If finding the perfect home feels like an impossible task, then the team here at Belvoir are on hand to guide you through.
Our Focus On series, which takes a look at the wide range of different housing areas available in Corby, has proven to be a valuable tool for home hunters.
Last month we featured the area of Oakley Vale. In this month’s instalment, we focus on Great Oakley.
Why you should consider Great Oakley
The area of Great Oakley is steeped in history. Oakley is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘oak clearing’ which suggests the village was formed during woodland clearance in the 9th or 10th century.
The Great Oakley Estate itself has been under the ownership of the Brooke and de Capell Brooke family in some form since the late 1400s – but with previous Lords and Stewards going as far back as the late 11th century!
With a range of different housing options available and with beautiful countryside on the doorstep, there are plenty of accessible walking routes, including the new public footpath, The Jubilee Path. Head past Great Oakley church and across the fields towards Little Oakley, and you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the viaduct over Harpers Brook, built around 1879.
Harpers Brook stream flows through the village. Once the boundary of Rockingham Forest, there is a well in the village called Monk’s Well which was mentioned in the Domesday Book. At one time the villagers used it as their water supply!
Although it continues to grow in size, much of Great Oakley remains unchanged. In fact, a preservation order exists on all trees and stone houses in the village, helping to ensure that the character of Great Oakley remains for future generations.
Local amenities in the area
Located approximately two miles southwest of Corby town centre and the train station, and within easy reach of Geddington, Newton and Kettering, Great Oakley has lots to shout about when it comes to amenities in the area.
Great Oakley Village Hall, located off Lewin Road, is available for hire by those in the local community – whether that be for a wedding reception, birthday party, community activity or meeting. Nestled next door to the Hall is 150-year-old Great Oakley cricket club. Run by volunteers, it plays host to a range of events throughout the year including local bands, seasonal celebrations and of course, cricket!
Great Oakley also has its own church – St Michael’s – which was built of stone in the 13th century. Located near Great Oakley Hall, owned by the Brooke du de Capell family, the grade II listed church features several monuments to the Brooke family, and the oak choir stalls are said to have come from the Cistercian abbey at Pipewell.
The grounds of Great Oakley Hall also play host to the annual Great Oakley summer fete, which is well attended and features stalls, the NANNA dog show, kids’ rides, tombola and coffee and cake in the church.
Great Oakley also has a range of primary and secondary schools close by, including Danesholme Infant and Junior Academies on Motala Close as well as two primary schools and a secondary school on the neighbouring and almost adjoining Oakley Vale Estate.
Slightly further afield, but still in walking distance, is Kingswood Primary and Secondary Schools. All of these schools have been rated Good in their latest Ofsted report.
For daily essentials there is a Morrisons and Aldi supermarket and two petrol stations nearby. When it comes to dining out, you’ll be spoilt for choice too with lots on offer at the Southern Gateway retail park on the outskirts – including pub-chain Beefeater, Costa Coffee (drive through or dine in), McDonald’s, Dominos and Pepe’s Piri Piri. Local family pub, The Spread Eagle can be found on the opposite side of the road which features a generous beer garden with a small play area with a ‘train’ as its focal point.
Property available in Great Oakley
Interested in finding a property for sale or rent in Great Oakley, or would like to find out more about the area? Then please contact us on 01536 261666.
