Period cottage with a contemporary twist

Old Church Cottage is a beautifully converted 16th-century Grade II Listed thatched cottage in a much sought after scenic village location near Lincoln.

Located in a prime position in the charming village of Aubourn, which sits between Lincoln and Newark, Old Church Cottage is a distinctive four-bedroom single storey period cottage which has been creatively converted into a modern and stylish family home.

Owners Michelle Chaplin and partner Steven Hollingsworth have enjoyed living here for the past five years and now have plans to start a new life in Marrakesh, a dream which has been in the pipeline for many years.

“We were drawn to the house and its uniqueness”, says Michelle, who previously worked as an interior designer/decorator in London, taking time to source the perfect, sometimes one-off pieces that reflect the style of the house.

“It is believed that some of the priests from the 12th century church behind the house lived at the cottage in its early years.

“The house is not only aesthetically beautiful, but also offers practical clean living. The juxtaposition between the original house and the contemporary extensions/wings either side of the original cottage makes it very special.

“The property is ideal for a home based business and/or remote working role. Steve, who works as a supply chain director in the packaging industry, commutes to Yorkshire and Darlington.”

Walk through the front entrance and you are immediately bathed in natural light throughout each room in the building.

The large and airy hall features recessed spotlights and floor to ceiling windows, which cast an abundance of light on the attractive exposed stonework and contemporary Italian ceramic tile floor, with underfloor heating control.

Most unusually for a Grade II Listed thatched cottage, this superbly renovated contemporary property, with double-height ceilings and exposed beams, has been extended to include two fashionably modern glass-clad wings with four good-sized bedrooms, lounge, kitchen breakfast room, two bathrooms and WC, together with a utility room.

Originally a 16th-century Grade II Listed building, featuring a traditional thatched roof, timber framed windows and a combination of brick, timber and limestone walls, this unique property was extended and fully refurbished throughout to offer a blend of contemporary design and historical character.

The works, undertaken by Lincoln based architect Daniel Christie, primarily included the construction of two new brick and glass extensions (100sqm), forming new west and east wings with the key principle to complement and not compete with the original historical fabric and character of the property.

“The property has such a solid, grounding and calm feeling. We constantly marvel at features such as the stone fireplace, curved walls and the thickness of the original walls. Everything about Old Church Cottage is beautiful and having been architecturally designed there is no need for change.

“It is absolutely ready to move into, although one of the hallways could be adapted to become an additional living area.

“We believe that this house would suit professional couples, small families or a buyer looking for unique properties with original style.”

CONTEMPORARY APPEAL
Beautifully presented throughout, the reception room/lounge features double aspect windows, vaulted ceiling with exposed beams, single glazed timber framed windows to front and rear, exposed stonework and fireplace with limestone hearth and Stovax log burner, plus hardwood flooring.

There is also a pull-down ladder that provides access to the mezzanine area above, which is currently utilised for storage.

Next door, the well-sized kitchen/ breakfast room features a range of fitted wall and base units, single glazed timber framed windows to both front and rear and hardwood flooring, as well as an integrated dishwasher, induction hob with extractor, integrated fridge freezer and Zanussi double oven.

Leading off the hallway is a bespoke concealed utility/laundry cupboard housing the oil fired boiler, with space and plumbing for washing machine and dryer, plus plenty of shelving.

The master bedroom has contemporary full-length double glazed frameless windows, and a single pedestrian door which overlooks and opens onto the courtyard and garden, plus three further modern bedrooms with one currently used as a study.

OUTSIDE SPACE
The property benefits from many modern comforts, including underfloor heating, as well as floor to ceiling Velux windows flooding the property with daylight, with aluminium bifold doors opening out onto the paved courtyard garden.

The property is approached via a gated long gravel driveway with parking for multiple cars and a new solid oak timber framed garage.

The large patio, which has a traditional English walled garden feel, is ideal for entertaining and relaxing with well planted gardens and neat lawns with mature trees and hedgerow boundaries providing a rural and tranquil setting.

IDEALLY LOCATED
Aubourn is an attractive and well presented village with a one-way traffic system and a popular pub which is close to Aubourn Hall, a historic house which dates back to 1628.This popular visitor attraction is open by appointment and during the summer months invites visitors into its pretty gardens to enjoy colourful borders and shrubs, lawns, walking trails, rose gardens and water features.

The neighbouring village of Bassingham is just under three miles away and offers further amenities, including shops, a village pub and primary school.

Old Church Cottage is ideally situated for commuting too, with the A46 dual carriageway easily accessible for travelling to Lincoln and Newark, which has a fast rail link to London King’s Cross (approx 80 minutes).

“We will miss its uniqueness, privacy and originality, as well as the friendly local community. Our lasting memory is to have owned such a unique piece of history, which is so private and tranquil.”

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