< Previous10 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES A rural retreat With exceptional views across the Vale of Belvoir and Trent Valley, Gelston House is a peaceful paradise that has been carefully extended and reworked to create a home blending modern style with farmhouse flavour. 10-13.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:04 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 11 HOMES S itting on a half-acre plot and surrounded by pastoral views, this month’s featured property is peacefully placed within the village of Gelston. Maggie has lived at Gelston House for 20 years, though one might be surprised to hear that she almost didn’t even view the home due to the state it was initially in. Maggie explained: “Even though the original structure dates back to the 1800s, quite a few extensions had been tacked on in the 1970s and the facade had been lost, so I nearly didn’t consider the property. Then I went to view it, and once I stood inside, I realised that what I was going to be looking out at would make me happy every day - so I bought it.” Indeed the property has exceptional views all the way across the Vale of Belvoir, Trent Valley and beyond - you can see for about 30 miles. Maggie added: “The location really is quite extraordinary. At least, that is certainly why I bought the house. Every day I look out at that view and go ‘wow’.” Further influencing Maggie’s decision to buy the property, as she had two young children at the time, was the fact that it provides access to both state and private schools locally and is in the catchment area for the grammar schools in Sleaford and Grantham, with transport. The home’s location also provides Maggie, who often works in London, good transport links, with easy access to the A1 and the East Coast Main Line at Grantham. Gelston has proved to be a lovely community for Maggie, whose younger daughter used to bake cookies and sell them door to door to raise money for charity. Maggie noted: “Gelston is somewhere where children really can go and play safely outside. There’s a historic village green which is protected, and nobody drives through the village unless they live here or are visiting, as when you turn into the village it is a dead end, which makes it a very safe and peaceful place.” Maggie has completed a significant amount of work on her home to create the modern farmhouse with classic touches that you see today. She explained: “I stripped it back, got rid of the tacked on porches and extensions, redid the front facade with windows that are more empathetic to the design of the 12 Á 10-13.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:04 Page 212 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HOMES building and developed a bigger extension at the back, which brings lots of light into the house and has made it very open. So although it looks like a traditional farmhouse, it’s actually quite an extensive open plan structure at the back.” Most recently the kitchen was re-done with bespoke units, painted in muted tones. “With the kitchen I decided to avoid going for a completely open plan structure as I wanted a better cooking area, a cook’s kitchen that feeds out into different eating and sitting areas,” Maggie said. The kitchen now features a range of hand painted Neptune wall and base units, Corian work surfaces, a double Belfast sink, Falcon electric range cooker with an induction hob, an integral Bosch dishwasher and fridge, a separate larder and a beamed ceiling. The kitchen flows through to the bright sun room, which in turn connects to the sitting room through French doors, which hosts an inglenook fireplace with a log burner, and a beamed ceiling, welcoming back in the historic elements of the home. When exploring the ground floor one will also find an office, which could be used as a second sitting room if desired, a utility room, boot room, cloakroom, and Maggie’s favourite room in the house, the breakfast room - also referred to as the dining room. “It’s my most favourite room in the house,” she said. “I eat, listen to music and read in there. It’s actually quite elevated. You are up above the level of the road and there are lovely views out to the front of the property.” Fortunately the idyllic landscape across the lane in front of the house is historic pastureland, meaning it will remain untouched - it cannot be built on. As Maggie says, it is “a protected view.” Up on the first floor of the home one will find three bedrooms, one of which has an en-suite, and a family bathroom, while the master bedroom takes up the second floor, with its walk-in wardrobe and en- suite. Maggie highlighted that the house has been perfect for entertaining, with the layout of the sitting room, and the way it opens into the sun room allowing the family to throw some amazing parties, from a disco party for her youngest daughter, to new year’s dinner parties where the sitting room has been cleared to accommodate trestle tables for 25 guests, who come together as the clock strikes midnight to watch the fireworks on the horizon. Outside, the gardens are mainly laid to lawn. The front garden is enclosed by 10-13.