Explore new homes in Rutland. At Stancliffe Homes, we carefully select the places we build and here, we’ll share what makes Rutland such a great place to live.
There's a quality of life here that's genuinely difficult to find elsewhere. You’ve got open countryside, thriving market towns, outstanding schools and a community spirit that makes settling in feel effortless. It's the kind of place where people come for the scenery and stay for everything else.
At the centre of it all sits Rutland Water, one of the largest man-made lakes in the UK, offering watersports, cycling routes and nature reserves on the doorstep. The market towns of Oakham and Uppingham each have their own distinct character, with independent shops, cafés and a strong sense of local identity. And despite its rural setting, Rutland is far better connected than many expect – with rail links to Leicester, Peterborough and Birmingham, and the A1 within easy reach for those who drive.
Rutland may be England's smallest county, but that's a large part of its appeal. The historic market towns of Oakham and Uppingham both have a depth of character that far exceeds their size. Oakham Castle is one of the finest surviving Norman halls in the country and a landmark worth visiting in its own right. Uppingham, meanwhile, has a refined and distinctive atmosphere, with independent shops, galleries and a thriving arts scene shaped in part by the long-standing presence of the prestigious Uppingham School.
Rutland Water is one of the largest man-made lakes in the UK and the centrepiece of outdoor life in the county, offering traffic-free cycling routes, watersports including kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing, open water swimming and a beach area at Sykes Lane. The surrounding countryside adds walking routes, nature reserves and genuinely peaceful green space, and the county's famous osprey colony makes Rutland Water a nationally recognised birdwatching destination.
Rutland offers a surprisingly varied leisure scene for a county of its size. The Aqua Park at Rutland Water is a popular destination for families and groups, cycling routes with bike hire and waterside cafés make for a great day out, and vineyard visits and falconry experiences add a more unique dimension to life here. The historic town of Stamford and Burghley House, home to the world-renowned Horse Trials, are both just a short drive away.
Oakham serves as Rutland's main hub, with independent cafés, pubs, restaurants, a weekly market and essential services including supermarkets and healthcare. Uppingham adds further choice with its own strong independent retail and dining scene, and high-quality farm shops and local produce are a well-established part of life across the county. Low congestion and easy parking make day-to-day living in Rutland noticeably more relaxed than in larger towns and cities.
Rutland has a strong reputation for education and is a popular choice for families as a result. Catmose College in Oakham and Uppingham Community College provide well-regarded secondary education, including primary schools in both Oakham and Uppingham .Uppingham School, one of England's most prestigious independent schools, adds further appeal to the area. Rutland’s safe environment and community-focused schools make it a compelling long-term base for families.
Oakham railway station provides direct services to Leicester, Peterborough and Birmingham, with onward connections to London, and the nearby A1 puts major destinations across the Midlands and beyond within straightforward reach. Cities including Nottingham, Cambridge and Leicester are all manageable commutes, and East Midlands Airport is accessible for frequent travellers. For remote workers, Rutland offers a rare combination of a peaceful setting and enough transport options to stay well connected.
At Stancliffe Homes we aim to provide you with great customer service and support throughout your journey with us. Anything you need, we're here to help.
