< Previous10 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESGrand Design10-13_Layout 1 25/07/2016 11:46 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY11HOMESLincolnshire Today readers, Mark andSharon Connors have an obvious fondnessfor the house and the village in which theylive. This beautifully designed home islocated just a few doors from where theyused to reside and when the property cameup for sale, they seized the opportunity. On the land at that time was a 1930’sproperty and, with Mark’s extensiveexperience in the construction industry, thecouple felt demolishing the old buildingand creating a ‘purpose built’ propertywould be a far wiser move, than trying torestore. After meetings with architects and theusual tasks of obtaining planningpermission, the couple were ready to begintheir project and Sharon, who had recentlytaken early retirement, found herself backat the fore project managing. A moretesting job than anyone can imagine, butlooking at the end result, Sharon obviouslyrose to the challenge.For those who aren’t familiar withFoston, the village is just nine miles fromNewark and Grantham, and enjoys the bestof both worlds - a far cry from the hubbubof the country’s capital but just an hour’sjourney to Kings Cross from the local trainstation. As Sharon tells us “there’s trains toLondon just about every hour.” Not thatyou’d know this from the peace andtranquillity of the village, of course, butthat’s part of the charm of this locality.“We’ve lived in Foston for many years now.Everyone is so friendly, there’s a greatcommunity spirit with plenty of socialgatherings- it’s just a really nice place tolive,” says Sharon.The property is certainly in keeping withthe locale, but is also unique with a modernAs self-build projects go, this stunning readers’home in Foston near Grantham ticks all theboxes, not only for its clean architectural lines,open plan design and contemporary décor,but also its stunning countryside views.12 Á10-13_Layout 1 25/07/2016 11:46 Page 212 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESlayout on the ground floor andimpressive open plan living. This granddesign exudes opulence throughout. Starting from scratch with theproperty also meant the couple couldensure their dream home incorporatedthings like Cat 5 computer cabling inthe build and the ability to trunk inspeaker cables, so there would be notrailing leads from speakers. As such, thecouple decided to include built-inspeakers fitted across the ground floor.Mark explains, “Taking time at thedesign and planning stage with a newbuild pays dividends further down theline and I must say it’s nice not to seeleads trailing everywhere - we alsowanted to keep light and heat wastageto a minimum, so, again with it being anew project we were able to specify thehighest level of insulation and LEDlighting we could find.”But, if you thought contemporarydesign was all about minimalism you’dbe wrong – entering through the remotecontrolled electric gates to the frontdrive, it’s easy to see this prestigiousproperty has a very stylish and homelyfeel. Entering the reception hall, whichseems huge, thanks to its full heightceiling, we make our way through doubledoors, into the spacious living roomwhere we are greeted by the warmth andrichness of solid oak flooring. The décoris neutral with a mixture of fabric andleather sofas adding to the tactile feel,along with large sumptuous cushions,and rug and curtain fabrics all addinginterest and warmth. To the rear of the home, an impressiveopen plan living and dining kitchen,which seems perfect for modern dayfamily life, boasts top of the rangeappliances and superior quality granitework surfaces. The central island unit,and breakfast bar made almost entirelyfrom granite, suggests plenty of socialgatherings, as further endorsed by thetwo wine coolers and the range ofcookers and microwaves. Clearly, some serious culinary creationsare created here and, in addition to theinformal dining area, there is a separate10-13_Layout 1 25/07/2016 11:46 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY13HOMESdining room, for more formal gatherings.The living and dining area opens ontothe rear garden via three sets of bi-folddoors which link the rear patio,seamlessly, with the interior. Back in the aforementioned entrancehall, a central staircase separates into twoand leads onto a gallery landing. Fromthese we enter a superb master bedroomcomplete with vaulted ceiling, and fullheight glass elevation to the rear,allowing the room to be suffused withnatural light, and offering stunningcountryside views. How great it must beto wake up to that every morning.The master bedroom even boasts adressing area with built-in wardrobes anda stunning en-suite with a double rainfallshower and twin hand wash basins and,of course, WC.The second bedroom is equallysplendid, again with vaulted ceiling andsimilar full height glass elevation to therear. this room has its own dressing areaand built-in wardrobes as well as anotherbeautifully appointed en-suite, withsimilar facilities to the first.But it doesn’t stop there, there’s twofurther well-proportioned bedrooms, anda study with sliding double doors which,rather ingeniously, allow it to betransformed into a fifth bedroom, or asan extension to the landing