Georgian charm in the Wolds

For over 25 years, Normanby House in Nettleton, near Caistor, has been the much-loved home of Adrian and Susan Stringer.
The property is a beautiful family home, originally a Georgian farmhouse which the couple have restored and renovated since moving in over twenty-five years ago. Whilst preserving many period features, Adrian, a builder, and Susan, a retired teacher, have created a stylish, cosy home with all modern amenities and spacious accommodation which has evolved as the needs of their family changed.

The accommodation includes a farmhouse kitchen; this has bespoke oak units and integral dressers, a wrought iron feature entrance, brick arch with range cooker and Susan’s favourite: the walk-in pantry.

Overlooking the courtyard is the lounge. “This is the perfect place to relax and is the real heart of the home, with the large inglenook and wood burner,” says Susan.

There are two further reception rooms including a spacious beamed dining room with feature fireplace and garden room which is perfect for breakfast, or as a music room. Both these have access and views of the terrace and deck which run along the full width of the house and overlook the waterfall and koi pond.

The terrace offers many opportunities for entertaining, as it includes outdoor dining areas. Susan says: “One of my favourite spots for tea is under the magnolia tree overlooking the fish swimming in the pond.”

There is also a conservatory with bi-fold doors which brings the garden inside when fully opened. There are five bedrooms in total, with the master having an en-suite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and spectacular views of the hills. The bedrooms all lead from a landing flooded with light from a prismatic light tunnel and a feature etched arch window.

Susan is a keen gardener and describes the garden as “my great joy”. It has different rooms to explore including a woodland garden, gravel beds and herbaceous borders. There is a herb garden where Adrian has built a secluded summer house – a great place for tea or an afternoon snooze. Around the garden are many seating areas arranged to take advantage of the views and to observe the changing seasons and abundant wildlife and birds.

Adrian says: “The garden is a real wildlife haven and is great for me to practice my hobby of photography; ducks nest near the waterfall every year and we love to watch the antics of our resident water vole in the stream that borders the property. All this, with the stunning background of views over the Wolds.”

Nettleton itself has much to offer, with opportunities for cycling and horse riding, village events throughout the year and of course walking in beautiful countryside with the Viking Way close by.

Susan says: “When we open the gardens, which we have done for many years as part of the Nettleton Open Gardens Event, visitors comment on the warm community feeling they get when walking around.”

The village is a great place to bring up a family and there are well respected schools locally, including Caistor Grammar School just over a mile away, which has been categorised outstanding by Ofsted. As the village is just off the A46 it has good transport links, including a regular bus service to Lincoln and Grimsby. Humberside Airport and train links to London are also a short distance away.

With their love of gardening and the traditional features of their property, it is no wonder that Susan and Adrian bring the outside into their home at Christmas.

Particularly at this time of year, Normanby House is a wonderful place to welcome friends and family. Susan commented: “We always enjoy collecting foliage from the garden and decorating the beams and inglenook, really traditional with a Victorian feel. It is so cosy with the log fire crackling and candles lighting the room. We all look forward to the village Carol Service in the church on Christmas Eve, which is a chance for friends and neighbours to be together to celebrate the season, and of course the mince pies and mulled wine after. Then a short walk home with friends ready for Christmas Day, where the dining room has seen many large gatherings for lunch… it is a magical time.”

Susan and Adrian go on to say: “We have been very happy here but it is time to downsize, move nearer to family and maybe fulfil our dream of building our own home. We know Normanby House would suit a family or a couple seeking an escape to the country. It is a lovely place to live and we whole heartedly recommend it!”

Normanby House, Nettleton is on the market with Brown and Co for £499,000. For more information contact the estate agents on (01652) 654833.

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