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:04 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 13 HOMES stone walling, while the generous rear garden hosts established shrubs and trees enclosed by hedging and fencing. Maggie noted that she had a lot of plans drawn up for the large garden at the back of the house, which has actually been used for a family wedding, accommodating a full-size marquee, alongside camping parties. She said: “I was thinking of creating a bigger courtyard at the back and removing some of the grass. It is currently a blank canvas that through the different life stages of the family has provided space for different things.” The house also features a double garage. Despite thinking for many years that it would be her forever home, Maggie is now selling the property. She said: “With my daughter and three small grandchildren living south of London in Surrey, it is just a step too far away.” Gelston House is now on the market with Belvoir, for offers in excess of £500,000. 10-13.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:04 Page 4There comes a time when all of us look around at our house and think it’s time to move on. Of course, there can be valid reason for thinking so – such as a growing family, or a desire to move to the countryside – but often there are underlying reasons that are better addressed than rushing headlong into a move. With the demands of modern life and political and environmental chaos all around us, prioritising selfcare can be a challenge. While the wellness trend emphasises diet and exercise, what tends to get overlooked are the spaces we inhabit, and nowhere do we spend more time in than our homes. Studies have shown time and again that an untidy home, be that clutter, half finished repairs or rooms in desperate need of redecorating, contribute to stress and anxiety. After all, the home should be a calming space, a sanctum sanctorum where work and life stresses can be left at the doorstep, a place where family comes first and where you can indulge in hobbies and pursuits. A logical solution might be to simply up-sticks and move and while this will have an impact in the here and now, in the long-term it simply serves to push the same issues on down the line. It’s much better to nip these issues in the bud so that’s why this spring we’re advocating home improvements over moving home. Now’s the time to finish off those DIY projects, to finally decorate the bedroom or lounge and to add some flair. For some, swapping the curtains and covering the sofas in colourful throws will be enough to transform a space, couple to that some candles, a few ornaments and a plant or two, and it’s like being in a completely different home. Here small changes can have a big impact, such as changing the handles of your furniture pieces or wardrobes for something a little funkier or upmarket. Others might want to install a fireplace, while some might need something more severe, opting for a total redecoration. What’s important to remember is that whatever the room, it’s a space you’ll be spending a lot of time in, so make sure you put the effort in. There’s plenty of amazing suppliers across the county ready and waiting to help achieve your vision and we’ve gathered up some pieces to provide inspiration. This spring, it’s all about achieving your dream home and you won’t even need to move to accomplish it. HOME TRENDS 1 3 2 14 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 14-15.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:06 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 15 8 1) March is National Bed Month so now’s the time to treat yourself. This beautiful versatile bed offers comfort and storage solutions and is available from Askew's of Alford. 2) This carefully handcrafted reproduction of a wartime gramophone from Yellow Octopus is sure to please any nostalgic music lover and will add a centrepiece to your living room or kitchen. 3) Rockett St George offer this traditional apothecary cabinet style wooden storage wall unit which will add character and style to your home. 4) This traditional Persian rug is given the Young & Battaglia treatment in a vibrant digital remix that combines Persian pattern with colours and textures inspired by contemporary abstract paintings and sixties pop art. Available from Mineheart. 5) Available from ARC Stoves, the Malvern LS is a multifuel stove enabling you to burn logs and smokeless fuels in style and sophistication. 6) Add this natural seagrass and iron decoration to any wall to make a statement and add interest and texture. 7) This striking piece of French furniture from The French Bedroom Co is perfect for storing your linens, crockery or all your little treasures. 8) With this striking handmade coffee table form Lime Lace, you have a stylish furniture piece and conversation starter all in one. This will add plenty of character to your décor. 9) Style and comfort collide in Loaf’s Sugar Bum sofa. 5 6 9 7 4 14-15.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:06 Page 216 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE J ulia Perry’s love affair with jewellery making dates back thirty years where she studied jewellery design and manufacture at college in Warwickshire. Since then, she’s made a name for herself selling bespoke pieces under the name Charlie Fox Designs. A country girl at heart, Julia’s pieces are often countryside-themed incorporating woodland animals, horseshoes and birds in precious metals and copper. Her versatile method means that nothing’s off limits, allowing Julia to indulge the subjects she loves such as shotguns, dogs, hares and pheasants. She’s made jewellery featuring a range of different objects including artic lorry cufflinks and pieces featuring rugby balls. Her latest piece sees her branch out in a different direction, creating a life-sized steel horse, called Dobbin. Julia describes the work as “an example of metalwork Magical Artist Julia Perry has made a name for herself crafting bespoke jewellery in precious metals, but now she’s branched out and created a life-sized steel horse. 