area.Completing the tour we end in thegarden, with its expansive patio and alawn that Charlie Dimmock would beproud of, bordered by fruit trees andshrubs along the perimeters affordingthat extra bit of privacy. But here’s the surprising part - Markand Sharon, having enjoyed the processof their self build and the satisfaction ofseeing their creation grow before theirvery eyes, are now keen to start anotherproject. As such they have, rathercourageously, put this particular ‘GrandDesign’ on the market with Savills at aguide price of £795,000. So, any readers looking for such aproperty in a village that offers suchspectacular surroundings and facilitiesneed look no further. For further detailsplease Savills can be contacted on 0115934 8020.10-13_Layout 1 25/07/2016 11:46 Page 414 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PHOTOGRAPHEE.EUGetting a home just how you like it is often a long, slowprocess, sometimes taking years to accomplish. It’s anamalgam of inspiration, from furniture, fixtures, décor anddecorations being replaced or renovated or just beingchucked out altogether. But sometimes a house can end uplooking a little bland, either through wayward style decisionsor the loss of inspiration. Fortunately, adding a littlecharacter can be as simple as a few quirky and cleveradditions to liven the whole place up. While ‘quirky’ is an all-encompassing term, it doesn’t haveto mean expensive. In fact, some of the most interestingpieces are found in thrift stores, flea markets and carbootswhere the price is usually negotiable. Artisan shops can offerbespoke and more contemporary options while vintagesellers are a treasure trove of furniture pieces and ornaments.Using all of these outlets is one of the best ways to curatingyour own style.Having put in the effort making a quirky homestead, it’swith no small measure of smugness when someone askswhere they can get the same piece as you and knowing theycould never recreate your style interior in their own home. Addingcharacter‘The Comet II’ This interesting littlecamera was made c.1950by Italian maker Bencini ofMilan, and available fromit’s a light, will make agreat addition to yourfifties themed room. Adding a few quirky touches to yourhome can have a massive impact, leavingit then envy of all your guests. 16 Á14-16_Layout 1 25/07/2016 12:25 Page 1My name is Jeremy Heath, I'vebeen a leading expert in waterquality for homes and business inLincolnshire for over 30 years.Greens Water Systems is one of theUK's leading water softener andwater filtration distributors.Lincolnshire is well known for itshard water issues and even if youwere unaware of water softeners, lime scale and thedamage it does to your water pipes and appliances willbe all too familiar. In exchange for a nice cup of coffee,we'll call in and answer your questions about how goodwater quality will change your home.Contact us today for a chat on 01522 509383 or email info@water-systems.co.ukFor more information, visit our website at www.water-systems.co.uk Outstanding Bespoke furniture CChesterfields in Lincoln “For Quality, Style and Value” 01673 866656 www.chesterfieldsinlincoln.co.uk Brunel House, Deepdale Lane, Neleham, LN2 2LL Open Mon - Sat 9am-5pm. Sunday by appointment Deepdale Lane is off A46 3 miles North of Lincoln. Follow the signpost for Lincolnshire Police headquarters. We are first on the left. CLIVERHODESLUDA INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE LIMITEDClive Rhodes has practiced from his Louthworkshops for nearly 30 years fulfilling projectsthroughout the UK, France and Balearics.lInterior Design, Residential & CommerciallStretched Fabric Walling and Tented CeilingslBespoke Curtain MakinglUpholstery and ReupholsteringlFine Fabrics and WallpaperslWilton and Broadloom Carpets5 & 7 EVE STREET, LOUTH, LINCOLNSHIRETELEPHONE 01507 603112www.cliverhodesinteriors.co.ukHere is a hymn, ancient andmodern, to the curtain maker'sart. The Lincolnshireresidence, once a monastery,has an arch-headed landingwindow smaller than the walldeserves, so the Italian strungcurtain suspended high abovethe window and extendedoutwards immediately had amore important bearing on thespace,without loss of light.14-16_Layout 1 25/07/2016 12:25 Page 216 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOMESSaxby Roofing LtdWe are a local and independent roofing firm with over thirty years’ experience. We have been serving the localcommunity for over ten years. All our team are friendly and professional and take pride in the high standard ofworkmanship that we provide. For more information, call us today!We cater for domestic and commercial clients in need of quality roofing for their homes or businesses. Ourcomprehensive range of services includes:• Roofing service • Re-roofing • Slating • Tiling • Fascias and Soffits • General property maintenance35 College Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN34 4TNTelephone: 01472 267709 Mobile: 07980 962009 Email: derrick.saxby@homecall.co.uk Web: www.saxbyroofinglincolnshire.co.uk1) Flourish High Gloss Natural Grain& Silver Leafed MirrorTouched Interiors offer a sensationalpattern combined with 2 layers of anombré silver leaf, creating a moreclassically luxurious decorative itemthat connects urban homes with anorganic energy.2) Karlsson Black Wall Clock MixedNumbersThis wall clock designed by J.P.Meulendijks for Dutch clock makersKarlsson (Present Times) formsabstract patterns by completely mixedup black satin finished numbers, withthe metal hands contrasting glosswhite.3) Harlem Vintage Industrial WineRackThis vintage industrial style Harlemwine rack stand from Alexander & Pearlwill make a great addition to anindustrial chic kitchen or dining room. 4) Cream Wall Mounted Cupboardwith hooksThis beautiful unit from MelodyMaison’s Lyon Range, is made fromwood with a hand painted finish withdistressing – ideal for kitchen storage. 