< Previous10 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES A cosy Georgian townhouse This month’s featured property is a stunning, characterful home. While spacious, light, and airy, its owners have created a warm and welcoming abode, loved by all who enter. 10-17.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:43 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 11 HOMES A 200-year-old home, overlooking the banks of the River Welland, Grosvenor House is a charming and welcoming property, cosy despite its size. Built in 1823, the Georgian townhouse, which is surprisingly unlisted, is located along Spalding’s historic residential quarter and is host to a wealth of fine, original, period architectural details and reclaimed features. One of a matching pair with the neighbour, it is believed the Victorians altered features, adding for instance the floor to ceiling bay windows to the front aspect. Sam and Mark have lived at the unique property for 20 years, snapping up the abode as soon as they saw it for the first time. The couple said: “We had an acquaintance who was an estate agent in the town who called us and said: ‘Go and look at this house!’ We told him it was more than we really wanted to spend, but he convinced us to see it - not even to buy it, but just because it’s lovely to look at. So we came along on a cold, damp, pitch dark December evening after work, with no intention to buy, and completely fell in love with the place from the moment we walked in the front door. The beautiful hallway, fabulous decor and colours, all the period features, and the bathroom with Egyptian panel - we’re both keen travellers who have been to Egypt several times! That night we went home, added up all our savings, and made an offer the next morning. We saw the house in daylight for the first time on the Saturday after we had our offer accepted - buying with our hearts, rather than our heads. We still love it every bit as much today as we did back then and have no regrets at all.” Positioned behind a dwarf wall and gravel carriage driveway, the home stands tall with stone steps rising to the striking, Smalt blue front door. The Dulux Heritage colour can also be seen on the wrought iron railings and automatic gates that lead to the coach house, with its electrically operated doors and storage above. Stepping inside the 12 Á 10-17.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:44 Page 212 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES 10-17.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:44 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 13 HOMES 14 Á Whether you are looking for classic, traditional style or contemporary designs including the latest in media wall electric fires, we are sure to have something to suit. We also have a great selection of fireside accessories including wicker log baskets, fireguards & companion sets, along with cleaning & maintenance products to keep your fire looking great. Plus, our ‘Outdoor Living’ firepits & woodburners will keep you cosy in your garden year round. FIREPLACES – FIRES – STOVES Gas – Electric – Woodburning & Multifuel Burning Sensation (Grimsby) Ltd Armstrong Street, Grimsby. DN31 1XD Call: 01472 351651 sales@burningsensation.co.uk www.burningsensation.co.uk property, which is flooded with natural light, one is greeted by Victorian tiles to the walls and floor and an inner door with etched glazed panelling creating a porch. Another key feature here is the wind-up period doorbell - an aspect past owners ensured was mentioned in the sale documents when the house was sold in 1928. Moving into the main hallway, one will find reclaimed mahogany parquet flooring in a herringbone pattern, a typically Georgian decorative arch, ceiling rose, dado rails, and original cornicing with lions’ heads. The last of these is Sam’s favourite period feature in the property, which holds an interesting story. Sam said: “The people who lived here before us discovered it. It had been completely plastered over because in the 70s all those features were out of date and old fashioned. The previous owner told us that he chipped away the plaster and revealed around six lions a night over many days.” Either side of the hall, reception rooms overlook the front of the home through timber, sash windows. Sam and Mark note that some of the windowpanes retain “the lovely old ripply glass.” In addition, the dining room has original wide plank flooring and an internal sliding pocket shutter. The yellow drawing room is the couple’s favourite room in the house, still the same colour as when they first saw it. Spacious and bright, there is a large, nearly floor to ceiling, bay to the front, a view out over the river, and a gas coal-effect stove in the fireplace flanked by arched niches. Continuing through the abode, one will find the snug with a window overlooking the rear patio terrace, a utility room with stable door onto this outside area, and an inner hall, off which you will discover a newly renovated downstairs cloakroom, the half panelled dining room and the “fabulous” kitchen, which extends out into the garden and has been modernised by Sam and Mark. There are a pair of windows with encompassing stained glass panels and a glazed bay positioned at the far end, which has an extra wide door opening onto a raised Yorkstone terrace, perfect for an evening drink