Designer home offers elegant modern living

Situated on the edge of an idyllic Cliff Village location, Poplars is a distinctive residence offering an innovative and sophisticated energy-efficient lifestyle.

Set within approximately two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with outstanding rural views, on the edge of Fulbeck village, Poplars is a stunning three bed and three bathroom detached home which has been meticulously renovated by its current owners to offer five-star comfort combined with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient living.

This high specification property enjoys plenty of natural light with some of the best green credentials of any modern home, including premium insulation, a ground source heat pump to complement the under-floor heating both upstairs and downstairs, as well as the rainwater harvester system – all designed to keep the costs of living to a minimum and reduce the carbon footprint.

Owners Richard and Sue Tyler spotted plenty of potential in the original 1940s bungalow surrounded by glorious countryside and decided to make their move from Castle Bytham to Fulbeck, which they describe as, “pretty and peaceful and one of the most beautiful villages in Lincolnshire”.

The couple, who have recently moved to Scotland and rented the house out to friends, bought Poplars (which sits in approximately two acres with a large 3,000sq ft brick built shed) in 2011 and spent three years transforming and extending the original single storey house, keeping just the original shell.

Richard explains: “We were looking for a house but it was Poplars that caught our eye. We had a look over the fence and thought, wow! What a fabulous spot just on the edge of this beautiful village – a 1940s bungalow looking a bit worse for wear, with the gardens completely overgrown and the big shed. Every man’s dream, the ultimate ‘man cave’.

“We could have simply knocked the bungalow down and built a brand new house, but we decided to strip it completely as it had such a good feel. We doubled the house in size, extending out the back, on the side and into the roof space with a brief to ourselves to make the rooms a good size with maximum light.

“Once the structure was built, we installed a ground source heating system to run the underfloor heating upstairs and down, a rainwater harvester and insulated every room to the best standard.

“The house is so well insulated, we are able to heat the house with one wood burner, fondly named ‘Big Red’, which keeps the house at a constant 21 degrees, even when freezing outside.”

SPACIOUS SURROUNDINGS
Richard and Sue moved into Poplars at the end of August 2014 and spent the next couple of years adding the finishing touches, such as a large balcony and veranda, which has proved ideal for entertaining.

“This has been a fantastic space, which we used constantly during the summer months, as it’s an extension of the large living kitchen, which is where we spent 90% of our time.”

Richard explains that in renovating the house, creating natural light and space was a priority.
“We recently had the house painted in white throughout. The floors are limestone and oak. All the bathroom fittings, tiles, kitchen and utility units are classic and high quality.”

The quality of the fixtures and fittings used throughout the house are even more apparent in the kitchens and bathrooms. The open plan kitchen enjoys extra deep granite worktops, while the bathrooms feature Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware and luxury showers from Aqata.

“We have enjoyed the challenges of renovating the house and experiencing its development. The house isn’t large, it is comfortable, easy to look after and live in, as well as a great place in which to entertain so we’ve enjoyed numerous parties here, both in winter and summer.”

PEACEFUL PRIVATE GARDENS
Outside, there is much to enjoy too with a large wrap-around Indian sandstone patio surrounded by well stocked borders filled with shrubs, and a large productive vegetable patch with easy-to-manage raised beds. The orchard produces pears, plums and apples each year in abundance and the paddock is surrounded by well kept hornbeam and mixed hedges.

“When we first moved in, the garden was an overgrown field, but over the years we have remodelled it to make the most of the space it offers. It’s a peaceful, private and versatile garden which is ready to be developed further if the new owners wish to, or it can be maintained as it is now.

“Poplars is a surprisingly spacious house on a special plot and we love the time we spend at home, whether in the kitchen, which is the hub of the home, on the veranda enjoying the summer days and evenings, or snuggled in the lounge in the winter – the sunsets are stunning too!

“It is such an easy, relaxed and welcoming house which is ideally located sitting just on the outskirts of the village, so it’s private, yet a few minutes’ walk to the pub, village hall, church and sports field.”

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SHED
Within the domestic curtilage of Poplars is an impressive secure portal-framed shed (3,000sq ft) which was constructed in 2000 and previously used as an engineering works, but it would be suitable for a wide range of uses.

This structure benefits from double-skin insulated walls and additional insulated roof panels with double glazed windows, and has three-phase connected with two offices and a CCTV/alarm security system fitted.

“The shed has potential for many different options, whether for hobbies or commercial use, so the occupier could also run a variety of businesses from here.”

There is extensive parking on the gravel driveway for multiple vehicles, with direct access into the shed via a large electric roller-shutter door.

IDYLLIC LOCATION
Fulbeck village benefits from a beautifully maintained cricket green and playing fields, with a children’s playground and recreational areas located at the edge of a football pitch.

There is also a popular working Arts and Crafts Centre located within the village with a variety of visitor attractions.

The village is well known for hosting one of the most popular pubs in the area, the Hare & Hounds, which offers a good selection of local brews, and high quality food, while nearby The Brownlow Arms in Hough on the Hill provides a fine dining experience.

A number of highly regarded schools are located in close proximity to Fulbeck, including Lincoln Minster, The Priory and Carre’s Grammar in Sleaford, with the King’s School and Kesteven & Grantham Girls’ School both situated in nearby Grantham.

“The house is ready to move into but there is always scope for further work. It is such a versatile house and plot. We are not only sad to leave our home behind but we were lucky enough to have fantastic neighbours and have enjoyed our time in Fulbeck.

“There are so many great people who live in the community. It is a lovely area, with good pubs and walks, as well as easy access to Lincoln and Newark.”

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