‘Secret treasure’ offers idyllic city living

Deloraine Court is a unique historic family house situated in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter of Lincoln.

Nestled in the shadow of Lincoln’s iconic cathedral, Deloraine Court is a handsome, historic Grade II listed period residence which offers elegant living within a comfortable family home in the prestigious uphill area of the city.

Professor Anthony and Dr Fiona Blinkhorn, who are both dentists, have enjoyed living in this stunning five-bedroom house, which originally dates back in part to the 12th and 17th centuries, since moving back to the UK from Sydney, Australia, seven years ago.

“Anthony was brought up in Lincolnshire, educated at Carre’s Grammar School and wished to return to the city of Lincoln to be close to his parents and sister, while I missed our five daughters and numerous grandchildren,” explains Fiona.

“Originally, Anthony wanted to stay in Australia where we both worked at the Universities of Sydney and Newcastle, so we agreed that the concession would be that he could choose where we lived and Anthony chose to return to his roots.

“We were very, very lucky (or perhaps it was destined to be) that the house came onto the market in the two-week period when we were in the UK visiting family. When we first walked through the door, we thought ‘wow, we’ve got to live here’; it’s a stunning and very unique house in a wonderful location.

“We like to think of it as a secret treasure; hidden behind one door and one window lies a medieval miracle sitting in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter of Lincoln.”

Easy entertaining
Deloraine Court is steeped in history and built to last with the ground floor constructed in the early 12th century with an additional floor added in the early 1600s.

The ground floor features a cosy snug, dining room and cellar believed to date back to the 13th century, a utility room, superbly fitted kitchen breakfast room with appliances and four-oven Aga, impressive orangery overlooking the light filled garden, as well as a cloakroom and WC.

On the first floor there is the magnificent oak panelled Great Chamber, used as an elegant drawing room, which is believed to date back to the early 1600s and has two bay windows overlooking the garden, a fireplace with multi-fuel burner and a former priest’s hole.

There are four bedrooms on the first floor with a well appointed family bathroom, separate WC and further shower room, while a separate staircase leads up to a second floor bedroom, which has a superb vaulted ceiling and access to a large vaulted and beamed loft space.

“The roof trusses are a miracle of craftsmanship and are one of the reasons that the house has its Grade II listing,” explains Fiona.

“The house lends itself to any family of any size. It is large, warm, light, welcoming and has a happy ambience. We are very content living in the house as a couple, but also love having the family stay and there is plenty of room for everyone.

“It’s a house within a stunning location with a beautiful garden as well as wonderful entertaining rooms. We’ve held New Year’s Eve and Burns Night supper parties, and the house has embraced all the festivities!”

Fiona describes this unique property as “a marriage of antiquity and modern convenience”.

“With its historic significance and magnificent décor, the Great Chamber is a superb party room, but Anthony loves spending time working here at his desk overlooking the sunny garden, while I love reading in the light-filled Orangery.

“The Great Chamber is ideal for entertaining and we have enjoyed many wonderful family Christmases, while the Orangery allows you to feel that you are in the garden and it has wonderful views of the Cathedral too.

“We have many special memories of wonderful times spent with friends and family in a fantastic environment.”

Glorious outdoor space
There is pedestrian access from James Street onto a paved walkway, laid to lawn and planted borders, while at the rear of the property there is gated access for vehicles via electric double gates, which lead in turn to further parking and a double garage.

Behind the garage, is an attractive courtyard and through the Orangery is a delightful enclosed walled garden, principally laid to lawns with two patio areas enjoying stunning views of the Cathedral which has proved an ideal play area for the couple’s five-month-old Cockapoo, Tassie.

“Our favourite aspects of the garden are the wonderful views of the historic Cathedral,” says Fiona. “Over the years, we extended the flower beds and planted them with a huge array of plants which flower over the seasons so that it looks good at all times of the year.”

Anthony and Fiona, who are planning to remain in the Cathedral Quarter close to friends and the vast array of shops, bars and restaurants in the area, say they feel privileged to have lived in such an “amazing, beautiful and historic house”.

“A friend once said, ‘you never truly own a house such as this but are custodians for the time you live there’ and we feel that this is so true,” says Fiona.

“We have loved every minute of living here and will miss the relaxing lifestyle and the unique combination of history with the best modern comforts.”

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