Ashton House.

The House.

Ashton House, ‘The Old Sweet Shop’, sits in the heart of the picturesque village of Burrough on the Hill. Once a butcher's and sweet shop, the space is now a mosaic of nooks and quirks, complete with luxury amenities, ethically-sourced furnishings, and modern entertainment. Bedrooms are low-beamed and cosy. The living areas are quirky and full of character. Outside, a traditional English walled-garden contains a wood-fired hot tub, fire pit and dining area. Rural walks and a Michelin-recommended pub are a stone's throw away.

Living. Cooking. Dining.

The living areas at Ashton House are rich quirks and character. A bespoke kitchen-dining room incorporates cooking, eating, and garden access. A Falcon range-cooker, double fridge, and Aarke soda stream are culinary highlights, while bentwood chairs and a handsome window bench make for an intimate dining experience for seven. Large bi-fold doors connect you to the outdoor dining area, with hot tub and fire pit.

In the cosy living room, sofas surround a 48-inch OLED Smart TV, with sports channels, streaming apps, and a Sonos sound system. A handsome log-burner is the antidote to winter and takes centre stage. Board games are available for the digital-detoxers among us. Large bifold doors lead to the garden and great outdoors.

Sleeping Quarters.

When it comes to sleep, the quiet hilltop of Burrough on the Hill is your friend. The Old Sweet Shop’s four bedrooms are cosy yet well-proportioned. Each bed is made up with ethically-sourced hemp and eucalyptus silk bedding; a lower environmental footprint than traditional fabrics.

Bedroom 1. The master bedroom has a super king bed centrally-positioned between the eaves. A walk-in wardrobe and small ensuite bathroom adjoin the room for maximal convenience.

Bedroom 2. Down the hall, the second offers a kingsize bed on a raised platform for that regal feel. Fitted wardrobes encircle the space ensuring storage aplenty.

Bedroom 3. This loft room is situated on its own floor. It features a low, floating king size bed and adjoins a cosy snug, perfect as a kids' play area or to curl up with a book before bed.

Bedroom 4. The fourth bedroom is warm and cosy featuring one single bed and an in-built wardrobe.

Bathrooms. In addition to the ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom, Ashton House has a large family bathroom with twin sinks, standalone bath, shower. toilet and bidet. There is also a WC and sink on the ground floor.

The Garden.

The traditional english walled garden is designed with relaxation in mind. A patio with cast aluminium table and chairs is directly accessible from the kitchen and perfect for alfresco dining. Soak in rustic luxury in the wood-fired hot tub, with its onboard low-carbon log burner. Mature beds and potted plants line a well-maintained, south-facing lawn. Finally, a rustic fire pit and two-person swing chair are the finishing touches.

Locally.

Ashton House sits in stunning rural surrounds atop one of the highest peaks in Leicestershire. The village, Burrough on the Hill, hosts a handsome medieval church and the Iron-age hill fort of Burrough Hill. A short stroll from the house is the Michelin-recommended eatery, The Stag and Hounds, which draws visitors from across the region. Rolling hills extend for miles, which are popular for walking and cycling. Nearby, the historic towns of Oakham and Somerby provide a wide range of high-end, independent shops, restaurants and cafes, including the famous Gates Garden Centre for the plant-lovers among us. All together Burrough on the Hill is a hidden gem that is peaceful, well-catered for; a perfect destination for outdoor activity and rural recuperation.

Sustainably.

The house runs on renewable energy supplied from the grid. Where possible, all furniture, fittings and gadgets are locally made, reclaimed, second-hand or otherwise ethically sourced. Outside, a 7kW type 2 electric vehicle charger is available for use.

Historically.

The village of Burrough on the Hill is centuries old, with the original parish church of St Mary the Virgin dating back to 1166. The nearby Burrough Hill is a iron-age hill fort and site of great archeological significance, standing 200m above sea level. Ashton House comprises the former shop floors of a village butcher’s and a sweet shop. The building has since been expanded but its history is made present in its piecemeal composition and maze of nooks, cavities and rooms.