< Previous10 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES A pristine barn conversion Once a barn, this spacious home has been refurbished to offer a perfect blend of traditional and modern features. 10-15.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:42 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 11 HOMES In the centre of Skillington one will find an immaculate, refurbished barn conversion with an enclosed, sheltered, walled garden. One might assume that Shepherds Barn would be surrounded by noise, but this limestone property is actually perfectly peaceful. The owners noted: “We were concerned when we bought it, but we were surprised by how quiet it is!” Having lived at the property for eight years, the owners were initially drawn to its potential: “When we saw the house there were a number of things that we didn’t like, but we saw the potential of it. We did some work before we moved in and then a year or so ago we changed the kitchen. We’ve moved the downstairs toilet and made the hall slightly different, put a utility in, amongst other things.” Altering the 12 Á 10-15.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:43 Page 212 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES layout, the home is brighter and better suited to modern living and blends traditional and modern features well. Thick walls feature exposed stone, structural beams can be seen overhead, and the property rather unusually houses three staircases - in its entrance halls and “end lounge.” Starting at the right-hand side of the home, stepping into the property from either of its entrance halls, one can reach the blue kitchen, the owners’ favourite room in the home. The kitchen has been transformed by taking a wall down, allowing you to see out into the square and creating much more space. The owners said: “It was quite a cold room before and it was cramped. If we had the grandchildren here and were trying to cook something you had to mind you didn’t trip over them. Now the cooking 10-15.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:43 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 13 HOMES area is totally separate to the seating area, but you can still talk to people, and the peninsula in there works brilliantly.” Recently fit, the triple aspect kitchen features new bespoke, classic units with Minerva worktops, a Rangemaster cooker with double ovens and an induction hob, a Neff dishwasher, and a Neff larder fridge. There is also plenty of room for a breakfast table at one end. The kitchen’s tumbled limestone floor flows into the adjoining utility room - fitted with the same units and featuring an AEG washing machine and another sink - one of the two entrance halls, and a cloakroom. A dual aspect, carpeted sitting room can also be found on the right-hand side of the abode, with a bay window, and new limestone fireplace by Uppingham Stone 14 Á 10-15.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:44 Page 414 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES holding a log burner. Travelling back over to the left side of the house one will discover the dining room with a flagstone floor and a cosy log burner. French doors open the room up to the gravelled drive which can accommodate up to six cars. The owners note that the dining room is “absolutely brilliant for Christmas with the family.” They said: “We normally have all the family round, filling the dining room. We also use it as the base when we have drinks parties for friends and barbecues.” From here one can find a further reception room with an engineered oak floor with underfloor heating that continues through a shower room next door. With plenty of potential remaining at the property, this space could become part of a separate annex, holding its own set of stairs leading to a double bedroom above and providing access outside through French doors onto the terrace, garden, and drive. Upstairs, six bedrooms, two en suites and a family bathroom can be found occupying part of the roof space, hosting dormer windows and vaulted ceilings. The master bedroom adjoins a spacious dressing room and a shower room with a Grohe lavatory and washbasin and a Clearwater shower. The property’s current owners have worked to make the upstairs layout flow much better, knocking through so that rooms sensibly connect with each other and so you no longer have to go up and down stairs to reach different parts of the house. A split level, newly fitted Jack and Jill bathroom, replacing what was originally a kitchenette, can be reached from both landings at the top of the two main staircases ascending from the entrance halls. Outside, through metal gates is a south facing garden and gravelled drive. Brick terracing borders the barn while a lawn and patio terrace are enclosed by stone walls, providing shaded and sunny areas. Beds are filled with colourful perennials and shrubs and one will also find a stone shed, a small room with a sink and outside lavatory. Following their eight years at the home, the owners are now looking to move. They said: “It’s simply too big for us now. Most of the time there is just two of us, so we want to downsize.” Shepherds Barn is now on the market with Fine & Country for £750,000. 10-15.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:44 Page 5 Available on iPad & iPhone Visit our website to start viewing today... www.lincolnshiretoday.net Ideal for those who spend time away from their office Digital Editions Never miss an issue Read on the go! The hallmark of a professional auction house offering executor & private client advice & services for valuation, auction sale & property clearance Entries now accepted for the Forthcoming Sales Program & The Fine Art of Auctioneering in Lincolnshire Here for all your selling needs... Regulated by RICS - The hallmark of a professional auction house offering executor & private client advice & services for valuation, auction sale & property clearance. The Bourne Auction Rooms T: 01778 422686 E: bourne@goldingyoung.com BRM Buildings, Spalding Road, Bourne, PE10 9LE The Grantham Auction Rooms T: 01476 565118 E: grantham@goldingyoung.com Old Wharf Road, Grantham, NG31 7AA The Lincoln Auction Rooms T: 01522 524984 E: lincoln@goldingyoung.com Thos. Mawer House, Station Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 3QY Visit goldingyoung.com for catalogues, sale results, services & contact details. Sold for £800 Sold for £2,600 Sold for £1,950 Left: Sold for £750 Right: Sold For £220 Sold for £120 10-15.