The Vacherie Vacherie Lane | North Kyme | Lincoln | LN4 4DW SELLER INSIGHT

Purchased in 2011 with planning permission for three dwellings, the current owner decided that, as spacious living was a priority, the barn should be converted instead into a single large home to best meet the needs of family life. As the owner explains: “The barn was originally a dairy belonging to Vacherie House with the last cows only moving out just before the year-long renovations began in early 2012”.

The renovations were very much a labour of love for the owner who decided from the outset that quality, functionality, design, and durability were priorities. “No expense was spared during the renovation. Solid oak timber was used throughout, including the bespoke staircase and bannisters, whilst light fittings were sourced from Jim Lawrence UK and kitchen cabinetry and worktops from Hill Farm Furniture of Newark. A love of antiques was also incorporated into the overall design with two particular features which the owner feels are integral to the feel of the barn conversion, and which will therefore remain post-sale; an oak library/bookcase in the winter room adjoining the kitchen and an original World War One propeller in the vaulted ceiling of the kitchen.”

“The views are simply breath-taking, and the wildlife is remarkable. It is so peaceful and quiet here that you really become aware of the surrounding nature. It has been a real privilege to be able to listen to Lapwings calling during the day and to stargaze at night thanks to a lack of light pollution at night. And yet, despite our homes’ bucolic setting, we are within easy reach of local shops, a post office and our nearest market town, , only thirteen minutes away by car. Also, all major supermarkets offer online deliveries, including our personal favourite, Waitrose.”

“It has to be the kitchen for several reasons. A long-held dream of seeing our horses from the kitchen was realised during the renovations with the installation of a window above the kitchen sink to allow us to see across to the stables. The Aga is also rather special. It was the very first electric Aga installed in the UK to be both energy efficient and cost-effective and, as a result, was chosen to feature in Aga’s own magazine. And not forgetting the enormous kitchen island which really is the social hub of the home with its American walnut worksurface which deserves its own special mention as it is so beautiful, tactile yet, despite its elegant beauty, immensely practical.”

“This home will probably be remembered mostly as the birth of our bespoke livery stables. It grew from a need to provide rehabilitation facilities for a much-loved family horse who had undergone spinal surgery. We wanted to provide the very best care we could and following a successful recovery, decided to extend our facilities to offer a further four horses a similarly bespoke and exclusive livery service.

Our approach with the installation of livery facilities was the same as with the renovation of the barn. No expense was spared. We sourced materials offering quality and durability from the professionals who installed our facilities such as the 4-rail fencing by Calders and Grandige of Boston (by Royal Appointment) and the 50m x 25m riding arena with a competition grade fibre sand surface. And if the new owners wanted to improve the facilities even further, the 18.29m x 18.29m agricultural barn would make a lovely lunging or free schooling pen.”

“The family really appreciates the space and flexibility our home offers. It’s not just a great entertaining space but one which has proved so invaluable during recent weeks when we have needed to work from home, home school, and keep the whole family entertained. We’ve also really appreciated our gardens and the fact that we can walk for miles from our doorstep amongst the beautiful countryside.

Despite a sadness at leaving this beautiful home the owner feels lucky: “Being featured in the magazines of AGA UK, Jim Lawrence Lighting and Hill Farm Furniture as we completed the renovations was quite a thrill and will now serve as wonderful mementos of our time at The Vacherie.”

In fact the history of Vacherie House farm and this dairy are linked directly to the 14th century monastery which was originally situated on land adjacent to Vacherie House. There is some school of thought that the order of monks were French speaking, as Vacherie is an old-French term for cow shed, and interestingly, Vacherie House farm has always been in part a dairy farm built using stone from the monastery. Once renovated the barn of course had to be named The Vacherie to recognise both its history and original purpose.“*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

STEP INSIDE The Vacherie

The Vacherie is a magnificent barn conversion with equestrian facilities located in this idyllic rural position where far reaching panoramic views provide an ideal backdrop. The internal renovation has been executed to perfection, revealing a spacious family interior infused with the highest standards of quality craftsmanship and steeped with original features. Externally the formal gardens and fenced paddock land, extending to 5.2 acres (STS), are a notable feature. The property further benefits from having six stables, feed room, 50m x 25m jumping arena and two generous grain stores.

• Magnificent Barn Conversion • Five Double Bedrooms • Impressive ‘Hill Farm Furniture’ Kitchen • Superb ‘Total Control 5 Oven Aga’ • Spacious Snug with Freestanding Log Burner and Generous Sitting Room • Open Plan Kitchen with Vaulted Dining and Family Room • Galleried Landing with Commanding Views over The Ground Floor • Master Suite with Far Reaching Views, Dressing Room and Shower Room • Formal Gardens and Fenced Paddock Land Measuring 5.2 Acres (STS) • Professionally Installed 50m x 25m Jumping Arena with Fibre Sand Surface, Six Stables, Feed Room and Two Grain Stores (Approx. 6000 sq. ft.)

Location The property is conveniently located for accessing the A17, A15 and A52. The pretty market town of Sleaford, which enjoys a variety of shops and eateries is located approximately 8 miles away. There is a variety of schooling in the district including two excellent grammar schools for both girls and boys. Commuters are well served by an excellent train service to Kings Cross from nearby (Approx. 65 minutes). The Arena UK show centre and Burghley House Horse Trials are also located within easy access by road.

Agents Note: It should be noted that the property has been installed with Jim Lawrence lighting throughout and recently decorated in Zoffany and Farrow & Ball paints.

EPC Rating: B

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright © 2020 Fine & Country Ltd. JM Brouwer (Property Services) Ltd Registered in & Wales No 11269764 Regulated by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Printed 18.06.2020 Fine & Country 55 High Street, Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0DZ 01522 287008 | [email protected]