and bringing the outdoors into the kitchen. Mark notes that it is a light and airy room with wonderful wood planks, which he likens to being on a boat! The kitchen is fitted with handmade units with granite worktops incorporating a Neff induction hob and oven below. A built-in, reclaimed pine pantry cupboard is useful, an illuminated, glazed, wall cabinet featuring bird paintings is a charming site, • Emergency call out • Free no obligation quote for oil tanks • Gauges supplied and fitted Unit 1, Poplar Business Park, Sellwood Court, Sleaford, NG34 8GJ info@sosfuels.co.uk www.sosfuels.co.uk S.O.S FUELS We sell Heating Oil and Red Diesel Same Day Deliveries 100+ Litres Tanker Deliveries 500+ Litres We Supply and Fully Install Oil Tanks Oil Tanks Removed for Recycling Tel: 07774 012122 or 01529 305891 PICKERINGS OF BRIGG 55 WRAWBY STREET, BRIGG DN20 8EJ T: 01652 652297 E info@pickeringsofbrigg.com www.pickeringsofbrigg.com • Shoe Repairs • Key Cutting • Engraving of Trophies, lighters, glass etc • Vinyl Signs • Tee Shirts and Watches 10-17.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:44 Page 4BRIGG BEDS Princes Street | Brigg | DN20 8HG 01652 651828 and so to bed... 01652 651828 Princess Street | Brigg | DN20 8HG www.briggbeds.co.uk 14 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES 16 Á and a pair of old cast iron radiators match the style and age of the property well. Travelling upstairs, a landing leads to the family bathroom and four bedrooms - three doubles, whilst the fourth is currently used as a dressing room and is fitted with shelving and hanging space. Another of the bedrooms also serves an alternative purpose at present, being utilised as an office. Split levels make for an intriguing feature throughout the property. From the landing, steps head down to two of the bedrooms including the dual aspect master which enjoys lots of sunshine and a newly refurbished en-suite shower room. Meanwhile the family bathroom hosts Amtico flooring and a roll-top bath with shower over, Italian wall tiles and a panel of Egyptian figures. Additionally, the part-boarded loft space can be accessed from the landing with a retractable ladder and has a large Velux rooflight, light and power. Returning downstairs, and descending further, a basement essentially gives the property a full third floor. It has been used primarily as an extra family room. This floor also has an extensive storage area and a workshop. The basement, with its separate entrance door from the front of the house, could even (subject to planning) be transformed into a self-contained annex, and previous occupants ran a business here. As it is not completely below ground level, windows welcome a good amount of light. Wandering outside, the garden is private and quiet, featuring 10-17.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:44 Page 53 THE WONG, HORNCASTLE, LINCOLNSHIRE LN9 6EB WWW.THEBIGCHAIRCOMPANY.CO.UK 01507 525257 | INFO@THEBIGCHAIRCOMPANY.CO.UK Find your style We are a family-run furniture and home interiors shop in the heart of the beautiful town: Horncastle, Lincolnshire. The Big Chair Company started out over 25 years ago selling antique and reproduction antique furniture and it became very well known for stocking weird and wonderful things and was a popular spot for people to call by and have their photo on the big chair sat out the front of the shop. In recent times, under new ownership the shop has had a facelift and has a new direction and aim, to become the ultimate destination for furniture and interiors in Lincolnshire. We are continually updating our ranges and actively searching new lines and models to keep your Big Chair Experience unique every time you visit. l Over 7000 sq ft of furniture and interiors l Coffee shop serving speciality coffee l Many tea varieties and luxury hot chocolates l Homemade cakes and savoury options l Ice cream parlour l Huge selection of milkshakes l Fully licensed bar l Lots of indoor and outdoor seating AS LOCAL AS IT GETS! CALL 01522 790014 At £865 Price includes VAT and removal of the old door PREMIUM GARAGE DOORS, BASED IN LINCOLN AT PROGLIDE LINCOLN WE OFFER ADVICE, INSTALLATIONS AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN. WE ENSURE AN EFFICIENT, PROFESSIONAL GARAGE DOOR INSTALLATION SERVICE, THAT'S WHY WE OFFER A FREE 5 YEAR WARRANTY. ALWAYS DEALING WITH YOU DIRECTLY, GIVE US A CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE, NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE AS WELL AS FURTHER DETAILS ON OUR COMPETITIVE PRICES. Call Lisa, Angela or Helen in the office on 01522 581244 or 01522 790014 mark@proglidelincoln.co.uk • www.proglidelincoln.co.uk One touch remote Zero maintenance - no oiling, greasing, wire placing etc Enhance the kerbside appeal of your property with a new, universally smart, electric roller shutter garage door. 10-17.