A Victorian rural retreat

The Old Vicarage in Swineshead is a magnificent country residence oozing elegance, privacy and charm.

Dating back to the 1890s and with a wealth of original features, The Old Vicarage is a superb nine-bedroom period home that combines grand architectural elegance with spacious multi-generational accommodation.

Owner, Mike Grimes moved here with his partner Jose, together with their mothers and four Jack Russell terriers 13 years ago, having spent much of their working life in London and searching for “a country home where we could unwind and switch off”.

“We viewed many houses across Norfolk and Lincolnshire, but as soon as we arrived at The Old Vicarage at the centre of the village, we knew we had found our country retreat and next home,” says Mike. “The beauty of the property is that it allows extended family to live close by and provides private space for all.”

Set in approximately 1.8 acres of enchanting gardens with a spectacular terrace surrounding the south easterly aspect, this exceptional family home extends over three floors of luxurious accommodation, including four formal reception rooms.

The opulent 18ft drawing room features a Clearview log burner set in stone surround, while the spacious dining room and linked sitting room with French doors onto the terrace and south facing formal garden is ideal for entertaining.

The first and second floors include a principal bedroom suite with private balcony and six further generously sized bedrooms, some with Victorian fireplaces and exposed beams.

As well as ensuite facilities, there is also an elegant family bathroom on the first floor with a Jacuzzi bathtub.

“Our first impression of the house was just wow! Such an attractive façade never fades and even now we still love coming through the gates to see the house stand gracefully surrounded by the gardens.

“Coming through the grand entrance hall continued to take our breath away with the most beautiful staircase and so it goes on… all the rooms are interesting and the individual window lintels and their distinct sculptured faces intrigue us still.

“It has a lovely welcoming feel with some rooms having a relaxed comfort and others more formal and grand. Despite being a large house, the rooms don’t feel overwhelming and the décor has been considered for its period, but meets the needs of modern comfortable living.” 

The property, which is unlisted, also benefits from a superb self-contained one-bedroom studio on the ground floor, as well as a detached 800 sq ft one-bedroom cottage offering flexibility for guests and extended family, while blending privacy with togetherness.

“Both our mums have their own spaces in the studio and cottage. As both are flexible,  it’s also a great space for friends to stay as it’s private but also close to facilities, or would be a perfect as a workspace, or accommodation for a housekeeper or gardener.”

Elegant designs
“The whole house has been designed from top to toe; it’s something we both love and have enjoyed creating beautiful spaces that not only complement the style of the house, but also feel considered and comfortable.

“We have added bathrooms to the main bedrooms, new kitchens and of course beautiful gardens, including an amazing swim spa with retractable roof for those summer days in the gardens.

“Fundamentally it is a home first, cosy in the winter watching TV in front of the log burner but spacious (but not overwhelming) coping easily with large groups and parties in the summer.

“The heart of any home is a kitchen and ours is no different in that it copes well with large gatherings and fits the house style beautifully with its American Oak carpentry and welcoming feel.”

Historical links
Mike describes The Old Vicarage, which lies next to Swinehead’s Grade I listed parish Church of St Mary The Virgin, built in the 13th century,  as “one of a kind”.

“It’s a truly unique building with a beautiful façade; a handsome home with individual features which we’ve never seen repeated. In its day, it was an important village vicarage built for the Reverend Cragg and his wife and their eight children.

“The house is steeped in history, and was a sanctuary for family life and community within the village before becoming a private residence. The stone-carved shields and sculpted heads adorning the façade have intrigued historians and stonemasons alike, and we rather love that The Old Vicarage continues to hold onto some of its secrets.

“We know elderly neighbours who played in the gardens before it became a private house, so lots of memories live on for those who grew up around it. 

“The house was extended to the east side some 15 years ago with a beautiful castle topped extension, however the whole house and garden has been transformed over our time here.”

Glorious gardens
The grounds of the Old Vicarage are equally as impressive as the house with a sweeping gravel drive accessed through electric gates; the mature trees and high fences ensure privacy, whilst the immaculate gardens, featuring kitchen garden, rose beds and cottage borders, offer a tranquil escape.

“We love the space and how the house sits centre in the plot surrounded by mature trees that give it a very private feel despite being a village house.

“As a passionate gardener, it’s my paradise, created from scratch with a number of different ‘rooms’, including formal borders, rose gardens, traditional kitchen raised beds, fruit trees and wild areas for the wildlife to enjoy.

“We also have chickens which take good care of the veg garden while a host of wildlife also visit us.”

To the rear, the cottage gardens are full of flowers in the summer  which makes a great party space next to the swim spa, all enclosed by beautiful mature trees for added privacy.

“It’s a garden lover’s paradise and we have loved creating a number of beautiful spaces to enjoy, while it’s also in the village and within seconds you can be in the middle of the Fens with the dogs on miles of empty tracks, which the dogs simply love.”

Mike, who now plans to downsize, points out that The Old Vicarage would suit any family’s needs, especially those in search of rural privacy close to a village with amenities, including shops, medical centre, and pubs, as well as plenty of space to enjoy country walks, yet with easy access to a choice of schools, as well as road and rail networks.

“I believe it would suit anyone looking for flexible accommodation, whether for extended families, home business, a family needing a nanny or housekeeper, or like us people who want to escape the hustle of the south but with good connections to get back into London if needed.

“It’s going to be difficult to leave as it’s a beautiful home. We will miss lazy Sunday mornings on the front terrace or soaking up the last rays of sunshine with a G&T by the pond listening to the birds singing and  Christmas morning opening presents by the 14ft Christmas tree in the hall with family and friends.

“Despite its grandeur, the Old Vicarage never forgets that it is first and foremost a home and one we will miss terribly but it is time for us to start a new chapter. Whether full of family and friends or enjoyed in peaceful solitude, this property offers the perfect balance of space, luxury and comfort in a truly idyllic village setting, with the beauty of the countryside and the rich natural world right on its doorstep.”

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