Classic family home opens door to rural life

Set within extensive well-kept grounds, Clematis House is a lovingly modernised five-bedroom character residence in the much sought after village of Claypole, close to both Newark and Grantham.
Owned by Ian Phillips, who moved to this handsome period home to raise his family more than 30 years ago, Clematis House has proved an idyllic residence to enjoy entertaining and spending quality time together.

“We originally purchased the property from friends who were moving further into Lincolnshire to develop their business,” explains Ian. “They hadn’t lived in Clematis House long and there was plenty of work to be done to bring it up to the standard it is today. At the time, we thought it was the nicest house in the village, something we still like to think today!

“Clematis House has been our family home for more than three decades and has been a great place to raise the family, but now they have ‘flown’, it’s time for us to move on and let someone else enjoy this great house.”

Originally built around 1800 as a working farmhouse with outbuildings, Ian and his family have continued the previous owners’ improvements to the house, carrying out various projects to further extend and enhance this classic Georgian house into a perfect rural family home, which still has scope for new owners to put their own stamp on.

“About 25 years ago, the current kitchen was a shed, and with help from our family we took it down brick by brick and rebuilt it using the old materials. It was originally constructed as a lounge before being converted into the kitchen it is today,” says Ian.

“We have been very conscious to pay great care and attention to every detail to ensure we retain and enhance the character of this beautiful property. Over the years, we have carried out a systematic and sympathetic restoration of various aspects, including replacing the wooden windows, renewing the roof with traditional pantiles, replacing internal doors with panelled pine doors and in addition have updated the boilers, heating system and electrics as and when needed.”

One of the most striking features of the house is the stunning vaulted kitchen, with planning permission having already been granted for an additional annexe conversion, while the rest of the tasteful accommodation includes a spacious formal sitting room, separate family room, dining room, home office, five double bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Outdoor entertaining
This family-friendly property is approached by a large gravel driveway with direct access to the double garage. The front garden features easy to maintain flower beds and shrubs edged with attractive wrought iron railings, with a secure side gate leading to the stunning more formal rear gardens. Extending to around 0.75 acres, this area has been beautifully landscaped and mainly laid to lawn, offering many opportunities not only for the keen gardener, but also for those who enjoy entertaining. Multiple areas have been designed to be enjoyed for all occasions at different times of the day, including a paved alfresco seating space and a dedicated covered bar area.

In addition, there is a range of outbuildings and stores, some of which have benefitted from planning consent for conversion to annexed living accommodation.

“The garden, which wraps around the house, has been developed and includes a well stocked vegetable garden producing lots of healthy fruit and vegetables to share with family and friends during the summer months,” says Ian.

“This still leaves plenty of space for children to play football and for socialising with friends, plus outdoor entertaining. There are extensive lawns and we have tried to make the garden as low maintenance as we can by using shrubs and trees underplanted with bulbs and perennials which help create an ever changing view of the garden from the house.”

Thriving village
The village of Claypole, which is situated with easy access to the A1, with fast trains to London from both Grantham and Newark, offers idyllic rural living, with numerous local amenities including village shop, butcher, coffee shop, hairdresser and beauty salon.

The local area provides a wide range of excellent schools, including The King’s School and Kesteven & Grantham Girls’ School which both offer exceptional award-winning secondary education.

The nearby city of Lincoln is also home to The Minster School and The Priory City of Lincoln Academy, while in Sleaford, Carre’s Grammar and Kesteven & Sleaford High – a selective academy for girls – are both a short distance away.

“Claypole is a thriving village offering plenty of amenities, including our local church and pub (with the best fish and chips for miles),” says Ian. “There is a thriving primary school with extensive play and sports facilities attached which are also available for village use and there is the opportunity to get as involved in village life as much or as little as you wish.”

Also nearby is the 17th century Belton House which hosts many events in its beautiful grounds, as well as being home to Belton Park Golf Club where visitors and members are welcome. Neighbouring Belton Woods also has three golf courses on offer, as well as leisure facilities and spa.

“Clematis House has been a wonderful family home and a great place for hosting friends and family,” says Ian. “We will miss the space, but as our family have flown the nest, we now have time to concentrate on our love of travel and holidays which is something we will continue to do once Covid restrictions ease and life returns to something like the old normal we once knew!”

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