High Street, Hallaton, Market Harborough, LE16 8UD

Steeped in history and dating back to 1745, this beautiful Grade II listed cottage is a wonderful example of how period character and modern living can sit perfectly together. Built from traditional red brick and ironstone, the property has been thoughtfully updated by the current owners, retaining its original charm while creating a warm, welcoming and practical home.

Set right in the heart of the much loved village of Hallaton, the cottage offers three bedrooms, beautifully arranged living accommodation and a particularly lovely, private rear garden. With a wealth of original features and plenty of inviting spaces both inside and out, this home is truly special.

On entering the property, you are welcomed by a generous entrance hall, providing access to the principal ground floor rooms, with the original staircase leading up to the first floor. To the right, the real heart of the home is the impressive open plan living kitchen dining area. Light and airy thanks to its dual aspect outlook, this stunning space has recently been enhanced with new tumbled limestone flooring. The kitchen has been fitted with an extensive range of classic shaker style cabinetry, complemented by a range of integrated appliances, including a wine fridge and Quooker boiling water tap. There is also space for a range style cooker and additional freestanding appliances. At the centre of the room sits a substantial island with breakfast bar, creating a natural gathering point for family and friends. A couple of steps lead up to the adjoining reception area, where there is plenty of room for both a dining table and comfortable seating. It is a wonderfully sociable space, equally suited to everyday family life and entertaining. Two sets of doors open directly onto a private, partially covered courtyard, making it easy to enjoy the outside space throughout the year and creating a lovely extension of the kitchen and dining area. There is also a door leading down to the cellar, which provides useful additional storage.

Back across the entrance hall, the separate main sitting room offers a more traditional and cosy retreat. Generously proportioned, it is full of character, with attractive wall panelling, decorative cornicing, window shutters and a fitted butler's cupboard. A charming fireplace with gas log burner provides a lovely focal point, while the large sash window allows natural light to flood the room with a stunning view of the village and countryside beyond.

Completing the ground floor is a particularly useful and larger than average utility room, incorporating a downstairs shower room, adding further practicality to the accommodation.

Upstairs, the central landing leads to three bedrooms, all thoughtfully arranged to make the most of the available space. At either end of the landing are two lovely, well sized king bedrooms, both benefiting from built in wardrobes and attractive windows that bring in plenty of natural light. The third bedroom is a single room, currently arranged as a study, although it would work equally well as a nursery or occasional bedroom.

The family bathroom is particularly spacious and well appointed, featuring a beautiful roll top bath, separate shower enclosure, wash hand basin, WC and useful built in storage.

Throughout the property, there is a lovely sense of history, with the cottage's original features carefully preserved alongside more recent improvements. The result is a home that feels both timeless and comfortable, with the current owners having taken great care to ensure that any modernisation complements the building's heritage.

The outside space is another real highlight. From the living kitchen, the private, part covered courtyard leads onto a gravelled pathway which continues through to the rear garden. Enclosed by a combination of fencing and traditional red brick walls, the garden enjoys a lovely degree of privacy and has been thoughtfully arranged to include areas of lawn, established planting and attractive specimen trees. There is plenty to enjoy throughout the seasons, with mature greenery providing colour, interest and a wonderfully sheltered feel. A separate patio area offers the perfect spot for outdoor dining, summer entertaining or simply sitting back and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Hallaton is a particularly picturesque and highly regarded village, set amidst the beautiful rolling countryside of south east Leicestershire and within the sought after Welland Valley. Despite its peaceful rural setting, the village is well served by a lovely selection of local amenities and has a strong community feel. Within the village itself, there are two public houses, tea rooms, a well regarded primary school, a fine parish church and village hall. Recreational facilities are also well catered for, with a children's play area, tennis courts, rugby, cricket and football pitches, together with a clubhouse. For a wider range of shops, supermarkets and everyday amenities, the thriving market town of Market Harborough is approximately eight miles away with mainline rail services to London St Pancras. 

There is also an excellent choice of schooling in the surrounding area. Options include Uppingham Community College, alongside a number of highly regarded independent schools in Oakham, Uppingham, Stamford and Leicester, as well as Stoneygate Preparatory School in Great Glen.

A truly lovely village home, this charming 18th century cottage offers a rare combination of history, character, beautifully considered modern touches and a wonderful setting in the heart of Hallaton.