16-17.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:07 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 17 ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE what can be achieved if you set your mind to something”. It’s an impressive undertaking that really needs to be seen to be believed. Unsurprisingly, the metal sculpture has already received plenty of positive feedback. The inspiration for Dobbin came from an unlikely source. “I wanted a reindeer for my garden this Christmas,” Julia tells us. “I looked around at what I had, which was basically junk, and came up with Rudolf. He just kind of worked.” Rudolph became something of a local celebrity with people taking selfies alongside him. Dobbin doesn’t only represent an impressive artistic accomplishment but is testament to Julia’s tenacity and dedication. Last year, a back injury meant she had to give up her job as a field service engineer. Although she admits she has possibly been overdoing it with the steel sculpture, she says “At least I can stop if it gets too painful. And I absolutely love welding big things.” Dobbin has turned out so well that one wonders what she can achieve in the future with plans in the works for a life- sized metal fox. She’s also available for commission and bespoke work in steel and jewellery. You can find more about Julia and book a commission on Facebook @Charliefoxjewellery, on Instagram @Juliathejeweller and via her Etsy store at https://etsy.me/2va3vx8. If you’d like to be the proud owner of an elegant full-size steel horse, Dobbin is for sale. Interested people should email Charliefoxdesigns@gmail.com 16-17.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:07 Page 218 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE Paul Oz is one the nation’s most popular contemporary artists, famed for his three-dimensional impact and subjects covering pop culture icons and sport stars that have earned him famous fans and high-profile commissions. Explosive artwork T he lightning rod moment for Paul Oz occurred when he was browsing galleries for something bright to adorn his flat. “I could do that,” he remarked. Taking up a four-pack of acrylic paints, he quickly rediscovered his early ability of making a “subjectively attractive looking mess”, a turning point that led him to life as a renowned full- time artist. Even from a quick glimpse it’s obvious that Paul’s work is indebted to impressionism. As a youngster, he was able to replicate Monet’s style reasonably well, but spent his formative years dreaming of being a pro cyclist. He was grateful to be persuaded to take a more academic route and studied aerospace engineering at university. Fifteen years later, he was able to practice, learn and develop his style without any pressure, painting as a break at the weekends from his day job as a software brand developer. His efforts soon paid off with his debut solo show taking place in 2008 before going full-time two years later. Paul admits that he’s not a textbook artist, aiming for visual impact to capture characters in a unique way and to wow people. He strives for the impression of explosive energy, movement and expression in every piece he creates, using thick oil paints to convey a three-dimensional effect. Most of his paintings are done on board, providing a flat background so that the texture of the subject can really leap out. In some places, the oil paint is two centimetres thick and, recently, Paul has been using homemade neon paint which, he says, is a “visual slap in the face”. This is typical for Paul, who is always trying to push the boundaries and experiment with new techniques and materials to try and bridge the gap between painting and sculpture. Paul’s work are represented in galleries across the UK by Wishbone Art and in Formula 1 by Memento Exclusives. As a lifelong sportsman, about half his work is motorsport related with the rest made up icons of film and music as well as wildlife pieces. As a kid, the only film he’d watch was Star Wars and he credits his creativity to decades of messing around with Lego. All of this has informed his work and Keep up to date with Paul at www.wishboneart.co.uk/ artist/paul-oz or via Twitter @PaulOz, Facebook @paulozartist and Instagram @pauloz. 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:08 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 8 St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP art@thelittleredgallery.co.uk www.thelittleredgallery.co.uk provided the inspiration for his 2015 London solo show ‘80’s Kid’. It displayed eighteen artworks covering almost everything he grew up with, played with, broke, idolised or was scared by. The follow up, ‘80’s Kid II’, is touring UK galleries this year. Over the last few years, he’s created commissioned work for sports stars Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bradley Wiggins, among others, as well as partnering with galleries, charities, rights holders and motorsport teams worldwide. Headline commissions include for Muhammad Ali’s 70th, by Star Trek to celebrate 50 years, and a portrait of Bruno Mars presented to him in Las Vegas to mark his 24k Magic World tour. You can see Paul’s work up close and personal from Saturday 7 – Saturday 14 March where he’ll be the focus at The Little Red Gallery in Lincoln. “I love the challenge of painting, especially tricky commissions when I’m asked to paint an image perhaps I wouldn’t have chosen myself.” - Paul Oz 18-19.qxp_Layout 1 24/02/2020 11:08 Page 2Next >