HIGH CROSS HOUSEHigh Cross | Lutterworth | Leicestershire | LE17 5AT

High Cross House

If Traveller, you seek for the footsteps of the ancient Romans,

extend to the utmost bourne.”

here you may behold them...

...for here their most celebrated ways, crossing each other

A wonderful Georgian home with close to 5,000 square feet of accommodation, full of attractive and intricate period detail, offering 6 bedrooms, 5 of which have en suite facilities. The house has stunning views across south Leicestershire and a historical monument in the grounds that signifies the centre of Roman England, in turn the property benefits from 4 reception rooms and ample outside space. The home has a previous history as a boutique Bed & Breakfast, which may suit a potential buyer looking for a lifestyle business opportunity subject to the usual planning permissions.

Elegant

High Cross House is a superb example of a fine Grade II listed family home boasting a wealth of original features throughout, six bedrooms with an extra two rooms in the attic, Four / five reception rooms and it is situated in a small picturesque hamlet consisting of only a few properties. With a wealth of character dating back to the 1600’s this individual home has breath taking views over rolling countryside. In the grounds there is a three hundred year old monument known to be the centre of Roman England.

Charming

Ground Floor

The ground floor offers an array of reception rooms, offering the convenience and privacy associated with modern living, but a glimpse into the home’s historical past. There are 4 reception rooms, 2 cloakrooms, a farm house kitchen, utility room and a cellar. Each room offers a wealth of period features including original windows, many with Georgian shutters, cornicing and deep skirting boards indicative of the period. The ground floor also has a large double bedroom with en suite bathroom, which could provide a convenient guest room for those that may find the stairs a little challenging.

Character

Being ideally located at the cross roads of two historic routes, High Cross House was originally built as a coaching inn. Over 400 years the property has had many uses from a farmhouse to a guesthouse and is now the home of the Samra family.

“When we bought the property it needed a lot of work,” explains Mrs Samra, “we could see the potential and the versatility it had. We loved that the house is full of character and has a lot of history.”

First Floor

The landing has six further bedrooms, one which they are currently using as a study. Four of the bedrooms have en suites and the master bedroom has stunning viewings via the attractive period window of rolling Leicestershire countryside, with exposed beams and access to a mezzanine loft which leads to further attic space. The study and further bedroom, that does not have the luxury of an en suite, share the large family bathroom.

The property is host to a wealth of unusual features including a beautiful keyhole fireplace. There are original wooden beams in the dining room and fantastic log burners in each of the reception rooms. “The fireplaces have to be one of our favourite features,” says Mr Samra, “They make the rooms lovely and cosy during the winter.” The heart of the property however is by far the large fitted kitchen with its Range Cooker and vaulted ceiling.

As well as having visitors quarters in the attic of the property there is also further space in the outbuildings which would be ideal for working from home. “The outbuildings could be used as a studio,” continues Mr Samra, “They could be used as an office or you could put tea rooms by the monument. There are plenty of en-suite bedrooms as the house was once a guest house, so it would be feasible to return it to its former use.”

Stunning

Within the walled garden there is a patio area that is ideal for barbeques and alfresco dinning. “The garden is large enough to have a marquee to have parties,” continues the owner, “It is a great location for social events, the monument is always a talking point. There is also ample space for parking”

Outside

The timber gates lead to a lawned garden that surrounds the Eastern elevations and the original well. There are two outbuildings and a pathway that leads to the entrance porch.

At the very heart of Roman England, there is a fine stone monument enscribed in Latin with the words “If Traveller, you seek for the footsteps of the ancient Romans, here you may behold them, for here their most celebrated ways, crossing each other, extend to the utmost bourne.” The monument, constructed in 1712 is now the focal point of the spectacular High Cross House.

The High Cross Monument was erected in 1722, during the reign of Queen Anne, to commemorate the peace after the war between England and France and sits within the grounds of High Cross House. An earlier timber cross denoted the site as the centre of Roman England, to mark the intersection of the Fosse Way and Watling Street. The monument was struck by lightening in 1791, which accounts largely for its current condition, but certainly provides a unique attribute to the house. The monument sits within the property’s curtilage, but outside of its private walled gardens, which have been carefully landscaped with raise borders, patio area and a path that leads to the rear door.

Landscaped

LutterworthLutterworth is a pretty market town in the Harborough district of Leicestershire. Being just seven miles from Rugby and 15 miles from Leicester, the town is ideally situated. Mentioned in the doomsdaybook, the town boasts two old coaching inns; the17th Century Cavalier Inn and the thatched16th Century Shambles Inn. There are four supermarkets and several shops and cafes as well as a migh school, college and several primary schools. One of the towns notable residents was Sir Frank Whittle who developed some of the worlds first Jet Engines in the town during the 1930s. The town is adajcent to Junction 20 of the M1 motorway giving it convinent access to the national motorway network.

Coventry

Rugby

In Roman times there was a small settlement here known as Venonis, where the Fosse Way met Watling Street (now the A5). The house remains well connected with convenient links via rail and road, yet with all the benefits of a fantastic rural location. “We are so lucky to have such a fantastic location here, it is so easy to get to many major cities including London, however we still have the advantage of beautiful views over the fields and picturesque local walks”.

Indeed, each of the six spacious bedrooms on the first floor provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. There are plenty of local facilities including village shops, post office, doctors surgeries and primary schools in the local vilages of Claybrooke and Ullesthorpe as well as lots of nice pubs and inns. The property is also just ten minutes from Lutterworth and Hinckley with Rugby, Coventry or Leicester being just 15 minutes away.

Services

The property has gas (LPG) and oil fired central heating, broadband connected, electricity and mains drainage (assumed)

Local Authority

Blaby District Council 01162750555Band G

Viewing Arrangements

Strictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country on 01788 820062

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pmSaturday 9.00 am - 4.30 pm

Location

High Cross house is located in the tiny hamlet of High Cross consisting of only a few properties. Located just off the A5 which provides excellent access to M69 to the North and the then eventually connecting to the M1 further south and also the M6 making the location of this property very popular and sort after.

Agent Notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given and that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure.