While the house is undeniably grand, it is also cosy. Built with the intention of creating perfect symmetry and emphasising natural light, it is true to say that there is a very calming ambience.
There is plenty of space for everyone to spread out, be alone or socialise, whether all together or in smaller groups.
While the house is kitted out for modern living, there are many historic features. One of the finest is the rare imperial staircase which starts as two separate sets of stairs then twists into one suspended flight. Its elegance is a sign of what the rest of the house has in store.
There’s a formal drawing room with sofas, ideal for relaxing with a coffee or reading a book. Plus, there’s the cosy music room and the snug, both with a TV with Apple TV and Freeview, that are more informal. All three rooms have an open log fire or wood burner to add plenty more atmosphere on a chilly day.
The large country kitchen features a double Aga, as well as an electric oven and gas hob, fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee machine and dishwasher, plus a farmhouse kitchen table that seats 12 to 16.
For a more formal dining experience, head to the oak-panelled dining room which has a beautiful, intricate ceiling and exudes a real sense of occasion. The long dining table is ideal for a dinner party and seats 18 comfortably or 21 at a squeeze .
When you’re in the mood for fun, or it’s a rainy day, head to the basement level, where in the vaulted hall there's an antique bar billiards table and table tennis. Meanwhile, children have a playroom with plenty of toys and books, as well as a home cinema system with apple TV and Freeview, to keep them entertained.
There are 12 bedrooms in the house. On the first floor there is the master suite with a four-poster, super-king-size bed and a bedroom with two single beds. These share an en-suite Jack and Jill bathroom. There is also a king-size double bedroom and a small double room that share a bathroom.
On the second floor there are two king-size double rooms, one with an en-suite bathroom and one with an en-suite shower room. There are also two twin bedrooms with two single beds, plus a small double bedroom, that all share a family bathroom.
At the basement level, which has underfloor heating, there is a king-size bedroom, a twin room with two single beds (this room also features the original cooker of the house) and a children’s bedroom with a bunk bed and a single bed. These bedrooms share a cloakroom with a WC, a shower room with a WC and a bathroom with a WC.
Outside, there are 30 acres of parkland, including formal gardens, a lake, and a riverbank to enjoy. You will also have use of a gas BBQ (from May to September) and outdoor leisure facilities within the grounds including a heated swimming pool open May to September (heated June to August), the tennis court and a croquet set. There are bikes that you can borrow too, while fly-fishing is available in the trout stocked brook from April to October (bring your own rods, catch and release).