Elegant living in historic city

This stylish apartment in Lincoln’s historic Bailgate Court offers a peaceful oasis within the much sought after uphill Cathedral Quarter.

Designed to create a high standard of luxury living, while still retaining a wealth of character and charm, this impressive two bedroom private apartment boasts generous proportions within its accommodation, with many original features retained.

Owners Nicki and Graham Law have lived in the Grade II listed Bailgate Court since 2019 and were the first residents to move in just before the development was completed.

“We moved here from York when Graham got a job as a professor at Lincoln University and we loved the city of Lincoln, which prompted our move.”

The couple say they love the location of this stunning apartment.

“We are so close to everything Lincoln has to offer and walk everywhere. We are both able to walk to work – Graham to the university and I work as a GP in a practice in the city. We have no need to drive anywhere as everything is walkable. I don’t think there is a better location in Lincoln.”

Built in 1776 as Lincoln County Hospital, the building later became a theological college in the 1870s, before being transformed into 13 impressive private luxury apartments in 2018/19.

This graceful, well designed two bedroom ground floor apartment comprises an impressive entrance communal hall leading to the apartment’s inner hallway and into a large open plan kitchen with living room, utility room, two bedrooms, plus en-suite to the main bedroom and a shower room.

With its historic background, central location and distinctive architecture, it’s not surprising that the couple fell in love with this apartment during their first visit to the site.

“We saw the building before the developers had even been granted planning permission to develop it and as soon as we came onto the site, we were impressed and wanted to live here. There are great views from the car park both of the cathedral and over the city.

“We loved the building – in particular the meeting room with the cathedral view (which became our living room).

“We said to each other, ‘if we can afford to buy the apartment with that room in it, we are going to have it’ and we did!”

Luxury living
Nicki describes the living space as “unique with a mix of old and new which works really well”.
“The living room is part of the old building, whereas the rest of the apartment is in the new build part. The open plan kitchen and living room is very impressive. It never fails to impress anyone who walks through the door. The high ceilings (4m high in the living room), large windows and sense of space is incredible.

“The living room was the original boardroom and then became the theological college chapel. It is beautifully panelled and has a real sense of history with the amazing view of the cathedral.

“It also contrasts well with the new part of the apartment, which is well suited to the modern fitted kitchen.

“It’s an amazing apartment to live in; in fact Graham says he knows we will never live in such a lovely home. It is incredibly spacious and light with large windows, whilst still having a cosy feel and we love sitting in the living room with the outstanding view of the cathedral.”

Nicki says the apartment is very well designed and comfortable to live in with underfloor heating throughout and Sonos speakers in the ceilings.

“The apartment feels very calm, comfortable and peaceful, plus it’s a very easy space to live in. The neutral walls are calming and everywhere feels clean and fresh. The old part of the apartment has lovely period features, but with a modern feel. It’s also well insulated and feels warm in the winter, but cool in the summer and we have an incredible amount of built-in storage which allows us to keep everywhere neat and tidy.”

Outside space
The property (which is approached through private electric gate access, leading to a parking area with allocated spaces and visitor parking) offers extensive communal grounds as well as its own private walled courtyard gardens.

“The courtyard garden is a lovely space. We love eating outdoors in the summer and it is ideal for that. The kitchen and both bedrooms overlook and open out onto the garden and I love the views of our space and being able to open all the doors in the summer. It is a great space to relax and read a book.

“The communal garden also has several well established apple trees and is so peaceful with lovely views over the city. We have also enjoyed several parties in the garden with the neighbours and the garden is fab on New Year’s Eve, watching all the fireworks around the city.”

Superb location
With a wide range of amenities and shopping within just a short walk, together with a wide selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy, as well as easy train and road links, the location is ideal for couples and families of all ages.

“Being in the centre of town is amazing. Castle Square and the cathedral and castle are on our doorstep and yet despite that the apartment is incredibly quiet and private. When we are out in the communal garden it feels like we are in the middle of nowhere!

“We love being so close to the castle and cathedral. We go and sit in the castle grounds most weeks!

“It is also so handy being close to all the shops. We rarely need to use our car as everything is on our doorstep. We are 50m from the beautiful Castle Square and Bailgate with a range of cafés and restaurants so close by.”

The couple, who are planning to move closer to family in Manchester, say they will miss their many friends and neighbours.

“Bailgate Court is a lovely, friendly, supportive community to live in. Everyone here looks after each other.

For example, during the pandemic when anyone was ill with Covid there were so many offers of help with anything that was needed. We also meet up and enjoy frequent parties within the development, either in our apartment or in the garden.

“Both Graham and I agree that this is the most beautiful, comfortable home we will ever live in and we will both miss it. It’s easy to live in, we love the history of the building and have many happy memories of living here, especially sitting looking at the cathedral in the evenings – that view will be hard to beat!”

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