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:45 Page 616 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES a sunny patio terrace sheltered within the property walls. A lawn is down steps and surrounded by greenery, while a mature holly and ancient laurel are feature trees, several apple trees offer a bountiful harvest, and an established wisteria sits at the back of the coach house. Beds hold roses, shrubs, bulbs and perennials, Email: info@burtonairconditioningltd.co.uk www.burtonairconditioningltd Air Conditioning & Air Source Heat Pump Services covering the East Midlands and Lincolnshire areas Call now for more information 01529 460044 and a metal gazebo stands in one corner of the garden. There is also a greenhouse, an abundance of seating areas, and the garden is visited by a plethora of birds - goldfinches, sparrows, blackbirds, and even a kingfisher and spotted woodpecker. During their time at the property, Sam and Mark have undertaken a lot of work to make it into a true home, ensuring to stay sympathetic to the history of the house whilst keeping everything up to date and working as though brand new. Despite loving the property, Sam and Mark are now selling. Sam explained: “It’s been a really tough decision, but we think it’s time for a new adventure. We’re moving to a slightly different area, nearer to family.” She added: “Leaving Spalding and leaving this house will be difficult - I cried when we put the for sale sign up! Almost everybody we’ve told has been very shocked and replied with: ‘It will be the end of an era’. So it shows how important the home is to us and our world. I hope whoever takes it on continues to love it as much as we have for 20 years.” Grosvenor House is on the market for £575,000 with Fine & Country. 10-17.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:45 Page 7PREMIUM MULTI-FUEL STOVES & FIRES ELECTIC & GAS FIRES AND SURROUNDS We have an extensive range of fireplaces, multi-fuel and wood burning stoves along with a magnificent collection of gas fires, electric fires and surrounds on display at our showroom in Boston, Lincolnshire. Our stunning selections from leading British and Scandinavian manufacturers such as Elgin & Hall, Jotul, Chesneys, Dimplex, Valor Contura and Arada to name but a few, means we cater for all tastes. Our friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to give you some ideas and help to guide you with your purchase. Visit our showroom or call us today on 01205 310 327. Church Road, Boston PE21 0LG | Tel: 01205 310 327 E-mail: sales@bostonheating.co.uk | www.bostonheating.co.uk MIDDLETONS THE GLASS PEOPLE! • Bespoke glazing company • Double glazing replacement units • Window leading • Window filming • All types of safety glass (laminate, toughened, Wired) 52-60 WELLINGTON STREET, GRIMSBY Tel: 01472 352288 At our West Street carpet shop, we carry a large range of carpet samples, vinyl flooring and tiles as well as laminate flooring for both domestic and commercial clients including many local businesses, offices, schools, colleges, local authority agencies and builders. Tel: 01205 365350 • Mobile: 07557434775 24 West Street, Boston PE21 8QH info@grahamgillcarpets.com • www.grahamgillcarpets.com Boston’s Premier Shop for Carpets, Vinyl and Laminates GRAHAM GILL CARPETS 222 Victoria Street, Grimsby DN31 1BJ Tel: 01472 353251 www.leesfurnishers.co.uk SALE STAR TS 27th DECEMBER 19012021 C E L E B R A T I N G Y E A R S WINTER Open Mon - Sat 9.30am to 5.30pm Sundays 11am to 4pm • Free Car Park 10-17.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:45 Page 818 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE Bright, bold and beautiful! Letitia Guilbaud’s work is back in the UK and as incredible as ever. Born on the west coast of France in 1980, this incredible artist has always felt the need to sketch and paint powerful women. She says that from a young age she “knew it was more than a passion,” saying that it was “essential for my sanity!” After gaining her art degree in Rennes, Brittany, Letitia began to bring her women to life in the bold colours of acrylic paint and the unpredictable nature of watercolours. From there, it was time to share her work with the world! Starting with bars and restaurants, Letitia was soon exhibiting in art fairs and galleries across France. If you’d like to see Laetitia’s work for yourself, head down to Lincoln’s Little Red Gallery. BEAUTIFUL Bright, bold and 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:49 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 19 ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE THE LITTLE RED GALLERY Love art? Then we’d love to meet you, please call in for a cup of tea and a chat. The Little Red Gallery are feeling ‘Love’ with a fantastic range of pieces and perfect gift ideas. 8 Bailgate Lincoln LN1 3AE 01522 589134 art@thelittleredgallery.co.uk www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk Bitten by wanderlust in 2006, Letitia moved to Scotland and there she remained for the next ten years, becoming a full time artist in 2008, as well as starting a family! While in Britain, Letitia found herself the focus of several articles written in relation to her work, especially her celebrity portraits. Eventually though she packed her children, brushes, and canvases, and returned to France where she now lives and works full time. She says of her work, “When I paint, I mix bold colours and felinity to depict women in an attractive and fun way. I just enjoy representing Pin-Up style ladies with a twist of humour. I want to show empowered, independent, and modern women. I love finding new compositions for each painting and drawing. I like to tell stories and make the spectator smile.” With exhibitions across Europe, Letitia is definitely an artist to watch! 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2021 16:49 Page 2Next >