House for sale in Flore, Northamptonshire

Mileage

Northampton: 7 miles (London Euston from 48 minutes), Towcester: 8 miles, M1 (J16): 2.5 miles, Central London: 67 miles

Description

Listed Grade II, Flore House is constructed of ashlar ironstone with a slate roof. The front entrance has a 19th Century grey sandstone porch, accessed from the centre of the village of Flore. The architectural features are apparent throughout, with stone mullion windows, gable bays and a coat of arms. The current owners have undertaken an extensive programme of restoration and renovation over the last 5 years, whilst retaining the majority of the period features including large stone fireplaces, moulded cornices, panelling and a mixture of wood and stone floors as well as fine doors.

Flore House is a wonderful property (currently a family home), offering versatile accommodation for a variety of uses, such as sub-dividing it to a guest house or boutique hotel (subject to the necessary consents). It is ideal for entertaining with the impressive reception hall and dining room. Currently there is a more family orientated kitchen/breakfast room, which is easily accessible. The house is well laid out with a large number of bedrooms and bathrooms, many of which enjoy stunning views of the gardens and parkland to the rear of the house. The second floor offers further accommodation which would be fantastic for either guests or teenage children. Integral to the house, there is a flat ideal for staff, additional guest/family accommodation or income stream.

Due to the layout of the house, purchasers could (subject to the necessary consents) separate the house into two substantial and private separate dwellings either for rent or family members to occupy.

The gardens provide a spectacular setting for the house at the rear. Divided into a number of different areas, the combination of both formal and informal gardens is quite outstanding. The parkland provides an impressive view at the back of the house.

The loving restoration of Flore House is apparent from every fine detail throughout the house.

Historical Note
Flore House is steeped in history. The Enyon family bought the two manors of Flore in 1610 and 1623, and the original Jacobean part of the house dates back to this time. Specifically, it was built in 1608. The house was much remodeled and extended in the 19th Century and early 20th Century, with both Georgian and Edwardian additions. A full history of Flore House, its people and estate was written by John M Smith in 1999.

Accommodation

Ground floor
The reception rooms at Flore House offer a wonderful space for both entertaining, family living and a variety of commercial uses (subject to the necessary consents). The panelled double height reception hall provides an impressive entrance to the house, adjacent to which are the well proportioned main reception rooms. The drawing room is a light room, showing its Georgian influence. Linking through to the snug and further to the morning room, this allows for a good flow of rooms. The dining room and billiard room are both very impressive areas for entertaining, with the dining room having access to the rear terrace. The family kitchen/breakfast room has fitted units and an oil-fired Aga, one of only a few of this model still in existence. The cloakroom has ladies' and gentlemen's period WC, in keeping with its surroundings. Further to the side of the house, the office/study and family room are fantastic and practical rooms, being so close to the kitchen. The flower room, larder and boot room (accessed externally) provide additional storage and useful space.

First floor
The impressive oak staircase rises from the reception hall onto the first floor. The bedroom accommodation at Flore House is arranged methodically. The master bedroom suite overlooks the striped lawn and covers one wing of the house. The other principal bedrooms are well proportioned, all with huge amounts of light and high ceilings. Many of the bathrooms have period features, including roll-top baths and original paneled walls and flooring in some rooms. The laundry lies on the first floor and links the bedrooms to the staff flat.

Second Floor
The second floor is in two parts. One part contains two bedrooms and a bathroom, and the other part has a further 5 bedrooms, or storage rooms should they not be needed. It could be possible to link the two parts of the second floor, subject to the necessary consents.

The Flat
Accessed either from the ground floor staircase or the first floor laundry, the staff flat covers the northern wing of the house. Presently it comprises a sitting room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. This would be a useful space for both staff and family members.

Gardens and Grounds
Flore House is approached through an impressive stone pillared gateway from the village of Flore into a beautiful graveled frontage. The grounds lie to the rear of the house, extending to 19 acres. Of particular note are the formal gardens surrounding the rear terrace, awash with tulips at a certain time of the year, flowing into a tree covered area that separates the house from the church. The fernery, a stone extension to the house which has historically been used as an orchid house and an avery, still has the original working cast iron heating pipes. Much of the restoration work has been done but it requires some finishing works to bring it back to its former glory. The kitchen garden is adjacent to this. The Pulhamite rockery can be found away from the house, flowing into the expanse of parkland beyond, with a carp stocked, naturally fed lake.

The current owners have retained a right of way over the original carriageway through the parkland, along with a right to improve the access and replace the existing parkland gates with a more formal entrance, giving a more impressive approach to the house from the west running though the parkland.

Planning
Flore House is listed Grade II. Planning Permission is in place to create a Coach House with 1 bedroom flat above, to be positioned to the east of the house. Plans are available on request from Savills.

Situation

The village of Flore (originally meaning 'flower') lies between Northampton and Daventry. The village itself has a church and a primary school, and more comprehensive shopping needs can be found in Daventry, an historic market town, or Northampton itself.

Schooling is plentiful in the area, including Beachborough, Maidwell Hall, Spratton Hall, Wellingborough, Winchester House and Oundle, Bilton Grange and Rugby.

Communications are fantastic from Flore, with excellent acces to the M1 (Junction 16) and the A5 within a few miles. There is also a good train service from both Northampton and Milton Keynes to London Euston (from 49 and 35 minutes respectively).

Sporting activities can be found nearby, such as hunting with the Pytchley, racing at Towcester and golf at the Northampton Golf Course.

Directions

NN7 4LZ
From London take the M1 North to Junction 16 and continue along the A45 (West) for approximately 2.2miles (passing through Upper Heyford) into the village of Flore. Continue through the village taking the last turning on the left 'The Avenue'. Follow the road down the hill and the entrance to Flore House can be found in front of you just before the sharp left hand bend.