Fen Barn, Claypole, Lincolnshire

A meeting of old and new, these Grade II listed former farm buildings - a lofty barn and a cart shed - have been brilliantly transformed into a contemporary five-bedroom house. Its presence is staunchly sophisticated yet understated, shaped by unexpected volumes and a considered material approach. Set in the heart of Claypole, a peaceful, rural village close to the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border, the house is a 10-minute drive from Newark station, where services run to London King's Cross in just over 70 minutes.

The Tour

Fen Barn rests in a particularly quiet spot, wrapped by undulating Lincolnshire farmland and positioned between the market towns of Grantham and Newark.

Set well back from the road it is approached via a shingled driveway with an open-fronted double garage as well as parking for several cars. Beyond is a garden, landscaped in a manner that resonates with the confident modernity of the converted barns.

The house references the area's vernacular while also embracing its agrarian roots. Resolutely contemporary, its profile cleverly weaves old and new and prioritises connections between inside and out. A simple yet refined palette is pursued: soft red brickwork is left fair-faced, while primary elements of the hefty timber roof structure are exposed.

The primary entrance is at the western edge, where a glazed screen opens to reveal a voluminous primary living area. This is a beautifully light space, foregrounding the character and profile of the original building through an unveiled structure. Predominantly open-plan, it lends itself to flexible arrangements and flows onto one of the home’s dining terraces.

Smooth rustic concrete flooring runs underfoot throughout the ground floor, a gentle counterpoint to black-rimmed windows and doors. A generous snug at the southern corner of the main barn is a cosy and intimate retreat for watching films or reading.

Bounding glazed screens, slotted between the cart shed’s original brick piers, bathes the adjacent south-facing kitchen area in a warm natural light while also weaving the garden and courtyard formations into the fabric of the building. At the centre is a large bespoke island, surrounded by quartz-topped, black-fronted cabinetry and with plenty of room for food preparation. The remainder of the space carves out places to eat, entertain and repose.

Beyond is a short spine hallway with slatted timber-fronted jib doors that conceal handy cloak cupboards, a utility/pantry room and a shower/WC. At the end of the corridor is a spacious room apt for use as a playroom, office or additional bedroom.

A sliding barn door on the western edge of the main barn separates these sociable rooms from the ground-floor sleeping spaces. Here, two airy double en suite bedrooms rise with the roofline and are defined by clean lines, minimalist detailing and soft-hued plastered walls.

At the top of a bespoke metal and oak-tread staircase is a first-floor bridge that connects to two additional en suite bedrooms. Thin metal balustrades maintain a fluid connection with the living spaces below and ensure that lines of site to the garden are unobstructed. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom, pitched ceilings and carefully positioned windows or rooflights that work together to create a soothing atmosphere.

Outdoor Space

The living spaces spill onto the front courtyard, side garden and terraces, disrupting any hard boundary between inside and outside living during the warmer months. Concealed external lighting allows enjoyment of the outdoors to continue into the evening.

Designed contextually, the garden attracts a host of birds, bees and butterflies. Curated raised beds and Corten planters stocked with leafy grasses, herbs and spring bulbs provide colour and fragrance. Bright and shady patches are present in equal measure and the entire space is encased by lollipop trees and laurel hedging.

The shingled driveway at the front of the house leads to a double open-fronted garage. A useful garden shed on one side provides storage for tools and gardening equipment.

The Area

Claypole is a delightful village that lies just south of Newark-on-Trent, on the border between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Nestled alongside the River Witham, this idyllic village is surrounded by lush green landscapes and country walks.

The village has a wonderful community, largely centred around events at the local village hall. There is a well-stocked local shop, a family-run butcher and a small fortnightly farmers' market with locally made bread, cheese and vegetables. The Side House café provides a fantastic selection of freshly baked cakes, while The Five Bells is a favourite pub among locals. There is also a children’s play park with an outside gym and picnic area, as well as two flood-lit tennis courts and a large playing field.

The National Trust-owned Belton Estate is a 20-minute drive away, and has an ancient deer park, formal gardens of Dutch and Italian design, and relaxing lakeside walks. Sconce and Devon Park is also nearby, as well as the Newark Air Museum.

There are numerous excellent schooling options nearby, with a primary school in the village and regular bus services to a variety of state and private schools, including King's School and Kesteven Girls Grammar School in Grantham.

The local market town of Newark is just a 10-minute drive and provides useful amenities including a cinema, sports centre and a swimming pool, along with branches of Marks and Spencer and Waitrose. Lincoln's city centre is also within easy reach.

Newark Northgate station is on the East Coast line, with direct trains to London King’s Cross in around 70 minutes. The A1 is a five-minute drive away, providing access to both the north and the south of the country.

Council Tax Band: B