123414-16_Layout 1 25/07/2016 12:25 Page 31stissues only £1Great reasonsto subscribe...Each issue is brimming with a diverse topic range...• Heritage • Fashion • Hair & Beauty • Leisure • Homes & Gardens • County Motoring • Dining Out • What’s On • Free Reader Giveaways and much much more…First 3 issues only £1!FREE delivery to your doorReceive your copy before it hits the shopsORDER FORMYes, I would like to subscribe to Lincolnshire Today magazinefor the next 12 months, with the first 3 issues only being £1.Personal Details:First name:Last Name:Address:Town:County: Post Code:Tel: Mobile:Email:Payment by DEBIT/CREDIT cardName as it appears on card:Type of card: Mastercard / Visa / Visa Debit / OtherCard Number:Card Verification number (3 digits on signature strip):Expiry Date:Amount Authorised:Cheque enclosed YES / NO Please post this form back to: Subscriptions,Lincolnshire Today Magazine, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby. N.E. Lincolnshire DN31 2QEMake cheque payable to Business Link Magazine Group&Call now to subscribe on01472 310301 8or visit www.lincolnshiretoday.net/341orScan QR Code3333Looking for a great gift idea?A gift Subscriptionis the perfect present that lasts all year round!Total Price: £27.553£1417_Layout 1 25/07/2016 11:00 Page 118 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIREKealey grew up just outside Lincolnshire’sborder, where she spent much of herchildhood like many of her contemporariesby painting, daydreaming and doodling.Pairing imagination with an artisticimplement is surely the best start fornurturing a love affair with art and this filledKealey’s early life as well as holidays toSkegness. Despite always being described aseither ‘creative’ or ‘arty’, art college wasn’ton the cards when Kealey left school.Instead, she ended up working in an office,where she met her future husband, beforemoving to London and becoming a motherto two sons. Throughout her life, Kealey has alwaysloved to paint and this is as much animportant aspect of her adult life as it was inchildhood. But in 2004, following the birth ofher second son, she decided to throw off theshackles of the corporate world and work as afull-time artist. It was around this time thatshe experimented with acrylics, painting largeabstract swirls on large-scale canvases. The first show was a sell-out and Kealeyknew the mix of design and colour ignitedpeople’s imagination. These designs naturallyevolved and Kealey began working on her‘Energy Collection’. These were inspired bydream-like images based on how you feelrather than what you see around you, fluidpieces with no beginning and no end andusing colour theory to focus on moods. Therest, as they say, is history. The success and positive reaction of theshow spurred Kealey on, and she beganincorporating new forms of mixed media intoher work, such as hand cut glass andSwarovski crystal embellishments imbedded inhi-gloss resin. Though these elements add theAlluringartThis month wecatch up withKealey Farmerwhose uniquepieces aredelightingLincolnshire’s artlovers. 18-19_Layout 1 25/07/2016 12:07 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY19ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRETHE LITTLE REDGALLERYLove 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 3AE01522 589134art@thelittleredgallery.co.ukwww.thelittleredgallery.co.ukdreamy fairy tale quality of Lewis Carrolland a touch of goth pop to her pieces,they stand out entirely as her own. Kealey’s art has evolved dramaticallyover the years, but her fascination forreflective materials is still evident in herpaintings even now. For Kealey, the allureis in the sparkle and beauty of Swarovskicrystals and delicate touches of glitter.One of the most immediate impacts ofher work is how full of life they seem, lifea freeze frame flickering into life. Kealeyherself says she doesn’t “do static”, anddescribes how important that theimpression made is ever-changing with asubtlety brought to life by differentlighting. This quality makes her piecesalmost indefinable, changing as they dofrom one viewing to the next. Although Kealey readily describesherself as a romantic, her paintings makeit clear that themes and ideas of familyand friends are important influences. As acollection, this has evolved into a body ofwork that she’s rightly proud of. Everypiece bearing her signature has beenpersonally produced by her and nobodyelse. Her aim, always, is for the viewer tobe captivated by what they see and tofeel good through her art. Kealey’s art has evolved dramatically over the years,but her fascination for reflective materials is stillevident in her paintings even now18-19_Layout 1 25/07/2016 12:07 Page 2Next >