Hougham

The Old Rectory stands quietly on the edge of the village of Hougham in Lincolnshire. Built in 1808 by the Thorold family, it was reputed at the time to be the largest rectory in the county. For 139 years, it remained in the same family, and it continues to carry the dignity and character of its Georgian origins. In more recent years, it was divided into two separate dwellings before the current owners began an ambitious project to reunite the building and return it to its former glory. The house has since been sympathetically restored and reimagined as a unified, elegant family home with extensive living space.

Constructed in red brick and stone-coped gables under a pantile roof, the house presents a striking six-bay façade. Its proportions, symmetry and classical details are typical of early nineteenth-century design. Gauged brick heads sit above tall sash windows, all of which have been carefully refurbished. Historic England confirms the architectural significance of the building and highlights many features still proudly intact.

The restoration has been meticulous. The house was completely rewired and replumbed, and a new kitchen extension was added to form the heart of the home. Original brickwork to both the house and adjacent barn has been repointed, sash windows repaired, and every element treated with care. The house functions effortlessly as a modern family home while honouring the spirit of its Georgian past.

The interiors are both generous and welcoming, with light pouring in through tall windows. The palette of deep greens and blues works harmoniously with original features such as marble fireplaces and traditional joinery, bringing warmth and modern refinement. The kitchen and living space, part of the new extension, opens through glazed doors onto a stone terrace, leading to the pool and gardens beyond. 

One of the most impressive features is the grand double-height hallway with its majestic staircase leads to the first-floor galleried landing. It brings an immediate sense of scale and light, setting the tone for the house from the moment you step inside.

The ground floor includes a series of well-proportioned reception rooms that retain the formality of the original rectory layout but are flexible in use. The front-facing rooms offer elegant spaces for entertaining, while a practical boot room and secondary utilities support daily life behind the scenes. A dedicated cinema room, created during the refurbishment, is a favourite of the current owners – designed for immersive cinema experiences in the comfort of home.

The principal bedroom suite spans the front of the first floor and includes a spacious double bedroom, bespoke dressing room and a stylish en-suite bathroom. Four further bedrooms can be found on this level, several with en-suite facilities. The second floor adds another seven bedrooms, one en suite, and a family bathroom, ideal for large families or regular guests.

The approximately 2.5 acres (subject to measured survey) of grounds are no less impressive. The house benefits from two driveways: a long, sweeping, formal main drive and a shorter secondary drive, each offering their own sense of arrival. The gardens have been reimagined as part of the restoration, with simplified landscaping and elegant stone terracing around the outdoor pool. There is a large lawn flanked by mature trees, including two magnificent Cedar of Lebanon specimens. A large pond with a small central island reflects the handsome frontage of the house at certain angles, like a scene from a period drama, and by that water’s edge, a circular outdoor dining and entertaining area offers something truly special. With a stretch canvas cover and festoon lighting, it feels wonderfully separate from the house – ideal for barbecues or evening drinks with friends, its atmosphere transforming beautifully from day to night.

A traditional brick barn has been restored and repointed, offering over 1,100 square feet of additional space, adaptable for storage, hobbies or potential future conversion (subject to the necessary consents). A triple garage has also been added, bringing practical storage and parking solutions. An amble down the quiet lane leads directly into the churchyard and out to open countryside. The owners mention this as a particular highlight, offering easy access to walks and a sense of gentle connection to the surrounding landscape.