Contemporary eco house in the Wolds

The Nook is a stylish, energy-efficient home tucked away in a private rural location with outstanding views.

Situated in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, The Nook is an outstanding family home which combines the best of modern day living with unrivalled comfort and a feel of tasteful elegance.

This remarkable steel framed eco house on the outskirts of Raithby village was designed and built in 2014 from what used to be the original water storage unit.

Notable for its innovative architectural design, the construction used natural and sustainable materials including European oak beams, windows and doors and oak and limestone floors, resulting in a unique and energy-efficient home with an EPC ‘B’ rating. The heating is provided by an air source heat pump with a combination of under floor heating and radiators.

The current owners, Carol and John Sharp, moved here from the West Country in 2021 with their two dogs and a cat after originally seeing the property online.

“We wanted to be near both the coast and countryside and on our first visit to The Nook, we were impressed not only by the views but also just how far you could see from every window,” explains John.

“It’s a unique property with an outstanding outlook across Lincolnshire and the Wolds, and benefits from the most beautiful ever-changing views of nature. As the weather changes day by day, so the landscape changes too.”

Historical origins
The property was originally built in 1904 as a water storage and pumping station for the nearby market town of Spilsby. The site was later sold and bought by a local family, who owned it for many years, before being converted into a dwelling in 2018.

Internally this versatile and contemporary property is immaculately presented, with flexible living accommodation over the two floors to include a stunning open-plan living kitchen on the first floor and a large cosy sitting room with wood burner to the ground floor.

There are three double bedrooms and bathroom facilities arranged over both floors and a charming pod nestled in the garden, which would make an ideal office or studio with permitted use as an extra bedroom with en-suite if required.

The open plan “living kitchen” features a vaulted ceiling, oak beams and LED spotlights, oak floorboards with contemporary glass balcony and staircase down to the ground floor accommodation.

Carol and John, who have lived in several eco houses previously, have made many changes to the property during their time here including a total reconfiguration of the driveway to double the garden size, the construction of a large garage with “living” roof, steps and a glass balcony to the front of the property, plus an impressive and well designed modern kitchen.

“Inside the property, we have completely changed the first floor by adding a large family kitchen by Howdens, with an extra large island with a Blue Roma Quartzite worktop which comes from Brazil, made of a natural material, plus top of the range appliances, with three glass dome pendant light fittings from Neptune also included in the sale.

“The house has been completely redecorated from top to bottom and we have upgraded the electrics, plumbing and heating with the air source heating serviced by a local company from Spilsby.

“Prior to moving to The Nook, we have lived in three eco houses, all with a different source of heating; one with pellets and two with air source. With the pellets you need a separate storage space for the pellets, whereas with air source it is much cleaner and you do not need to get involved in the maintenance as you only have it serviced once a year.

“The Nook is a very easy house to maintain as it has been built using natural materials, including oak beams, wooden floors and plenty of glass – which also gives it that light and airy feel whatever the weather.”

This unique property is reached via a gated entrance which opens onto an extensive gravelled driveway with parking for several vehicles and which leads up to a timber framed garage.

The house is served by outside lighting all around, as well as an alarm and camera system which can be operated remotely via a smartphone app.

As the property enjoys a rural position, it is not connected to mains drainage but benefits from a modern bio-tank system fitted in 2021.

John and Carol spent many hours landscaping the private grounds with the re-introduction of native hedging, and the planting of dog roses and young laurels and red robins that a new buyer will undoubtedly reap the benefits of in years to come.

“We reconfigured the entrance off the road into the property. Once you enter the property, we have rearranged the whole site and made the garden more family-friendly.”

Versatile space
“When family come to stay, we have two floors identical to each other which means the family can use the lower floor while we stay on the top floor,” explains John.

“We also use the outside pod as a family games room on a lovely summer’s day and evening.”

John says that although they are both retired, the house would be ideal for anyone looking to work from home, with the pod in the garden also featuring its own en-suite.

“It’s a very calming area and once the gates are closed, it’s so tranquil – you can take up any position in the garden and just switch off with a book and cup of coffee and listen or watch the wildlife.

“The lawns are undulating, which matches the fields beyond, while the pond, which also features a fountain, is a special area which has many newts, frogs and tadpoles. It has a sandy bottom with reeds, bulrushes, iris, water lilies, and is naturally fed from the guttering.

“We have also extended the wild flower garden into the trees and removed the old driveway and replaced this with a lawn.

“My wife’s favourite room is the kitchen, where the whole family can gather around the island, whereas I like to sit near the pond with the fountain going and just relax.

“I believe the ideal buyer would be someone who is interested in the garden and enjoys spending time outside, plus there is enough area for children to play as well as entertaining family and friends.”

Village life
Located just five minutes by car from the amenities in the small yet thriving market town of Spilsby and approximately 10 miles from the popular market towns of Horncastle, Louth and Boston as well as the east coast, John and Carol say their home is ideally situated for anyone who enjoys walking, birdwatching and other outdoor activities.

“There’s plenty to do nearby with a local tennis court and Raithby, which is a small and friendly community with many local events, also has an outstanding pub, The Red Lion.

“When we moved here, we received a very warm welcome, plus kind offers of any assistance needed, as well as a great neighbour who is also there when we require any help. We will miss living here but we are hoping to relocate to be closer to our family.”

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