A stylish family country home

Hawthorne Grange is a stunning six-bedroom country home in the peaceful hamlet of Sutton-Cum-Beckingham.

Set in an idyllic rural location within more than three acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Hawthorne Grange is a remarkable home offering sweeping countryside views with striking architecture and generous living space.

Built in 2003/2004 and first occupied in 2005, this handsome six-bedroom home resembles a converted barn of modern design and construction, which complied with the planning application that specified a barn-like design for a single family.

A substantial family home, Hawthorne Grange offers a stylish and spacious interior, including a well designed open-plan kitchen with solid oak cabinetry from a local furniture maker, large living room with feature fireplace and cosy snug. There are also two home offices, as well as a superb games room with an oak snooker table and fitted bar, plus an elegant orangery designed by Vale Garden Houses.

Owners Brian and Susan Shaw bought the house from its original owners in 2008, but delayed moving in until 2009, as they wanted to remodel the kitchen and add a conservatory.

The couple say they knew they had found their perfect “forever home” during their initial visit to Hawthorne Grange.

“Having lived in various locations around the country whilst Brian served in the Royal Air Force, we settled near Newark which is a beautiful historic town,” says Sue, a retired headteacher.

“When we both retired, we decided that we wanted to buy a home in a more rural setting, with plenty of space to enjoy our respective hobbies – gardening for me and classic cars for Brian.”

Brian explains: “When we first visited Hawthorne Grange, we were impressed as it’s a beautiful character home in a great location, with wide-ranging views and interesting wildlife. It also offered plenty of space, with a grand entrance hall featuring high ceilings and oak beams.

“It had an open plan kitchen which would prove great for entertaining and the gardens were a blank canvas, which appealed to Sue.

“Although most of the time [it] has been just ourselves living here, apart from when our eldest son Gareth moved in during the Covid pandemic, there is plenty of accommodation for family to visit.

“The interior space is terrific. The reception hall and dining area have a real ‘wow’ factor, with the galleried landing and high roof drawing your eye upwards. It’s a fantastic setting for parties, and the way the downstairs flows seamlessly into the garden makes everything feel open and welcoming.”
Easy living

Brian says the house also always feels “wonderfully warm”: “With both a traditional oil-fired system and a ground source heat pump, we’ve found the heating to be efficient, reliable, and economical all year round. The property incorporates lots of other smart eco-features such as the solar panels, EV charging and timers to control the outdoor lighting and spa.”

Over time the couple made a few changes and added their own personal touches to suit their needs.

“The interior of the house is spacious, airy and open. It has a very modern look with unique features. We initially added a conservatory which was subsequently replaced by a much grander orangery manufactured by Vale Garden Houses, one of the premier constructors of this type of building in the UK.

“In addition, we committed to green energy technology by adding a ground source heating system to complement the existing oil fired boiler, and installed an 18kW solar system to the property.

“We also added a Jacuzzi spa and outdoor kitchen which incorporates a barbecue, pizza oven and a smoker.

“The orangery is our ‘room’ in the garden which we enjoy year round, while our dedicated snooker room and bar, which is a tribute to Sue’s mum, who was the British Ladies Snooker Champion in 1948, also provides superb spaces for entertaining guests.

“It’s such a great house for entertaining – we’ve hosted countless parties here.”

Outside space
Approached via a long, sweeping driveway which creates a memorable first impression, Hawthorne Grange is set in spacious landscaped gardens, which include an expansive patio area in the rear garden along with two pergolas.

“On a warm summer’s day it is wonderful to sit in the garden or on a bench by the pond enjoying a glass of wine and observing our local wildlife which abounds and includes deer, pheasants, ducks, owls, kites and geese.

“The garden is a real delight and we’ve enjoyed growing vegetables in the allotment. There are also numerous fruit trees dotted around the garden. Each year we’re blessed with a huge harvest of apples, pears, plums, greengages, damsons and cherries – so much that we’re constantly gifting fruit to friends and family!

“There are plenty of lovely places to sit and enjoy the beautiful countryside views, whether you’re sipping a glass of wine on a summer’s evening, or tucked away in one of the sheltered spots in the cooler months. The covered outdoor kitchen, complete with BBQ, pizza oven and smoker, is so useful when we’re entertaining. In fact, we’ve even cooked pizzas outside at Christmas while enjoying a mug or two of mulled wine.

“We also purchased the adjoining 2.2-acre field which enabled us to add a pond, orchard, allotment and a large three-bay barn.”

There is also a versatile integral double garage with extensive storage space and an expansive oak barn/workshop with triple electric doors and a four-post car lift, ideal for use as a garage and workshop or leisure use.

Despite its secluded feel, the house which sits in a peaceful village location, is exceptionally well-connected, being just seven miles from Newark station which offers direct trains to London King’s Cross in around 80 minutes.

The couple say they believe Hawthorne Grange would suit “anyone who enjoys an outdoor living environment, particularly a larger family with growing children.

“The property is in a great location with plenty of country walks and we have enjoyed living amongst friendly and supportive neighbours.”

Brian and Sue are sad to be leaving their special “forever home” but have now made the decision to move closer to family: “We have thoroughly enjoyed living here and are leaving with fantastic memories and very heavy hearts.”

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