Idyllic conversion in rural hamlet

The Stables is an outstanding six-bedroom family home in a picturesque location.

Located in the sought-after village of Edlington, just three miles from Horncastle, this unique property combines peaceful, country living with modern convenience and amenities.

The McQuade family, who moved here in 2014, describe The Stables as “the perfect family home and a house for all seasons”.

“I first visited The Stables when it was being converted from original stables to a living dwelling in 1995,” says Penny McQuade.

“We had decided to settle in Lincolnshire and had just moved into another property in Edlington when we realised that we knew the couple who lived here – small world! Although it was still undergoing major conversion work, I was completely overwhelmed at the huge potential the place had to offer.

“The incredible main living room had an amazing raised walk around brick fireplace which, for me, was truly memorable and the views out the back were breathtaking and went on forever.”

Set within 1.83 acres of private, mature grounds, The Stables boasts stunning views of the rolling countryside, which can be enjoyed from the expansive south-facing rear terrace.

The former U-shaped stable buildings have been thoughtfully extended to offer flexible and versatile living accommodation, including a delightful cottage annexe with a garden room, shower room and first floor bedroom, which has proved ideal for extended family, or bed and breakfast guests.

Unique home
“I decided when my children started to leave home eleven years ago that it was time to downsize and my luck was in when I saw a For Sale sign outside The Stables. I went to view it and I loved it even more – the previous couple had done an amazing job converting it into an incredibly unique home.

“We spent 18 months replacing the kitchen and bathrooms, adding an orangery and generally updating the electrics and plumbing so it was a comfortable, energy-efficient and easy to maintain property. I also added more windows to the front of the house to create more light.

“The main living room is the central hub to the place where many fun times have been had, as it offers so much space. In the winter it feels cosy around the large raised wood burner, but in the summer you can open the bi-fold doors and the patio and garden become a sunny extension.

“The kitchen is always warm and welcoming and a very popular place to congregate. You enter it from the boot room where you can kick your boots off and hang up wet coats. The electric Aga adds to the warmth of the kitchen and you will often find our spaniel asleep in front of it.

“One of my favourite little additions to the kitchen is the pantry, which is spacious and where utility items can be kept, but it has a real quaintness about it which I love.

“Alternatively, you can enter through the front door where you step down into an area which wraps itself around the main living room. The outer wall is brick from the original stables and the inner wall is perfect for hanging pictures and photographs, hence we call it ‘The Gallery’.

“The lighting on the brick wall has recently been installed and the effect creates a lovely ambience to the whole area. It is all incredibly unique.

“From the gallery there is a wooden staircase which takes you upstairs to a very spacious sitting area and being directly above the wood burner, it has to be the warmest room in the house!”

Cottage business
Integrated into the main house is a cosy attached cottage, with a one-bedroom ensuite, which can be accessed from the house but also has its own front door. With the family having grown up and flown the nest, the vendors have run this as a successful B&B.

“We can’t believe how much fun this has been, not only is it a great extra space for when friends or family come to stay, but it also provides a nice little income when we are around.”

The attractive gardens and grounds also provide additional wow factors to the property.

“The house sits in the most beautiful, peaceful position and all the grounds are south facing. We installed the pergola cover on the rear terrace and have a purpose-built covered BBQ area, so it really does feel like an extension of the house and is perfect for entertaining over the warmer months.

“Half of the outside area is a lawned garden and the other half is an area which can be used for keeping horses or small livestock, but we enjoy it as a wild flower meadow.

“The views are incredible and the garden gets the sun all day. There are public footpaths on our doorstep so you can go walking straight from the house with lots of wildlife to see and a beautiful lake less than a five-minute walk away.”

Peaceful setting
The Stables is ideally located in Edlington, a pretty and peaceful hamlet situated within the Lincolnshire Wolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a short distance from the historic market town of Horncastle.

“The village is well established and the people are incredibly friendly, kind and always helpful – it is great being on the village WhatsApp group. My three children, who are all grown up now, have very fond memories of their childhood growing up in the village, which is a lovely safe place to explore and have fun.”

The couple say they will miss many aspects of living at The Stables, but will be leaving this chapter of their lives with many fond memories.

“As we get older it has always been our dream to move to be beside the sea, as we love the outdoor life and everything that has to offer, so we are moving to Scotland to achieve that dream before we get too old.

“It’s difficult to say what it is about the house that I love the most. It has the loveliest feel and an easy flow – when the house is full of family, it doesn’t feel crowded and when it is just the two of us with our dog, we don’t feel lost in it.

“This house has a unique and special warmth to it and we hope that a family will enjoy what our home has to offer as much as we have.”

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