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:44 Page 6With near constant lockdowns, this winter has been long and hard. Although spring is well in sight, there’s still a little while longer to wade through first. There’s a tendency when its colder to gravitate towards heavier materials and darker colours. They might inspire snuggly feelings, but they might not have the visual impact and audacity that could help give your mood a boost. So why not inject some colour into your décor? It doesn’t have to be a lot, and it doesn’t need to mean totally redecorating a room. A carefully chosen rug, lamp or artwork could have a big impact – not only on your interior design, but also your mood. Studies have also shown the critical role light plays in our moods and wellbeing. If you’re feeling tired and lethargic all the time, try adding more light to your house. While that should include natural light, having more lamps around the place can also be beneficial – especially if they’re of the mood boosting kind that help with vitamin D production. HOME TRENDS A splash of colour 16 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 1 2 3 4 16-17.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:55 Page 11) Revive any part of your home with the radiant, Leonie Mirror. This vibrant, yellow mirror will add a splash of colour and life to even the most ordinary spaces. A mood- boosting colour, this bright and refreshing piece will give your home a dose of sunshine all year round. Available via Sweetpea & Willow. 2) Stunning and quirky, this Antique Silver Flamingo Leg Table Lamp with Shade from Cotterell & Co is sure to attract attention. Featuring a pink velvet shade and silver flamingo legs stand, this unusual decorative lamp would be a stylish addition to many homes and interiors. 3) Red Candy offer this delightful foot stool that’s sure to add colour and humour to your household. 4) Brighten up your living room with this funky indoor Bubble light up table by German high- end designer, Moree, and available from Lime Lace. The bubble table also doubles as a seat and makes a striking focal point for any living space. 5) The high gloss side tables from Danetti not only look great, but are very easy to clean and maintain too. So add some sunshine to your décor today. 6) The Happy Rug from Sonya Winner Rug Studio is a visually striking and playful contemporary rug. This design celebrates the power of colour in transforming spaces and injecting positivity into our lives. 7) This abstract colour art print from Desenio will allow you to transform the style and look of a room in seconds! Pair this print with Abstract Color Flow No2 or No3 to create a matching set of prints. 8) This calming blue and green canvas print is based on one of artist Louise Mead’s original abstracts. The image is printed onto thick, glossy canvas, and stretched over wooden stretcher bars. 9) This pretty handcrafted wash basin from The Way We Live London will brighten up the dullest of days with its vivid turquoise backdrop, exotic leaves, birds and butterflies. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 17 6 8 5 9 7 16-17.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:55 Page 2that’s writing fiction, wood carving or, in this case, painting. For several years, Sara painted purely as therapy and stress relief but, in 2017, she turned her newfound creative outlet into a business. Because of her journey as a professional artist, Sara is entirely self- taught. That’s allowed her to find inspiration in everything, especially the great outdoors. She can often be found out walking, surrounding herself with nature. “Nature fuels much of my creativity,” she tells us. As well as 18 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE Back in 2005, Gainsborough native Sara Otter undertook a degree in physiotherapy, setting the trajectory of her professional life. But just three months before she was set to graduate, she started to suffer from serious unexpected health problems. This understandably forged a different path, a journey that led her to art. Numerous studies have shown the positive mental health benefits and stress relief of creative endeavours whether DARK Painting became a lifeline for artist Sara Otter and her works can now be found in galleries and exhibitions in Lincolnshire and beyond. This Valentine’s season, we take a closer look at works that beautifully capture love and romance. A light in the drawing inspiration from what’s on her doorstep, she also soaks up the heritage and culture from visiting different countries, and by exploring the works of other artists. Sara’s work has featured in numerous galleries and exhibition and now adorns many a home. Although the journey hasn’t been easy, it has given her a unique perspective and provided her with plenty of drive and determination. Even now she’ll seek out the comfort of her studio when life gets too hectic. By now 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:56 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 19 ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE you’re probably imagining Sara with a paintbrush in her hand but, truth be told, she only ever uses her fingers or spoons. It’s a unique process, to be sure, but one which Sara has made entirely her own. Her technique is also unusual, though it’s something of a closely guarded secret. “I don’t share it widely, but those I have told have all been fascinated and even more mesmerised with my work,” she says. “I may reveal it one day.” On discovering this technique, Sara worked with it for a while, developing and adapting it to work perfectly for her before using it in her paintings. It’s this spirit of adventure and experimentation that sets her work apart from so many of her contemporaries. She’s not afraid to take her own route and do things on her terms, something that has clearly resonated with art appreciators. In 2018, she was discovered by Artko, a UK publisher who provides the likes of John Lewis and Next with artwork from a variety of talented artists. Much as it’s nice to receive kind words 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 about one’s work, for Sara, one of the biggest complements is that her art makes people feel happy. “The world needs a little more happiness in it,” she says. “If I can help with that even in a small way then it’s worth doing.” Sara’s works are currently displayed at The Braithwaite Gallery in York and our very own Little Red Gallery (www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk) in Lincoln and Stamford, independent galleries that Sara says is “the perfect environment for my work to be displayed in”. 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 26/01/2021 10:56 Page 2Next >