New Cross Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9

Commanding an enviable and elevated position within the heart of the celebrated Georgian market town of Stamford, Montaigne is an exceptional family home of rare architectural provenance and

Description

Commanding an enviable and elevated position within the heart of the celebrated Georgian market town of Stamford, Montaigne is an exceptional family home of rare architectural provenance and significant scale.

Set adjacent to the town’s expansive recreation ground, this handsome Victorian residence—built from striking locally made glazed yellow brick beneath a slate roof—enjoys captivating views across the rooftops, church spires and to the wooded hills of Wothorpe beyond. Constructed in 1885, the house was originally commissioned by Thomas Charles Gibson, proprietor of Stamford’s foundry works, and later reimagined by his son, Robert Gibson, into the grand home that stands today.

The property takes its name from a subsequent owner, John Mountain, whose family traced lineage to the French Renaissance essayist Michel de Montaigne. Remarkably, only five families have resided at Montaigne in its 140-year history—each leaving behind a subtle yet respectful legacy of refinement.

Montaigne now comes to the market for the first time in 50 years.

Offering over 3,700 sq. ft of internal accommodation arranged across three storeys, the property combines architectural drama with the warmth of a welcoming family home. Interiors are beautifully proportioned, with soaring ceilings, elegant original detailing, and a wonderful interplay of light and space. There are five well-appointed bedrooms, four principal reception rooms, a study, cellar, a large kitchen-diner, utility room, and an upper-level retreat fondly known as the 'Think Tank'.

Period Elegance Meets Family Practicality

The formal reception rooms are designed with scale and light in mind. The triple-aspect drawing room enjoys generous proportions and opens through French doors onto a sun-drenched south-facing terrace. Across the hall, a more intimate sitting room links seamlessly via glazed double doors to the formal dining room—ideal for entertaining. A bright conservatory and a welcoming glazed entrance hall further enhance the sense of flow throughout the ground floor.

The large farmhouse-style kitchen is the heart of the home: a spectacular space for relaxed family living. Extending from a restored 19th-century stone outbuilding, the room features bespoke cabinetry topped with polished surfaces, and includes an Aga, integrated appliances, and French doors to the garden. Adjoining the kitchen is a generous utility and cloakroom, as well as the private study.

Below, the cellar provides excellent dry storage.

Upper Floors with Character and Charm

The first floor reveals three of the home’s five bedrooms, including the magnificent principal suite with dual-aspect windows, French doors onto the cast-iron balcony (the railings of which are thought to have originated from the old Stamford Racecourse), and a dedicated dressing room leading to an en suite shower room. Bedrooms two and three are generous doubles, one with balcony access, and are served by the family bathroom and a separate WC.

The second floor is home to two further bedrooms, ideal for guests, children or as secondary study or creative spaces. Large in proportion, the rooms have plenty of character with exposed beams and there is ample space should an additional bathroom be desired. The far-reaching views from this level are truly spectacular.

Gardens & Grounds

The gardens at Montaigne are a sublime extension of the home’s elegance. Thoughtfully landscaped, richly planted and designed for both quiet reflection and entertaining on a grand scale. Enjoying a prized south-facing orientation, the grounds are bathed in sunlight throughout the day, with sweeping views over Stamford's rooftops providing a spectacular backdrop.

A series of formal terraced levels step gently down through the garden, each offering its own unique atmosphere. Closest to the house, a wide terrace spans the rear façade—ideal for al fresco dining or evening drinks—overlooking deep, luxuriant flower beds brimming with mature perennials, architectural shrubs, and established climbers.

Beyond, a large lawn framed by deep borders leads down to one of the ornamental ponds. Surrounded by stone balustrading, the pond feeds down into the second pond in the sunken garden below. A secluded sanctuary, this enclosed space provides a seating area and a great vantage point to look back up at the house.

To one side lies a highly productive kitchen garden, with raised beds, a traditional greenhouse, and fruit cages bursting with seasonal produce. Whether cultivating heritage tomatoes or gathering soft fruit for summer desserts, this space is both functional and enchanting.

The gardens are bounded by mature hedging and specimen trees, creating a rare sense of privacy given the home’s central location. A gated driveway provides ample off-road parking and access to a handsome detached garage, discreetly positioned to one side.

Altogether, the grounds offer a verdant and well-composed setting—one that complements the historic stature of Montaigne and elevates its sense of sanctuary within this vibrant Georgian town.

Location

Set in a commanding elevated position within Stamford’s historic core, Montaigne enjoys one of the town’s most prestigious addresses—offering rare panoramic views across rooftops, spires, and rolling countryside, while remaining just a short stroll from the vibrant town centre.

Stamford is widely regarded as one of the finest Georgian towns in England—a title famously bestowed by Sir Walter Scott, who praised it as “the finest stone town in the country.” Its streetscape is a visual delight, with honey-hued limestone façades, elegant ironwork, and cobbled lanes such as the celebrated Barn Hill, which tumbles down to Red Lion Square in timeless style. The town’s architectural heritage is impeccably preserved and proudly lived in.

The community is equally distinguished. A traditional weekly market continues to thrive, while an abundance of artisan cafés, award-winning restaurants, hotels, and independent boutiques contribute to the town’s enduring appeal. Landmark institutions such as Burghley House, The George Hotel and Stamford Arts Centre underscore the town’s rich cultural life.
Education is another of Stamford’s great strengths. The property lies within easy reach—half a mile—of the highly regarded Stamford Endowed Schools, offering exceptional private education across three sites. Outstanding state schooling and a choice of early years and preparatory options are also available.

Transport links are excellent. The town is bypassed by the A1 for easy north-south road access, while Stamford Station offers regular services to Peterborough, with onward connections to London King’s Cross in around 50 minutes, as well as direct services to Cambridge via the Cross-Country line.

Whether enjoying riverside walks along the Welland, attending the Burghley Horse Trials, or simply taking in the view from Montaigne’s own balcony, this is a location that offers both cultural richness and daily convenience in equal measure—truly one of the most desirable market towns in the East Midlands.

Square Footage: 3,739 sq ft



Additional Info

Mains water, gas, electricity and drainage.

Fixture & Fittings: Only those mentioned in these sale particulars are included in the sale. All others such as curtains, light fittings and garden ornaments are specifically excluded but may be available by separate negotiation.

All journey times and distances are approximate.