Occupying a tranquil location in the bucolic village of Peatling Magna, Leicestershire, this four-bedroom house is an ingenious renaissance of a 1970s design by local industrial architect Douglas H. Smith. Comprehensively reconfigured and extended, the light-filled, sociable living spaces span approximately 4,000 sq ft over three levels. There is a wraparound garden, dining terraces and open landscape beyond. Leicester and Market Harborough are less than 15 miles away, with rail connections to London St Pancras from Market Harborough in around 55 minutes.

The Tour

Entry from the leafy School Lane is via electric gates clad in narrow strips of horizontal boarding, which open to a large courtyard. This is set out to a geometric pattern of smooth concrete bays flanked by rows of pollarded lime trees and box bushes, interspersed with slate chippings. There is space for several cars and an electric charging point.

The house takes a dramatic form, with a solid and void gridded façade of large glazed panels edged in black metal, timber cladding and swathes of white render. The primary entrance is positioned under a suspended timber and metal awning that shelters the oversized hardwood front door. This opens to a sky-lit, lofty atrium, where microcement flooring runs underfoot and the brick walls have been white-washed. The ensuing interconnected interior spaces are playful and dynamic, illuminated by an extraordinary quality of natural light that floods through doors and windows and down from soaring glazed roof sections, creating a constant sense of commune with the outside.

A short flight of stairs leads to the primary living area. This is grand in scale and has a predominantly open-plan layout, creating a wonderfully sociable space that flows seamlessly to the garden; giant glazed doors open to a terrace with an outdoor kitchen. A carefully curated material palette has been used inside, with floors of warm neutral microcement and ceilings made from thin ash boards. Open shelving lines the walls and ash cabinetry – sometimes stained black – with rippled glass-fronted cupboards feature. A dark grey steel beam extends overhead, catching the ends of black-stained timber joists, and there is a vast chimney breast fitted with a dual-aspect fireplace. Tucked away in a quiet corner of this raised ground floor is the large sitting room, where expansive glazing invites exceptional light in.

A bespoke oak staircase, enveloped in vertical black timber struts, leads to a dramatic glass and steel bridge. This connects to a generous landing with oak-boarded walls and flooring; a versatile space, this could easily be used as a quiet sitting area or a place to study. Three bedrooms are positioned just beyond, all with sweeping views of the gardens below. The main bedroom has a similar material palette as downstairs, counterpointed by white plastered walls and black window trims. There is an en suite shower room and plenty of cupboards. A beautifully finished shower room sits between the other two double bedrooms.

Another large living space, currently used as an art studio, can be accessed directly from the entrance atrium, where large glazed openings overlook the entrance courtyard. Lying behind is the fourth bedroom, which opens onto a private sunken and stepped terrace, filled with beds of fragrant lavender and bushy box hedging. A Jack-and-Jill shower and long trough basin sit to one side of the bedroom, with a WC and cupboards to the other. A further three useful storerooms sit off the main space. This area would work well as an independent annexe or workspace, subject to required planning consents.

Outdoor Space

The house sits within beautifully landscaped gardens that receive copious amounts of sunshine throughout the day. Lovingly planted beds are filled with with flowering shrubs and wild meadow seeds, while mature trees are scattered over the verdant lawns and offer shaded spots to read and snooze. These frame expansive views of adjacent common land, crop fields and rolling countryside.

A smooth concrete covered terrace extends in front of the kitchen and has an outdoor cooking area. A second smaller terrace, flowing from the ground floor bedroom, is a lovely, private nook for a quiet morning coffee and has a built-in hot tub. There area an additional two terraces, perfectly positioned for morning coffees and lounging on warmer days.

The Area

Peatling Magna is a traditional village in the heart of rural South Leicestershire, surrounded by farmland and rolling countryside. The local pub, The Cock Inn, is a great family venue and The Grey Goose, a short drive away in Gilmorton, is a brilliant place to enjoy modern European dining. Independent farm shops are aplenty; Pennbury Farm and the award-winning Farndon Fields are both filled with delicious local produce. The area has an abundance of green spaces, perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding.

Within easy reach is Rutland Water, perfect for a run or cycle around the lake on a sunny day. Day trips to Foxton Locks offer opportunities for towpath strolls, picnicking, spotting abundant wildlife or a visit to the canal museum. The nearby Kilworth House is home to a brilliant open-air theatre. Market Harborough has several independent shops and supermarkets including Quinns Bookshop and The Flower Box.

Leicester offers a further array of high street retailers, as well as many coffee shops, bars and music venues. The Curve Theatre and The Phoenix independent cinema complex are both terrific cultural spots. Fosse Shopping Park, one of Britain’s largest out-of-town shopping centres is around a 15-minute drive from the house.

The area is well catered for in terms of schooling, with options in Lutterworth, Market Harborough, Leicester and Rugby. There is an excellent comprehensive secondary school, Lutterworth College, nearby. Bilton Grange, Spratton Hall and Maidwell offer independent prep school options and there are notable local public schools located in Rugby, Oundle and Uppingham.

The M1, offering connections to the M6 and A14, is a 15-minute drive from Peatling Magna. Rail services are available from Rugby into London Euston in around 55 minutes. Services run from both Market Harborough and Leicester to London St Pancras International. International air travel is available at Birmingham International Airport and East Midlands, Luton and Stansted airports.

Council Tax Band:  G

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.