A former 19th-century shoe and belt-making factory, this four-bedroom house in Northamptonshire has been thoroughly yet sensitively reimagined. It unfolds over 2,000 sq ft across three well-proportioned storeys, where tall original windows and exposed red-brick walls stand as reminders of its Victorian heritage. The house is brilliantly placed for access to the surrounding countryside and Kettering Station, where services run to London St Pancras in 45 minutes.

The Tour

Walkers Works once had a hand in the long history of shoemaking in Northampton. Converted from its former use by Clayson in 2003, it now stands as a spacious, contemporary home while retaining the high ceilings and material palette of its previous iteration. Bespoke carpentry has been added throughout, such as in the cherry wood doors.

Entry is to a generous hallway, with a bedroom currently used as a snug on the left and the open-plan dining room and kitchen to the right. The latter is a well-conceived modern space where glossy white countertops and sage cabinetry sit in thoughtful contrast to the surrounding red brick. A Falcon range is fitted on one side, and there is a deep butler sink placed in front of the window. Opposite is a dining space beneath an exposed grey-painted steel beam. A second bedroom is also positioned on this level, alongside a handy WC which completes the ground-floor plan.

The layout has been conceived to maximise light, space and views across neighbouring fields; as a result, the spectacular double-height living space occupies the entirety of the second storey. A staggering number of windows and a series of Juliet balconies wrap three of its four aspects, drawing in exceptional brightness throughout the day. Original beams run overhead and a swing suspended from the tall ceiling above adds a playful touch.

Stairs wind from here to a mezzanine level above that makes use of the tall pitched roof. This quiet area is currently used as a study and as an overspill sleeping space, but would suit various functions. Generous eaves storage is accessed from here.

There are four bedrooms divided across the ground and first storeys. All have built-in storage and are lit by the house’s characteristic tall windows. The main bedroom, on the first floor, is exceptionally well-sized and has double doors that open to the first-floor roof terrace. It has an en suite bathroom, immaculately finished with black and white patterned tiles and with a bath and a walk-in shower. The other bedroom on this level also has access to the roof terrace, and is served by an adjacent bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Outdoor Space

A delightful south-facing courtyard garden abuts the kitchen and dining room. Larch runs underfoot and has been used to create a seating area and a table. There is a shed here, with electricity, a freezer and additional laundry facilities.

On the first floor is a roof terrace, accessed via the main bedroom. The views are far-reaching and look across farmland and a patchwork of mature trees. Also south-facing, it has room to pull up a set of deckchairs to watch the sunset.

There is also a carport to the side of the house with an EV charger. Two additional parking spaces can be found at the side of the house.

The Area

Walgrave has a buoyant sense of community, with organised activities throughout the year. This culminates in the festival Groove on the Green, which showcases regional musical and comedy acts, a dog show, food stands as well as open gardens to raise funds for the village. The local pub, The Royal Oak, is renowned for its excellent pub garden and food made from locally sourced ingredients. A well-stocked village shop is run by volunteers and is connected to a butcher, ice cream makers and brilliant sourdough, which can be ordered in advance for collection. There is even a Christmas tree farm down the road from the house that provides 10 Downing Street with their annual tree.

The rural location lends itself to all manner of countryside activities including excellent walks for dogs and a circular 100-mile cycle path around the village. There is also a horse riding stable and livery and bucolic tracks to explore. Within walking distance, there is a network of nearby communities to discover, Old, Holcot, Hannington and Mawsley in the immediate vicinity. Pitsford Water Fishing Lodge is a 48-minute walk or a 5-minute drive for a keen angler and it also has a great running path and café. The beautiful house and grounds on the Althorp Estate are also easily reached.

Kettering is a 12-minute drive away and has a selection of supermarkets, as well as a cinema and lots of independent shops, and there is a Waitrose at Kingsthorpe, around 15 minutes by car. Bewiched coffee serves freshly roasted artisanal beans, while No.13 Coffee also produces its own batches to take home. Restaurant Eyas is a 23-minute drive away and prides itself on experimental dining with a focus on sustainability; its produce is reared on the 10,500-acre Castle Ashby Estate, where it’s based.

There are plenty of schooling options in the area, including Walgrave Primary School, Moulton School and Science College. Northampton School for Boys has an “Outstanding” Ofsted rating. There are also several private schools within easy reach, including Wellingborough School, Oakham School, Pittfords School, Sprattan School.

Kettering Station is a 10-minute drive from the house and runs fast services with excellent Wi-Fi to London St Pancras in 45 minutes. Luton, Stansted, Birmingham and Heathrow airports are all reachable by car, with trains to Luton running from Kettering Station.

Council Tax Band: D

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.