A classic English country house   

Brant House is a stunning Grade II listed rural residence set in the heart of peaceful Lincolnshire countryside, yet within easy access of major road and rail networks.

Located in the pretty rural hamlet of Stragglethorpe, Brant House is a charming 18th-century country home which has been lovingly upgraded and improved to offer a spacious and welcoming family retreat.

Catherine Hobbs-Neil moved to this seven-bedroom house with a host of original features with her husband Ian and Labrador George from “the beautiful Peak District which was a tough act to follow”.

The couple were soon joined in the locality by their daughter and her young family, who had recently moved from Prague, and who chose to live in one of the neighbouring villages because of the super-quick train connection to London and well-respected grammar schools.

“When my daughter heard that Brant House was for sale, she arranged a viewing and immediately so many things came together to make Brant House a truly remarkable house,” says Catherine.

“Ian’s daughter, husband and their three children have been living with us for the past four years and it has been a very happy time for all.

“The first time we saw the house we loved it; just one look through the letterbox in the impressive front door, framed by the Regency wrought-iron veranda was stunning enough, but when I saw the majestic sweeping mahogany staircase I was lost!”

Family life
Catherine says that the family’s children and adults all find Brant House an exciting home: “Between us we have nine grandchildren and they have all enjoyed the wonderful, happy atmosphere and beautiful grounds.

“The house has thick walls and wonderful views from all sides and a real feeling of space with the atmosphere of a real English country house for both formal and relaxed occasions.”

With parts dating back to the 15th century, this charming home has plenty to offer, with accommodation which includes an elegant drawing room with a separate sitting room opposite, a formal dining room, two kitchens with a larder, pantry and utility room and a home office.

There are six bedrooms and five bathrooms in the main house, with the added benefit of a converted self-contained barn used as an additional seventh bedroom, plus an en-suite and kitchenette.

Many of the original features are still in place, including the original thunderbox, which is still in full working order.

Catherine says she has many favourite aspects and places in the house, including “the drawing room with its big open fire, the dining room that is so conducive to entertaining and the majestic main staircase, as well as the lovely gardens and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

“Everyone who visits us remarks on what a relaxing and homely feeling this house has. With antiques, modern paintings, and warm antique rugs, it really is a bringing together of travels and memories.

“Depending on our mood, Ian and I enjoy spending time together in the social kitchen, while the drawing room reminds me of family get-togethers. There’s also nothing nicer than enjoying an early cup of tea in the morning sun in the dining room, or evening drinks on the veranda.

“This is also the perfect house for parties; so much so in fact that our friends have also held parties here – as well as hosting our daughters’ wedding receptions, two grandchildren’s christenings, plus my 60th Casablanca birthday party. Brant House is made for parties!”

Making a house into a home
Catherine believes Brant House would suit any buyer as “it’s a real family home”.

During 2001 and 2002, the family installed six bathrooms and in 2006 converted the Old Bakery into a studio flat with a second kitchen built in 2018. Known as the Old Bakery, the cottage was the original kitchen, bakery and laundry and still has a workable baker’s oven.

Outside is equally impressive, set within 1.16 acres of grounds with beautifully landscaped formal garden and generous paddock with its own access.

“My favourite aspect of the house is the view of the front of the house as you approach from the gate and the mature fig tree at the break in the wall.”

The property is approached through electric gates onto a private gravel driveway with a small lawned area to the south and a larger lawn to the eastern elevation.

Above the front door and running alongside the entire southern elevation is an attractive wrought iron ornate veranda, while to the rear of the property, there is an additional lawned area with a small copse at the bottom of the garden.

The paddock is accessed either from the northern driveway or via a separate access off a track connected to Stragglethorpe Lane, with a large selection of fruit trees close to the boundary to create an orchard.

“The gardens and paddock were a wilderness when we moved in, however both the driveway and gardens have been completely remodelled and designed to be low maintenance.

“There is also a small but beautiful, fragrant rose garden which includes a very old standard rose (30-plus years) and I love the ancient wisteria, the prolific fig tree and the calm and spaciousness of it all.

“We have so many memories of this house, but one of my favourites must be the joy of having two pygmy goats, rabbit and hens all running free in the paddock and my two pure white guinea fowl guarded by my Labrador, as well as the grandchildren riding on the mowers, and having fun playing table tennis, football and croquet.”

Friends and neighbours
“We are also so lucky to have such wonderful neighbours; the pandemic saw everyone supporting each other.

“We’re also close to Newark which is a very interesting historic town with such good shops and amenities and only 1 hour 10 minutes to London by train.”

Catherine says they will miss the ancient church, St Michael and All Angels, which dates from 1103.

“It has a simplicity about it and some unique features. Although it hosts only two or three services a year, the highlight must be the annual carol service which draws a congregation of up to 100-plus and is a real village occasion.

“Sadly we have to move on but I know, whoever will be the next caretaker of this very special home will make memories to last a lifetime.”

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