Stylish family home with superb views

Nightingale House is an elegant and spacious country house set in gorgeous gardens, with the additional benefit of an annexe, ideal for multiple uses.

Set in the desirable semi-rural village of Aisby, near Grantham, Nightingale House is a stylish five-bedroom home filled with natural light. Built in the late 1990s on the site of an original farmhouse and set within expansive gardens with far reaching country views, this stunning family home with tasteful open layouts has been beautifully updated to a high standard for luxurious and easy modern day living.

Owners Pieter and Christine Rieder have lived here with their two sons and two cocker spaniels for 17 years, having moved here from the USA in 2005.

The couple fell in love with this relaxed and elegant house set in this much sought after pretty “non-drive through” village immediately. Since moving in they have further enhanced the interior space and décor with tasteful updates.

“We knew this was the house for us straight away,” says Pieter. “Having returned from America, we wanted the ambience of the open-plan living in the entertaining rooms and extended master suite, while also providing a family-friendly space.”

This immaculate five bedroom, five bathroom house is south-facing with natural light and the magnificent two-storey feature window brings nature into the house. Built over two floors, the accommodation incorporates clever interior design touches, which also help to make the interior flow well.

Upstairs, the bedrooms are arranged around a galleried landing and include a principal bedroom with dressing room and en suite bath/shower room, further bedroom with en suite, two double bedrooms and a family shower room.

Impeccably presented, with American red oak flooring in the ground floor reception rooms, entrance hall and kitchen, the house is also decorated to a high standard throughout. The feature staircase leads to a 21ft drawing room with triple aspect, formal dining room and a cloakroom with WC. The family-friendly accommodation includes an open plan kitchen, utility room, sitting room, conservatory and study.

“There are two sides to the house, with relaxed family rooms and elegant formal rooms all flowing together,” says Christine.

“The kitchen is the centre of the house with breakfast bar seating and open plan into the family room, making it an ideal area for informal gatherings.

“We have lived very comfortably in the family area, which is very relaxed; we enjoy cooking in the kitchen while chatting together around the breakfast bar and open plan family room.

“There is also nothing nicer than having breakfast in the south facing garden, watching newborn lambs playing in the fields to the rear of the house.”

The couple say it has also proved the ideal house for smart entertaining, with the formal sitting, dining room and hall featuring its magnificent feature window.

“The house is perfect at Christmas and we have made memories that will stay with us forever. We’ve enjoyed the privacy of this quiet village, but it’s also been ideal for wider entertaining and we have hosted village events with more than 100 guests inside for parties, as well as informal performances of Shakespeare in the garden!”

Extensive annexe
The substantial modern annexe features a bed and sitting area with double doors opening onto decking and garden, with a shower room and dressing room. There are stairs to the first floor, ideal as a cinema/games room or further accommodation/office space as required.

“Had we been staying, we had plans to link the house and annexe with a glass atrium. It could make an ideal home for parents or extended family.”

Outside space
The house is notable for its expansive wraparound gardens which adjoin open countryside, with views over grassland with a separate area of manicured lawn to the rear.

The property is approached via a sweeping gravel driveway with ample parking and access to the double garage. A large terrace with ornamental pond provides a further outdoor entertaining/dining area with a variety of well-established trees including an impressive weeping willow.

“The gardens and patio area are designed for easy maintenance while the south facing rear gardens are very peaceful, with a gazebo and electricity.

“Having worked in London prior to Covid with the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s nothing better than arriving home in little over an hour by train to Grantham and sitting in the garden with a glass of wine listening to the sound of birdsong.

“We believe Nightingale House would suit anybody who is looking for a relaxed rural lifestyle, but with easy access to the A1 and all amenities, with London just over an hour away. You also have the choice to have a very private lifestyle where the only thing overlooking you will be sheep!”

Friendly community
With miles of unspoilt open countryside on the doorstep and a private gate onto a local bridlepath, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy walks around the rolling limestone uplands of south Lincolnshire, while riders are well catered for with a number of competition centres nearby.

Christine says there is a “wonderful community” in the three villages that make up Heydour Parish with many art, music and social events at the village hall, community village green with annual fete, as well as a historic parish church and excellent country inn adding to the vibrant, welcoming neighbourhood.

“Driving into the village through a canopy of trees with the village green and houses surrounding it provides a real sense of community. Nothing beats singing Christmas carols with our village friends and families at the Houblon Inn accompanied by the village brass band.

“The house is a wonderful family home that has grown with us, but the time has come to move closer to our grandchildren and downsize. We will miss the fun and laughter but have made wonderful memories – it’s been a very happy home for us all.”

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