Spacious, Wolds family home with tranquillity and technology

Southwold in the village of Keddington is a dream home created by the current owners. The contemporary property offers traditional build quality with breath-taking views and 21st century features.
The house replaced a more modest property which once occupied the two thirds of an acre site. The current owners, Mr and Mrs Peter Stephenson, moved into Southwold in 1995, living in an original bungalow which was built for the Elvin sisters. They had operated a small riding school from the property. The original stable block had been left just as if the horses would return at any time.

“When we first viewed the bungalow it hadn’t been lived in for some time,” explained Peter, “and the gardens had become overgrown. That said, we instantly fell for the property and the beautiful location. After moving in we quickly started renovating the bungalow.”

Mr and Mrs Stephenson have two children, born in 1996 and 1998 respectively, so it was soon evident they were going to need more space.

“That was when we eventually decided on a rebuild and set about designing our dream house. We wanted to build something that would capture the breath-taking views as well as the spectacular sunrise and sunsets. We also had our heart set on a traditional property with a modern spin that would also be in keeping with the surrounding area.”

Over the next few years the Stephensons built their new property, taking their time to ensure they didn’t ever compromise on the build quality.

The house, which is approached through wrought iron gates and a spacious driveway, is located less than a mile from the outskirts of Louth, yet offers rural tranquillity and privacy. This impressive family home offers spacious and flexible accommodation over three floors. On the ground floor an open plan reception hallway leads to the dining kitchen. Access to the lounge and Jack-and-Jill en-suite bedroom/study is also from the hallway. The lounge leads through to a garden room. Both this room and the kitchen have bi-fold doors opening onto the patio. There is also access to a lobby, pantry and utility room from the dining kitchen. Among the features of the house are the elegantly proportioned and natural light flooded rooms.

All three floors of the house have solid oak flooring with the exception of the two bathrooms and kitchen which have laminate floors. The property also benefits from double-glazed, UPVc sash windows as well as Cat 6 ethernet wiring throughout. “There is plenty of scope for home-working with ample space to create an office in the main house or outbuildings. As a matter of course we included security and smoke alarms, as well as digital control for the garden and Christmas lights circuits.”

A stairway leads to a galleried landing and three first floor bedrooms and an en-suite master bedroom. Off the landing is also a living space which leads to an external balcony. The couple have taken great care to orient Southwold to benefit from the arc of the sun during the day across their property and also to make the most of the stunning views across the gardens, pond and beyond towards Louth.

“It is difficult to put into words just how beautiful it is to sit on the balcony with a glass of wine watching the sunset or starting the day with a cup of tea at sunrise listening to the abundance of bird life and wildlife the Lincolnshire Wolds has to offer. We feel very fortunate and privileged to have been able to experience such a wonderful location.”

A further staircase leads to the third floor where there are two rooms currently used as a cinema/games room and a dressing room. These also have the potential to be used as additional bedrooms.
Southwold is an immaculately presented house which has an oil fired condensing boiler offering heating throughout supplemented with a two-way multi-fuel stove shared with the lounge and garden room adjacent. Externally, the mature gardens and grounds house a summerhouse and the converted stable block as well as a double garage with store/workshop to the side and loft space above.

“Even if the heavens open or the wind is at its worst there is always somewhere to shelter in the grounds. With the secret summerhouse, balcony or simply just under the stable canopy there is always somewhere to enjoy every season,” said Peter.

“Step beyond Southwold and Keddington it is a very short walk along a scenic canal path into the heart of Louth, or simply just a couple of minutes by vehicle. Louth boasts one of the country’s finest markets. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays see local farmers and bakers offering a fantastic selection of produce. The canal path accessed from the bottom of our lane takes you east for many miles where there are several public footpaths across open fields and more of the Wolds.”

Mr and Mrs Stephenson are justifiably proud of what they have achieved and have certainly gained a lot from their experience of re-developing Southwold.

“We have so many warm memories of living at Southwold – raising our two children here tops the list.

“We know we will miss Southwold but it’s time for new adventures. Both our son and daughter have recently graduated and their chosen careers will take them on different paths. The house could be empty soon, hence the life-changing decision to move.

“Keddington has been a simply idyllic setting in which to live and raise our children. We will miss the local community. We have been blessed with exceptionally wonderful neighbours. Many of whom ask us regularly to change our minds! We have made friends for life here. The local support we have received has been overwhelming at times. We will miss Keddington forever but new adventures await!”

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