Plum Tree Cottage, South Street, Barrow Upon Soar, LE12

An incredibly rare offering to the open market, Plum Tree Cottage is presenting itself for the first time in almost 50 years. This charming 17th-century Grade II listed cottage boasts over 4000 square feet of living accommodation across multiple dwellings and possesses a deep, rich history. Located in the sought-after Charnwood village of Barrow upon Soar, Plum Tree Cottage is a delightful fusion of three cottages, now merged into one large dwelling. Additionally, there is a partially refurbished two-bedroom terraced house, included in the sale but on a separate title, located within the conservation area. Previously serving as a grocery store in the late 1970s, the two-bedroom home was converted into a residential property in the 1980s. Although unmodernised, it benefits from a newly fitted roof and has the foundations in place to create an ideal family home or potential for reconfiguration into a commercial premise or addition to the existing cottage, subject to necessary consents.

Positioned in the centre of the village on a slightly elevated plot, the house occupies a wonderfully secluded spot with a leafy backdrop to the rear. A substantial paved driveway with a double garage provides off-street parking for multiple vehicles and leads to the primary entrance, positioned in the original part of the cottage. With a distinctive Swithland slate roof, a welcoming entrance leads through to one of the spacious ground-floor reception rooms, featuring a galleried, handcrafted open staircase at the centre, creating an incredible focal point. Characterful stained-black beams stretch overhead, with a large, open Inglenook feature fireplace with exposed brickwork positioned to the right wing of the downstairs accommodation. Two further interconnected reception rooms are decorated in decadent dark colours, with a deep-set stone reclaimed fireplace and log burners positioned centrally, providing a warm winter retreat at the side of the house, offering pleasant views onto the rear garden. The breakfast kitchen is a perfect contrast – an expansive, light-filled room framing views of the terrace and gardens through barn-style doors. A large AGA range cooker is centrally positioned, with ample space for all necessary appliances.

The secondary part of the cottage (formerly 9 South Street) is multi-functional, previously serving as an annexe and now potentially a fourth bedroom or additional reception room. It has been specifically designed for easy conversion to accommodate the next owner’s requirements, with an unmodernised bathroom already in situ. There is also a substantial basement which, despite requiring modernisation, could easily be utilised to add to the existing dwelling, subject to necessary consents. Careful interior planning optimises the free-flowing space upstairs, with a generously proportioned open galleried landing separating the three bedrooms and family bathroom on the easterly side of the plan. Each of the rooms is wonderfully characterful, with fitted wardrobes in each. All three bedrooms are generous in size, with the third bedroom housing a newly fitted Ideal combi boiler (fitted January 2023).

Outside, a well established, private, East-facing garden has been beautifully landscaped with a leafy backdrop surrounding the entire space. The garden has been designed with mindful intention, ensuring the outside spaces are enjoyed as much as the interior. The east-facing raised paved patio area is a quiet sun-trap, while the dining area on the lower terrace is perfect for alfresco dining from midday until sunset. Raised shrubbery, established fruit trees, and rosebuds provide lasting colour and interest through to the late autumn months. A wide storeroom provides access to the double garage, linking 5 South Street to Plum Tree Cottage. This space has been partially refurbished and could easily be connected to the main dwelling or configured to serve as an additional dwelling for commercial use, subject to all necessary consents.

Offered with no upward chain and providing a blank canvas to truly curate something remarkable, early interest comes with the agent’s highest recommendation.

Location:

Barrow upon Soar is situated just off the A6 in between Leicester and Loughborough. The village offers a thriving community based around the church with extensive range of restaurants, pubs and independent coffee-shops which are located a short distance away with main-street shopping facilities found in nearby Loughborough town The River Soar runs past the village and offers attractive walks and wildlife. The village has its own railway station on the Loughborough/Leicester line and is ideally situated for access to a number of surrounding centres including Loughborough, Leicester, Nottingham and Melton Mowbray.

Vendor comments:

“ This property has been in the same family for nearly 50 years but this is now the time for it's next chapter. Positioned in the centre of the village, it is the ideal property with so many options to upgrade/change/flex the accommodation to suit a number of different purchasers. “