Heavenly home in stunning setting

The Priory is an impressive fully refurbished historical family home in a tranquil rural setting with far-reaching views.

Built on the original site of Freiston Priory, this elegant former vicarage dates to the 16th century and has been lovingly refurbished by its current owners who have retained many of its original features and character to create a delightful family home.

Having admired the property for a long time while walking their dogs around the village of Freiston prior to owning it, Melanie and Michael Pocklington moved into The Priory in December 2013.

The couple, who own two dogs, a cat, five pygmy goats and eight Soay sheep, as well as a collection of chickens and ducks, were delighted when The Priory became available and say “it was our absolute dream to own it”.

“We knew it needed a lot of work, but it’s been an amazing project to bring [it] back to its former glory and we have loved every minute living here. It’s a delightful place to live, peaceful and full of nature in stunning grounds.”

Wow factor
This unique property is steeped in history and features a late 16th-century dog-leg staircase beneath which is a small cellar with stone walls, possibly a remnant of the priory.

According to records, the property was held by King Henry VIII following the Dissolution of the Monasteries and was disposed of between 1714 and 1729 to the Dryden family.

The Priory has retained its regal presence and as you approach down the sweeping drive, with paddocks at the front of the house, it offers a real wow factor, so it’s no surprise that its owners describe it as “a unique special property to be loved and enjoyed”.

“The Priory is a beautiful Grade II star listed property, a stunning home, filled with a great energy and a warm feeling making it a real inviting home.

“It’s full of character and flooded with natural light from all the beautiful large Georgian windows, and the finely proportioned rooms are filled with light through the original sash windows.

“Our bedroom is a big space with natural light flooding in on the double aspect large windows; we have personal treasures and mementos from our favourite beach – it’s a beautiful place of calm and comfort, a sanctuary where you can escape the outside world and re-connect.”

This impressive property offers five generous double bedrooms, one en suite, and four spacious reception rooms, with an extensive kitchen breakfast room, plus pantry, utility room, two shower rooms, two bathrooms, an enormous attic, a cellar and cart lodge with parking for four cars, three with automatic roller doors, together with an additional self-contained one-bedroom annexe.

The couple have refurbished the entire property with all work done to a high specification, paying careful attention to style and detail, including fitting a new kitchen with granite worktops and new, fully tiled bathrooms in the main house and redecorating throughout.

The independent annexe, which was just a bare shell when the Pocklington family moved in, has been transformed into a well appointed, modernised, self-contained living space standing within a pretty courtyard.

“We have also vaulted the roof to expose the beams and installed an open plan, fitted kitchen with quartz worktops, as well as adding a living room corner suite with fitted cupboards and a TV unit.” The luxurious en suite bedroom features mirrored wardrobes and the bathroom is lined with marble tiles.

Favourite places
The couple say they have enjoyed working and renovating The Priory to its former glory, while appreciating its character and enhancing this during renovations.

“Our vision has always been to keep the character and add the natural tones for the beauty. The kitchen is bespoke and the hub of our home with the utility to match, all fitted with beautiful painted units of sage green with stunning granite worktops and a large oak island to bring all the family together at mealtimes.

“One of our favourite spaces is the garden room, which is a wonderful place to relax and recharge, with French doors that open up to the back garden. I enjoy spending mornings here with the French doors open letting the outside in with my dogs right beside me – it’s just heavenly.

“Our music room features a symphony of sounds system that allows me to play my favourite music. This room sets me up for the day, with melodies to unwind at the end of the day. The ceiling to floor windows allow the light to come flooding in and you can fully immerse yourself in its beauty.

“In the evening, the spacious lounge is ideal to relax in with a roaring cosy fire, and views over to Boston Stump while watching the beautiful sunsets.

“It is a stunning property with glorious rooms with beautiful large sash windows to allow the outside in, all overlooking the fabulous grounds. We still pinch ourselves each day for the very privilege.

“We totally appreciate the history and the beautiful original features and we have loved bringing it back to its former glory using the very best quality materials and fittings.”

Family-friendly
According to the Pocklingtons, The Priory has proved an ideal family home: “The large-sized rooms mean you can welcome the whole family with open arms, and it’s great at anytime for a get-together, and a wonderful spot to also enjoy peace and tranquillity.

“The house is nestled within a family-friendly neighbourhood, with great access to Freiston Park where numerous sports take place, including football and cricket, as well as a children’s play area, with a fitness area.

“Freiston Nature Reserve, a haven for birds and wildlife alongside the coastal waters of The Wash, is also on the doorstep offering great walks and a chance to catch up with nature and blow the cobwebs away. There is a reliable bus service which runs from the village to nearby Boston hourly and goes through to Skegness if you so wish.”

At the friendly village shop and post office you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables and there’s a good local butchers too. 

“The church is a hub of the village and opens every Thursday for coffee mornings which brings the whole community together, while the village hall is a great space for hire and also holds regular events. 

“There are also two excellent public houses within the village, the Bull & Dog with its real ales, and the highly-rated King’s Head for some good food, plus facilities to play pool and darts, with bingo sessions, plus live entertainment on a regular basis.

“The Priory has proved a wonderful, peaceful place for a family to enjoy a sanctuary of pure joy. Our lasting memories will be of pure excitement, joy, pride, and a pleasure to have experienced such a gem of a property. We hope the next family love it just as we have. The village is a hub of community should you wish to join in, you will be welcomed with open arms. We shall miss you, The Priory and Freiston.

“It has been a pleasure and it will be hard to leave, but we do need to downsize as there is only the two of us living here now. Our family have flown the nest, and we are getting ready for our next chapter too.

“Our plans are to move to the Wolds not far away, to downsize and have more time to enjoy this beautiful county of Lincolnshire.”

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