Charming family farmhouse offers ideal rural retreat

Psalter Farm is a stunning Grade II listed farmhouse, situated in a picturesque and secluded location in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Tucked away in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Psalter Farm lies within a much sought after area, offering idyllic family country living alongside an established holiday business with an additional four rental cottages on site.

This beautiful historic five-bedroom property, which has been restored and maintained to a high standard, is approached through a security alarm and surveillance system enhanced brick pillared gateway onto a block paved circular driveway surrounded by neat gardens of more than an acre, with magical elevated views across the rural landscape.

In addition to the main house, which was originally constructed in the mid-18th century, there is also a beautiful Grade II listed barn together with an extensive range of traditional farm buildings which have been converted into four carefully renovated cottages, currently rented out and previously offered as holiday homes, with planning permission for further development.

There is also an attractive single storey two bedroom annexe with open plan kitchen/living space and patio.

Ideal family home
Owner Jan Smith, a farmer and entrepreneur, moved here with his wife and three children in 2006 and the family lived here for many years before Jan moved out just three years ago after his father died and he took over running the nearby family farm.

Since then, Psalter Farm has been available as a holiday let, but would easily transform back into a family home once again.

Jan explains that the only reason he has now decided to sell the property, which he describes as “phenomenal”, is because he now has his sights set on buying and developing another property.

“We bought Psalter Farm from the previous owners, an American couple, who spent an absolute fortune on restoring the house and designing the rooms which all lead into one another, so you can literally walk around the ground floor of the house in a circle, which is wonderful for parties and entertaining.

“When we first came to see this house, we fell in love with it straightaway – the first thing I said when I walked through the front door was ‘wow!’

“You have to see inside to really appreciate just how special it is – just an amazing home which has a very special feel to it which I can only describe as totally unique.”

In addition to the well proportioned dining room which overlooks the gardens, the impressive double height timber panelled drawing room features grand proportions with underfloor heating and stairs to an impressive galleried library on the first floor.

“My favourite room is the main lounge with the gallery which is just stunning and the little snug is also a lovely place to tuck yourself off to when you just want to switch off completely.”

Upstairs there are five bedrooms, including a master bedroom suite with dressing room and private bathroom, with a further family bathroom and separate shower room.

“Although it’s a big house, it doesn’t feel like it when you’re in there. It’s warm and welcoming and incredibly easy to live in as a family and also a great place to entertain – we’ve certainly had some amazing parties here!”

Business opportunities
Jan points out that among the many bonuses of living at Psalter Farm are the “ready-made” business opportunities this property offers.

“For example, when we previously offered our holiday cottages as short-term lets, we had 70-80% occupancy throughout the year but more recently we haven’t had time to run that side of the business so they are currently rented out.

“As it currently stands and without having to do anything, the new owners could expect a rental income of approximately £36,000 per year, in addition to income generated from our biomass boiler bringing the revenue up to about £50,000 a year, just for doing next to nothing.

“However, if someone wanted to develop the holiday cottage side of the business you would easily be looking at an income of £100,000-150,000 per year.”

With its hillside setting, this period house features a combination of attractive terraced gardens and a gently sloping lawn to the front with mature borders, tree planting and a raised paved terrace which leads to an elegant Victorian style orangery.

“I love the peace and quiet of the gardens and surroundings – it’s so picturesque and a very special place. The gardens are also easy to maintain. We employed an occasional gardener to help trim the shrubs and trees, but I enjoy mowing the lawns myself!”

According to Jan, another of the special attractions of the property is its outstanding location: “It’s peaceful and quiet and although it might seem like we’re in the middle of nowhere, we’re actually close to everything, including the excellent local pub The Blacksmiths Arms [which Jan also owns], which is a traditional village pub with great food, as well as being just five minutes from the shops and a garage.”

Skendleby Psalter near Skendleby is a small hamlet situated in the Lincolnshire Wolds between the attractive market town of Louth (13 miles), with weekly markets and a range of amenities including shops, pubs, restaurants and takeaways, banks, doctor’s surgeries, dentists, primary schools and secondary schools with a grammar school in Alford (5 miles).

The city of Lincoln is just 34 miles away with main rail links to London approximately 46 minutes from Peterborough (55 miles) and Humberside airport is 38 miles.

Jan says he will miss living at Psalter Farm for many reasons including his good friends and neighbours at the handful of nearby houses, as “everyone gets on very well and we all look out for each other”.

“My only reason for selling is to develop another nearby property, but I will miss this beautiful house and treasure all the memories we shared here.”

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