook, promise cosy comfort on cool winter nights. In summer, sliding doors draw in garden views to the rear, with a curving patio perfect for balmy evening sundowners. A second reception room opens up off the sitting room, beneath a beam laden vaulted ceiling. Light pours in from three sides, with plenty of scope for a play room, or even an office space here.

Sequestered Sanctuary

Peace and picturesque views entreat from the principal bedroom, accessed from stairs leading up from the sitting room for a sense of total privacy and retreat. From here, wake up to the patchwork of open fields framed by wide windows, with the garden’s mature borders softening the edge of the landscape and a scattering of trees and shrubs leading the eye out towards the horizon. With space for a super king-sized bed, built-in wardrobes and a spacious en suite furnished with both bath and separate shower, this secluded sanctuary feels a world away from the remaining three bedrooms, tucked away in the east wing.

Rest and Refresh

Sleep soundly in the guest bedrooms to the left of the entrance hall, where at the furthest end a spacious double offers total refuge and rest for family or friends. Sunny and south facing, with a window to the front and also a bay window overlooking the rear garden, freshen up in the Jack ‘n’ Jill en suite shower room. Wooden flooring and mellow décor feature in bedroom three, another comfortable double bedroom with access to the Jack ‘n’ Jill en suite. A home with flexibility at its heart, the fourth bedroom, again with built-in storage, currently serves as a home office, with views out over the lush and private garden to the rear. The family bathroom serves this bedroom.

A Riverside Retreat

Outdoors, the garden serves as an extension of the home itself; a private and secure walled garden is filled with hidden nooks and spaces to explore, ideal for children and pets. To the front, a bistro-style terrace offers a sunny spot for morning coffee, off the kitchen with views of pretty rambling roses. Sliding doors also open from the kitchen to a south-facing garden at the rear, stretching out to just under a third of an acre. Dine al fresco on the large patio, where slightly raised, beyond fragrant and full borders, a level lawn edged with a variety of mature shrubs and gravel pathways, is enclosed by a curving wall and more greenery for complete seclusion. Store away the summer essentials and gardening gear in sheds to the front, with a further shed along with a summer house and children’s playhouse tucked away in the rear garden. Sunny, safe and serene, follow the flow of the garden to discover different seating areas throughout the day.

The Finer Details...

Freehold / Detached / Believed to date back to 1800s / Unlisted / Conservation area / Plot approx. 0.3 acre / Oil central heating / Mains electricity and water / Septic tank / Huntingdonshire District Council, tax band D / EPC rating D

Dimensions

Ground Floor: approx. 175.2 sq. metres (1,886.3 sq. feet) / First Floor: approx. 40.7 sq. metres (438.5 sq. feet) / Total Home: approx. 216 sq. metres (2,324.8 sq. feet) / Outbuildings: approx. 47.9 sq. metres (516.1 sq. feet)

Out and About

Life in Water Newton flows at a gentler pace. With no through-traffic, the village is quiet and features a welcoming community. Edged by the River Nene and its lock, footpaths stretch for miles across open countryside offering riverside walks from the doorstep. The historic church of St Remigius stands nearby, while picturesque walks connect easily with neighbouring villages such as Castor and Wansford, both offering characterful pubs.

In the village and beyond

For families, respected independent schools including Stamford School, The Peterborough School and Oundle School are within a short drive, while Peterborough Railway Station is just 15 minutes away, providing direct links to London. The A1 is moments from the door, placing city, coast and countryside all within easy reach. Adding to the village’s charm, Water Newton often hosts a summer music festival, last held in 2024 and hailed by local media as “the best small music fest around” on the green, with live bands and food stalls drawing the community together.

Local Distances

Stamford 9 miles (14 minutes) / Peterborough 9 miles (15 minutes) / Oundle 11 miles (17 minutes) / Huntingdon 19 miles (22 minutes) / Cambridge 40 miles (46 minutes)

Watch Our Property Tour

Let Lottie guide you around The Old Barn with our PJ Unique Homes tour video, also shared on our Facebook page, Instagram and YouTube, or call us and we'll email you the link. We'd love to show you around The Old Barn. You are welcome to arrange a viewing or we are happy to carry out a FaceTime video call from the property for you, if you'd prefer.

Disclaimer

Pelham James use all reasonable endeavours to supply accurate property information in line with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. These property details do not constitute any part of the offer or contract and all measurements are approximate. The matters in these particulars should be independently verified by prospective buyers. It should not be assumed that this property has all the necessary planning, building regulation or other consents. Any services, appliances and heating system(s) listed have not been checked or tested. Purchasers should make their own enquiries to the relevant authorities regarding the connection of any service. No person in the employment of Pelham James has any authority to make or give any representations or warranty whatever in relation to this property or these particulars or enter into any contract relating to this property on behalf of the vendor.