Detached house for sale in Church Gate, Colston Bassett, Nottinghamshire NG12

Sitting in over half an acre of garden, Church Gate is an immaculately realised four-bedroom home with an accompanying two-bedroom annexe. Draped in wisteria, the main cottage dates to the 19th century, while the annexe, designed by Manea Kella and shortlisted for a 2023 riba award, was completed in 2022. Framed and fitted with Douglas fir and studded with skylights, its palette draws inspiration from the wealth of mature trees bordering the lawned garden. Teaching functionality to be fluent in fun, Church Gate is a beautiful setting for all of life’s chapters.

The Tour

The cottage’s frontage dates to the 1800s. Wisteria climbs across the patchwork brick façade to create a romantic first impression from the sweeping driveway.

In the impressive entrance hall and sitting room, mullion windows and black exposed timber beams create intimate living spaces centred around wood-burning stoves. The fittings and fixtures are simple throughout, leaving a generous backdrop for all manner of interior curation. Original timber doors open along the winding entrances and archways as the house stretches into three generous, versatile living areas.

The kitchen is situated in the 20th-century extension, with stainless steel worktops and simple white fittings creating a restful, functional space below the painted beams above. Beneath a row of mullion windows is space for a lovely breakfast area. Off the kitchen, a conservatory with sylvan views of the garden is a gorgeous suntrap at all times of the year.

A further sociable family room lies off the entrance hall, its rounded bay window looking over the enticing verdant lawn and mature garden planting. The current owners use this space as a playroom, although its central position on the layout means it would also work well as a more formal dining space. The study is also adjacent to the hall.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, all shaped by the house's gently sloping roof and with views of the leafy surroundings. The main bedroom is positioned up steps at the end of the plan - a private retreat with an en suite bathroom.

The annexe, a stable conversion, is a masterfully designed addition. Furnished with a kitchen, two bedrooms (one en suite) an expansive living space, a separate shower room, and plenty of storage throughout, it is a refined and welcoming space. Douglas fir-framed picture windows position the gardens as a backdrop to the space, like an ever-changing artwork. At the rear of the open-plan living area, a terrace invites indoor-outdoor living in the warmer months and is a wonderful space for al fresco entertaining. The space is orientated around a wood-burning stove for cosy winters. Vaulted ceilings and window seats with long-reaching views of the garden complete the luxurious double bedrooms.

Outdoor Space

The house sits within more than half an acre of lawn, dotted with beautiful mature trees. The garden is as versatile as the house; the sweep of lawn allows space for a family game of football as well as quieter spots for contemplation. A treehouse, a newt-filled, iris-wrapped pond and many rustic benches bestrew the unfurling bucolic scene.

This is a garden that transforms throughout the year. A greenhouse, fruit cages and bordering flower beds lie in wait for those with green fingers and provide fresh fare and colourful fragrant blooms throughout the year.

The Area

In the Vale of Belvoir, Colston Bassett is a sophisticated rural village, best known for being home to one of only four dairies permitted to name their blue cheese Stilton Cheese. With over a hundred years of history of outstanding fine cheese production, the area has attracted food lovers everywhere, particularly from the usa and France. The Martin's Arms pub draws a local crowd to its roaring fire and friendly garden and the nearby Nags Head at Harby is another very popular local hunting ground.

There are terrific opportunities for cycling, and the house is close to the historic Belvoir Castle.

In the same vein, nearby Perkins Bar & Bistro is a well-loved restaurant in a restored Victorian railway station, and Cricketer Stuart Broad runs the upmarket pub Tap & Run in neighbouring Melton Mowbray. Gary Jowett is a superb local butcher with a variety of locally sourced meat and ready-cooked meals.

Colston Bassett is a 25-minute drive away from Nottingham, and half an hour away from market town Grantham. With typical Midlands appeal, Nottingham is packed with friendly pubs and bars. 31K delivers an exciting array of cocktails, Pepper Rocks has a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere and great live music, and The Pelican Club hosts an array of terrific jazz performers. The deliciously innovative and Michelin-starred Alchemilla is a terrific fine dining option. The independent Broadway Cinema and Bar, with its lovely bar and open-air terrace, is another great place to spend an evening.

Nearby primary schools include, Langar Church of England and Cotgrave Candleby Lane School, both rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted, and The West Bridgford Secondary School, and the Nottingham Girls and Boys High Schools.

The nearest railway stations are at Radcliffe and Bingham, with hourly services to Nottingham in 25 minutes, Grantham in 30 minutes and then onto London King’s Cross in an hour with the fast service.

Council Tax Band: E