House Hunting

National property consultancy, Carter Jonas, brings to market a rare 1920s former hunting lodge called ‘The Grange’, located in the village of Burton Lazars, famous for its royal horse racing heritage and nearby to the picturesque market town of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.

Occupying an elevated position, the property sits within beautifully landscaped gardens extending to around 1.9 acres and overlooks the valley on which the famous National Hunt Chase at Burton Lazars was once held in 1864 and 1871; before it became a permanent fixture of the Cheltenham Festival.

Burton Lazars racecourse is perhaps one of the most unexpected front runners in the history of horse racing and steeplechase. The venue closed in 1939 at the start of the war, but not before Prince Henry and the future king Prince Edward were among those to ride at the course in 1923 (as seen here to the right).

On the market for £1,950,000, the property is already in operation as a successful Country Guest House. The main house, believed to date back to circa 1920, is separated to offer private living accommodation alongside 11 guest bedrooms, all ensuite with eight kitchenettes. An attached former stable has been converted into the Grange Mews and offers an additional six independently accessed apartments, also ensuite, with kitchen facilities.

Pam Holden, the owner of the property, commented: “I have lived in this property for 32 wonderful years and it’s been amazing to enjoy the beautiful views each day – the best in Leicestershire! A huge benefit of the home is that you can see the stunning landscape from every  room, and sunshine pours into the house throughout the day.

“An ideal buyer for The Grange would be a family or a couple from the city who are after a new adventure in the peaceful countryside. The property is hugely flexible – it lends itself so well to corporate entertaining or a B&B arrangement, so occupants will find that they can easily generate the income required to run the property.”

Ian Cattle, Head of Sales in Northampton at Carter Jonas comments: “The beauty of this house is that it offers the flexibility to continue as a guest house or to be used as a large family home, and the Grange Mews offers potential to further extend, subject to planning. The Grange is a special family home, and we urge anyone who is looking to make a big life move to the countryside to get in contact.”

The main house is blessed with a striking oak staircase and large reception and living rooms, which overlook the garden and offer panoramic countryside views. The family accommodation comprises a large drawing room with a central stone fireplace and a dining room that opens onto a garden entertaining terrace. Also adding to the charm of the ground floor is a library with wooden panelled walls, large family kitchen with double Belfast sinks and Gas Aga and a spacious garden room for relaxed dining.

The Grange is ideally located south of Melton Mowbray, which is not only known for its delicious pork pies, but where the phrase “Paint the Town Red” originated. The highly desirable village of Burton Lazars has a church and village hall as well as being surrounded by wonderful rolling countryside. The pretty market town of Oakham, full of traditional shops, two supermarkets, a railway station, restaurants, and leisure facilities is also close by. Rutland Water is a hot spot for leisure pursuits, including walking, cycling, fishing and water sports and the area is blessed with several golf courses and excellent private and public schools.

For the full listing, visit carterjonas.co.uk/house/for-sale/burton-lazars/ and more information, please call the Northampton office on 01604 608200 or visit www.carterjonas.co.uk.