Kings Croft, Derby

Set within the most tranquil garden setting, this softened, Japanese and English inspired gardens, front and back, make Kings Croft a joy to behold and even more so to live in. This is a four bedroom, four living space home with some serious clout. The frontage alone is just grand enough, proud and yet with a quiet humility, softly hidden behind lush greens and deep reds of the Japanese acer and paper trees. Step up to the porch, a brick lined beauty, laid in Minton tiles, is perfect for muddy boots and paws. The original oak door stands proudly next to a porthole window, a nod to the house's original era and the first of many original features to make your heart sing with glee.

Inside, this home gives us life in its space, immaculate use of original decor touches create a restful mood. It is grown up, oak panelled and glorious. Light from the stairwell pours down, accenting the floor tiles once more (can we ever get enough of them?!). The architrave and picture rails nod to the authentic bones of the home. Taupe tones and a wide oak staircase with feature runner get the imagination running wild as to the treats the rest of this home will bestow.

The living room is a 30m2 joy, running from front to back so enjoying duel aspect light. It is a calm sanctuary space, a place to retreat to and gather ones thoughts, the fresh herringbone flooring matching the vibe of the house and, in particular, that fireplace. An oak crafted feature of old world glory, accompanied by a log burner set within. Bifold doors out onto the patio invite summers in yet keep the winter months out. The continued palette from hallway to lounge is contrasted with the boldness of the dining room, positioned within the stone bay side of the house. Vibrant yet regal, the continuing picture rails break the jewel tone aubergine walls. This is an adult lair, wine uncorked, cheese board served, card game in full flow. Real oak flooring adds to the feeling of cigar room chicness.

Towards the back of the house and completing the downstairs layout, we take a more modern turn. The breakfast room, kitchen and garden room/utility are there to provide family touch points throughout the house, in a journey of sorts. Here the space has a continued flow in terms of the design and palette. Modern grey and white with charcoal toned porcelain tiled flooring paves the way for the family side of living. Where once there was a wall, the breakfast room and kitchen now connect together, so that cooking and eating can take place all in one spot.

Granite worktops and a fitted range cooker are just some of the highlights of these spaces. A mix of Bosch and SMEG appliances complete the outfit and dimmable ceiling spotlights create the mood. The kitchen, dining and utility spot come together with an easy-going attitude that brings family together and enjoys the privacy of the back of the home, looking out towards the beautiful garden space.

Upstairs there is space aplenty. A sequence of rooms that spring off the central hallway. The main bedroom sits towards the front of the house with its own ensuite. Across the hall and to the back, the second largest bedroom benefits from all the wonder of the stunning garden as its main view. A further two bedrooms are at the front of the home, with one in a neo mint tone currently being used as a nifty study space. It sits above the main porch and has the most fabulous stained glass window to encourage your inner Hemingway out for creative writing sessions, or, at the very least, a cool breeze when the work pace heats up.
The main bathroom is a crisp white bevel edge metro tiled space with a Santorini blue paint adding contrast and flair above the picture rail, a common original flow throughout the house. Fully fitted with Burlington furniture, Lefroy and Brook taps and separate shower and roll top bath, this is a blissful and pristine wash space.

Up again into the loft, there is space to convert for more bedrooms and a potential bathroom, should a growing family wish to create more private spaces for adult members.
Outside is like stepping into a secret garden. Not the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, but a real life botanical wonder. South-facing with specimen trees and a recently created large stone patio with fire pit and cafe table area, days are made to be spent relaxing in this oasis. Mature plants and shrubs flank the house and garden on all sides, the perfect private touch. Towards the back of this impressive and beautifully kept garden, a large greenhouse sits, next to raised vegetable beds and lawns, an original brick potting shed and stone side paths flowing from the side of the house where secure iron gates are in place. The gardens are magnificent, the perfect accompaniment to this impressive Derbyshire home.
It is the small touches that makes Kings Croft so sweet. Switches and sockets have been added in antique tones to reflect the original elements found throughout. Beautiful original wood floors paired with new bi-folds leading outside. It is a place of simple contrast, making the most of old and new. Stained glass windows, all updated with respect of their age and brought to life once more in this inviting home.

• Setting :  Private and elegant, this is a grown up home in the old part of Allestree Village.
• Three words :  Original charm overload.

Our favourite part
The porch that really sets the tone for discovery in this home.