5 bedroom detached house

Dating back to 1904, this established five-bedroom detached house sits proudly on the distinguished Knighton Church Road, one of South Knighton’s most desirable addresses. Rich in architectural heritage, the home retains a wealth of original Victorian features including terracotta floor tiles, sash windows and cast-iron fireplaces, now thoughtfully paired with contemporary interventions and a bold interior palette. Spanning nearly 2,000 sq ft, the house is bathed in natural light, with generous ceiling heights and large apertures that lend a bright and expansive quality to each room.

To the front, a cobbled driveway sets the tone, offering parking for two cars and leading to a house that immediately communicates a sense of permanence and quiet grandeur. Inside, an entrance hall with original Minton tiled flooring forms the heart of the ground floor plan, providing access to both the principal reception room and the kitchen beyond. At the front of the house, a beautifully preserved bay-fronted sitting room is arranged around a striking original fireplace. Hardwood floors, bespoke Venetian shutters and a moody colour palette of inky blues and black lend the room a compelling warmth, while carefully retained period details – picture rails, sash windows and oak-framed doors – preserve the integrity of the house’s early 20th-century origins.

At the rear, the kitchen has been sensitively modernised following a 2016 renovation, with a cottage-inspired aesthetic centred around a freestanding AGA, Corian work surfaces and a suite of grey cabinetry. Terracotta tiles line the floor, continuing the thread of historic materiality through the house. An open archway leads to a voluminous second living area, where three VELUX skylights and a broad run of hardwood-framed glazing welcome in cascades of light. Reclaimed wooden flooring and double-glazed sash windows continue the balance of new and old. A three-piece family bathroom is tucked neatly within this space, with a roll-top bath set against travertine and marble tiling, lit gently from above by twin roof lights.

In 2005, an extension has added a bright garden room, spacious utility/boot room, and an additional shower room, complete with marble and terracotta flooring. A Worcester combi boiler, installed in 2021, serves the house efficiently. French doors open directly onto a beautifully landscaped, south-facing garden – a true highlight of the property. Upstairs, the first floor is arranged across a two-tiered landing, illuminated by a restored sash window. Three bedrooms lie on this level, including a well-proportioned principal bedroom at the front, with bespoke wall panelling, fitted wardrobes, and views over the tree-lined street. A second double bedroom retains the original flooring beneath modern laminate and enjoys a leafy side aspect, while the third bedroom overlooks the garden and includes integrated storage. A contemporary family bathroom with an electric shower and Jacuzzi-style bath completes the floor. A loft conversion has added two further bedrooms, the first of which is a generous double with fitted wardrobes and views over Knighton Church Road. The fifth bedroom, currently configured as a guest room or study, is illuminated by three VELUX windows and has ample room for freestanding furniture.

The rear garden has been thoughtfully planted and landscaped, with olive trees, grapevines, and mature shrubs forming a lush green sanctuary. A stone patio provides the perfect setting for al fresco dining, while newly laid astroturf keeps the space low maintenance. At the far end, a well-built summerhouse with mains electricity offers flexible use – a home office, artist’s studio or potential annexe, subject to the necessary permissions. The current owners have cultivated Pinot Noir and Prosecco vines, producing small batches of wine in the warmer months – a testament to the garden’s unique charm.

This is a home of remarkable character and considered craftsmanship, in a close-knit and architecturally rich neighbourhood. Viewing is strongly recommended to appreciate both the scale and soul of this exceptional house.

Location:

Tucked away just south of Leicester’s bustling city centre, South Knighton is a quietly refined suburb characterised by tree-lined avenues, period architecture and a strong sense of community. Favoured for its peaceful residential streets and proximity to open green spaces, the area offers a rare balance of suburban calm and urban convenience. Much of South Knighton’s architectural charm lies in its late-Victorian and Edwardian housing stock—handsome red-brick villas, bay-fronted terraces and detached family homes that speak to a time of generous proportions and quality craftsmanship. Many properties retain original features such as sash windows, tiled pathways and decorative gables, while sensitive modernisations are increasingly common among design-conscious homeowners. Transport links are excellent, with Leicester city centre just a ten-minute drive or direct bus ride away. The nearby Leicester railway station provides fast connections to London and Birmingham, making the area popular with professionals and families alike.