Mrs Belinda Hatley opens the door at 5 St George’s Square
How long have you lived here?
20 Years
Was it love at first sight?
Yes, it was, we loved the house so much we couldn’t resist. The general age of the property, it’s ambience and character. I especially like the beams, they’re just so lovely.
When was the property built?
The original deeds go back to 1734. We have the deeds hanging up in the dining room. Dr Till, who was an archivist, made a list of all the people who have lived here up until the turn of the century. The original house included the next two cottages. This is only the second time the house has been on the market in over 40 years.
What changes have you made to the home?
Very little really, we put in a new fireplace and added a conservatory at the back. The lady we bought it from shared the house with her brother, they had a floor each, and a sitting room on each floor.
What is the house’s best kept secret?
Over the front door you can just make out the letters ‘ang’ and we used to think it was from ‘The Angel Pub’ because there were dozens of pubs in the area but it was the middle letters of the word ‘bell hanger’. A bell hanger lived here and he looked after the bells in big houses. This house and the two adjoining cottages are the only privately owned houses in St George’s Square, all the rest belong to the Burghley Estate.
Location, location, location
It’s excellent; everything is at hand, and such a short walk. In fact you don’t need a car here at all, and because it’s on a one way street there’s not too much traffic.
So why are you really moving?
I recently lost my husband, Freddie, and I’d like to be nearer my daughter in Harpenden. I’ve seen a retirement flat which is very different from this house. It’s modern with two rooms which is all I need and it will be the best thing for me.
5 St George’s Square, Stamford is on the market with Paul Johnson for £399,000. To view contact Paul Johnson on 01780 482121 or visit www.stamfordestateagents.com
101 Ryhall Road, Stamford.
A three bedroom bay-windowed terrace in a popular residential part of town with a large rear garden with a guide price of £149, 950.
To view contact Knight Partnership on 01780 765060 or visit www.knightpartnership.com
Chestnuts, Lyndon Road, Hambleton
A 4 bedroom house whose jewel in its crown is the south facing, 1.5 acre, stunning garden with its own private footpath leading down to Rutland Water. Price £1.55 million.
To view contact Murray Estate Agents
on 01780 766604 or visit www.murrayestateagents.co.uk
Ketton is a large village 2.5 miles from Stamford with its own post office, library, primary school, pubs and churches.
Jo Kirby, Manager, Design Flowers. We’re now in our 4th year here in Ketton and we’ve found the people here very welcoming. Originally we were a studio only but as the business has grown, we now open our shop in the afternoon.
Angela Angus, Owner, Post Office. We’ve been in Ketton 18 months. The villagers make it a great place; they are so supportive and friendly. I know if there were ever a closure threat to this post office the villagers would be up in arms.
Adam Cade, Resident. I’ve lived in Ketton for 22 years and we’ve been running a dance night every month in the local pub for 11 years. The school is brilliant; it’s the centre of the village.
Sarah Dillon, Stewardess, The Ketton Club. We have around 200 members of the club, and they’re all local. Ketton is an attractive village, the villagers are nice and there’s plenty to do.
Mervin Bradshaw, Resident. I’ve lived here for a total of 35 years. It’s a nice peaceful village with great people and the Northwick Arms is a great pub. The primary school is good for the kids - I should know I went there!