*VIEWING DAY NOW FULL WEF 15.06.2026*
Wicket Nook Cottage is a former gamekeeper's cottage dating from 1830, offering a characterful one bedroom rural home set within the historic Calke Abbey Estate in Leicestershire. The property retains a number of period features, including traditional timber windows enhanced with secondary glazing. Surrounded by open fields and woodland, it enjoys a peaceful countryside setting while remaining within reasonable reach of local villages and amenities. An attractive and tranquil place to establish a long term home in a unique National Trust location.
The Location
Calke is located approximately 8 miles south of Derby and midway between the market towns of Melbourne and Ashby de la Zouch, both of which provide a full range of services and facilities.
The nearby Village of Ticknall has a primary school and also has the benefit of the National Trust's Calke Abbey and grounds on the doorstep.
Ticknall sits within the National Forest and this, combined with Calke Abbey, provide plenty of opportunity for walking and outdoor pursuits. The property is within easy reach of the A50 and M1 & M42 motorways, along with East Midlands Airport.
The property is accessed via a 300m private drive that is shared with one other rental property.
Prospective tenants should be aware that a public footpath runs past the property.
The National Trust
The National Trust is Europe's leading conservation charity, and is committed to preserving special places for ever, for everyone. The Trust depends on the income it generates from its rental properties, and could not deliver its core objectives without the support of its thousands of tenants and volunteers. National Trust residential tenants receive custodian membership allowing free access to all National Trust properties within England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Property
Ground Floor
Sitting Room - The living room is a welcoming and characterful space, featuring exposed timber ceiling beams that reflect the cottage's historic charm. A wood burning stove set within a brick hearth provides a focal point to the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
An open staircase rises from the living area, contributing to the cottage's traditional layout, while the room offers a cosy yet practical setting suitable for everyday living.
Dining Room - The dining area features exposed ceiling beams and neutral décor throughout. There is space for a dining table and chairs, with a window providing natural light.
Kitchen - The kitchen is a well appointed and functional space fitted with a range of modern wall and base units with complementary work surfaces. Integrated appliances include fridge, oven and induction hob and a dishwasher. Finished with tiled flooring and neutral décor.
Bathroom- Fitted with a modern white suite, comprising a panelled bath with glazed shower screen, wash hand basin set within vanity storage, and WC. Finished with contemporary wall panelling and wood effect flooring, the room benefits from a window providing natural light and ventilation.
First Floor
Landing - The large landing provides a light and versatile additional space, suitable for use as a dressing area, quiet seating space or study area. The room is well proportioned, carpeted and finished in neutral décor, with a window allowing natural light to flow through. An attractive and flexible space that enhances the overall accommodation.
Bedroom 1 - The bedroom is a well proportioned and light room, finished in neutral tones and carpeted throughout. There is space for a double bed and freestanding bedroom furniture, with a window providing natural light. A comfortable and restful room, suitable for everyday living.
Outside
Garden - The property benefits from a well maintained lawned garden arranged to the front and side of the cottage, providing an attractive outdoor space with open views across the surrounding countryside. There is sufficient space for outdoor seating on the patio, making it ideal for enjoying the rural setting. The garden is bordered by established planting and complements the property's peaceful estate location.
Garage & Parking - Detached garage off the access lane, with parking for one vehicle, located at the bottom of the path to the cottage.
Services
Mains water, sewerage treatment plant, mains electricity, oil central heating.
Tenant/s will be responsible for the payment of Utilities.
Where forming part of the letting and as set out in the Tenancy agreement, we may recharge a utility supply to a residential property, including the proportional element of any standing charges and VAT if appropriate. Where properties are not connected to mains drainage, we may recharge the proportional costs of emptying the septic tank to the Tenant/s. NB This property does share a septic tank with the neighbouring cottage, the cost of emptying will therefore be shared.
Outgoings and Council Tax - The tenant is to pay Council Tax, and all other outgoings relating to the property. The council tax band is yet to be confirmed.
Energy Performance Certificate - An Energy Performance Certificate is available for this property in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations. The property is rated as F.An exemption certificate is available: 'All improvements made or cost cap met': D-0104054-D01
The Tenancy
Term - The property is available to let under an Assured Periodic Tenancy.
Rent - The prospective tenant is asked to pay £850.00 per calendar month. The rent is to be payable by Direct Debit monthly in advance with the first payment being made on the commencement of the tenancy.
Rent reviews - The National Trust carries out rent reviews of the property in accordance with the Section 13 process.
Deposit - The Tenant will not be required to pay a deposit or a holding deposit
Insurance- The National Trust will be responsible for insuring the building, but the Tenant will be responsible for insuring the contents.
Repairing Responsibilities (Summary) - The Trust will be responsible for repairs to the structure, exterior of the building, installations for the supply of services, external decoration.
The Tenant will be responsible for internal repairs and decoration, garden, fences.
Sub Letting- The property shall be occupied as a single private residence only. There will be no right to assign, sub-let or part with possession for the whole or any part of the premises.
Pets Tenants must seek the landlord's permission for any animals or birds to be kept at the property.
ViewingsViewings strictly by appointment only
Photos Photographs are provided for illustrative purposes only. The property will be let unfurnished, and any furniture or contents shown in the images will not be included within the letting. Photos accredited to Mike Henton
GDPR - Our full Privacy Policy can be found online
As a Tenant of the National Trust, we will use your personal information to fulfill our contract with you. This may include, but is not limited to, sending you rental invoices, tenant and landlord correspondence, and contacting you with information about issues or activities relating to your lease. We will not pass your details to third parties except where you have provided explicit consent or where we need to do so in order to fulfill our legal or landlord responsibilities, for example if we need to send your address or contact details to a maintenance contractor so they can carry out repairs, or where we are required to liaise with Council Tax departments or Utilities companies at the beginning or end of a Tenancy.
For further information about being a National Trust tenant, you can visit us online