Property focus: A chance to own your very own piece of Harborough history

The former home of one of the founders of the Royal Astronomical Society has been brought to the market for the first time in 47 years.

The Old Rectory, South Kilworth, was the home of the Reverend Doctor William Pearson, rector of South Kilworth, who lived in the house from 1821 until his death in 1847. One of the current bedrooms in the house was Pearson’s observatory until smoke from the surrounding cottages started to obscure his observations and compelled him to build a new observatory elsewhere in the village.

Following a vote which was supported by people around the world, a green plaque to Pearson was erected on The Old Rectory by Leicestershire County Council in January 2020, 200 years and four days after founding of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The Georgian rectory is a delightful family home offering many original features including a large south facing Victorian conservatory.

Set within walled gardens, in the heart of the pretty village of South Kilworth and listed Grade II, The Old Rectory dates to the 18th Century, is rendered with a slate roof, with range of attractive sash and mullioned windows, and inside features an attractive 19th Century staircase.

The Old Rectory has four well-proportioned bedrooms, a family bathroom, separate washroom and five further attic rooms two of which have original fireplaces, all formerly used as accommodation. To the back of the house are attractive views of St Nicholas’ Church and there is ample parking on the gravelled driveway.

The Old Rectory is on the market with King West, and further information may be obtained by calling their Market Harborough office on 01858 435970