Willoughby, Rugby, Warwickshire CV23

The Old Vicarage is a substantial detached Georgian property, originating from 1836, situated in the middle of its plot surrounded by formal gardens, benefiting from far-reaching countryside views.

The property has been significantly extended, with a two-storey wing, as well as added floor space to create the kitchen/breakfast/family/dining room. The property has retained original features throughout the house, these include fine cornices, double-glazed sash windows within their original frames with working shutters and beautiful fireplaces.

Steeped in history, the property has five large reception rooms with beautiful high ceilings and large sash windows, with a generous reception hall, centrally located within the house. The portico provides a substantial formal entrance, giving a sense of presence to the house.

The kitchen/breakfast room has been completely renovated with slate floors and underfloor heating, built-in cupboards and drawers with electric Aga and companion two oven with electric hob. The generous central island has a butlers sink and Samsung electric oven with two Fisher and Paykal single-drawer dishwashers. The walk-in pantry provides plenty of storage space for kitchen equipment and foodstuffs, with the utility immediately adjacent, which gives access to the courtyard.

The open plan family dining room runs seamlessly through from the kitchen with two sets of double glass doors leading out on to the private courtyard. A glass roof lantern allows plenty of natural light to stream into the room with the wood burning stove providing a cosy seating area for wintery days.

On the upper floors are six bedrooms in total (two en suite), a shower room and family bathroom. The principal bedroom has stunning views of the garden through bay sash windows and has a walk-through dressing room and en suite bathroom with free-standing roll top bath.

There are two staircases to service the upper floors, which help to unite the older part of the house with the newer wing.

The cellar, accessed from an external staircase, is made up of several rooms with beautiful brickwork providing storage and wine cellars.

Garden and Grounds

The Old Vicarage is situated well back from Lower Street at the end of a lovely drive. The drive is owned by the neighbour, with the house having a right of way over it, with the maintenance being shared between the two properties. There is plenty of parking for several cars in front of the property.

The Coach House can either be accessed from the front drive through solid wooden gates or the courtyard garden with greenhouse and raised vegetable beds. It has remnants of the old stables with original brick flooring, now a machinery store, stable, tack room and wood store. The first floor is used as a studio/workshop, an ideal hobby room or home office. This building could be converted to ancillary accommodation, subject to the usual planning consents and permissions.

The gardens, in all about 0.7 acres, have been carefully landscaped to make the most of the outside space, with various compartments having been created within the gardens with Hornbeam hedging providing shelter and screening. A beautiful pond is the main focal point to the rear, with views over the fields beyond, with mature trees, including oak and cherry, to complement the younger tree /shrub planting.

The current owners have an arrangement with the local landowner to rent a further three acres, which immediately encompasses the house for grazing.

The Old Vicarage is situated on the edge of the village at the end of a long drive over which the property has a right of way. The village has a parish church, village hall, The Rose public house, with local shopping available at nearby Dunchurch and Braunston. The village is ideally situated for commuting to Birmingham, Coventry, Northampton, Leicester, and Intercity trains from Rugby to London Euston take less than an hour. There are a wide range of private, state, and grammar schools in the area, including Bilton Grange Preparatory at Dunchurch, Rugby Public School, Rugby grammar schools, Princethorpe College, Warwick Public Schools, Kingsley School for Girls, and Arnold Lodge School in Leamington Spa.

There are a number of golf courses close by, including Hellidon Lakes and Staverton Park, which also has a leisure centre. Draycote Water offers sailing, fishing, walks, and a nature reserve. Surrounding lanes and bridlepaths provide opportunities for riding and walking. Olney Grounds provides an equestrian complex with a farm shop and butchery specialising in quality meats and fine artisan foods, and is the home of Rugby Polo Club.