Mickling Barf, Hatcliffe, Lincolnshire

Set in the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB, this generous four-bedroom, Grade II-listed house is a fine example of mid-century architecture. It was designed by Rex and Jenifer Critchlow and unfolds across a lateral, free-flowing plan of 2,325 sq ft. Generous glazing invites in plenty of natural light and frames views out across six and a half acres of landscaped gardens, woods and paddocks. Grimsby and Louth are a 30-minute drive away, and the coast can be reached in around 20 minutes.

The Architect

The architect Rex Critchlow (1936-2010) worked briefly with Span's Eric Lyons before joining his father-in-law’s Lincolnshire practice, JF Pye. His portfolio of work was varied; in addition to designing one-off houses, Rex was an advocate of preserving historic buildings, including churches, across Lincolnshire.

Designed by and for the architect and his family, Mickling Barf was built concurrently with Turn End, Peter and Margaret Aldington's remarkable house; the architects became friends, watching, discussing and admiring each home's architectural progress.

The House

Embedded into an inviting green backdrop, this singular house makes a remarkable first impression. Its design nods to Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Houses, with their grid patterns, flat roofs, cantilevered overhangs and excellent manipulation of natural light.

The house has a Grade II listing on account of it being, as Historic England puts it, a "good example of a modern house built with a strong attention to detail and design focus [...] the use of simple materials such as timber and brick throughout is consitent and executed in a thoughtful way to bring character and contrast to the house".

The Tour

A leafy side garden separates the house from the road. The private front driveway provides parking for several cars, and there is a large double garage. Entrance is via an external covered porch leading into a lobby - a handy spot for coats and boots.

The complexity of the layout is juxtaposed with a well-curated palette of materials and colours, including softwood ceilings, painted brickwork, plywood doors, coarsely finished sterling board cupboard fronts and original Dennis Ruabon hexagonal terracotta floor tiles. Daylight bathes the interiors through large picture windows and sliding glazed screens, and long spine walls of white-painted brick provide an unobtrusive backdrop.

At the heart of the house is the primary living space, a warm and welcoming room replete with carefully retained original features. A hexagonal sunken seating area sits centrally, and an open fireplace with a teal chimney breast and bright copper canopy is a single brilliant colour note. The dining and kitchen spaces sit adjacent; a light-weave translucent curtain offers gentle separation from the adjacent circulation.

The kitchen and dining room are arranged in a predominantly open plan, with the original half-height breakfast bar separating the two. The kitchen has wonderfully preserved 1960s cabinetry of exposed and painted boards and shiny black Formica countertops, all carefully laid out to suit the needs of everyday life.

Full-height glazing spans the length of these sociable spaces, with sliding screens opening directly to external dining terraces.

Four distinctive bedrooms occupy the southerly end of the plan. Each has a good provision of storage built into the original mid-century joinery. The principal is particularly light, with a horizontal slot window that captures far-reaching views and a wall of glazing to a private pentagonal courtyard.

There are two family bathrooms. The larger has original Adamsez sanitaryware and an exquisite bespoke sunken bath, perfectly poised for views over the courtyard.

The second bathroom is a pre-fabricated GRP pod, mould-formed in two halves. The patent of this prototype design by Rex Critchlow was sold to Ideal Standard, and the design is similar to that developed by Charlotte Perriand: Les Arcs 1800 GRP inset pod.

A hexagonal extension with compelling far-reaching views over the garden was added in the 1980s. This large, open room is currently used as a second living room and, on occasion, for large gatherings. Its separate entrance and kitchen area could make for a private annexe, if required.

There is also a newly refurbished utility and boot room with direct access to the front driveway, along with a handy WC connected to the entrance lobby. The current owners also installed a new eco-electric heating system and an Aquafficient boiler.

Outdoor Space

Serene and leafy, the gardens stretch to around six and a half acres. There are several secluded pockets to sit and enjoy the views with a morning coffee, or dining terraces for long summer lunches.

Dense borders of perennial grasses lend texture and year-round visual interest. Walking paths wind through the grounds, passing orchards and snowdrop/daffodil dells. A recently relined pond is a haven for wildlife, while a greenhouse is likewise a retreat for the green-fingered.

Swathes of lawn lend themselves to games of football or tennis and lead to the wide tree-lined ride overlooking the paddock and meadows. A beech woodland sits to the north and bursts into colour in the autumn.

The current owners have established a successful wellness retreat within the grounds of the house, complete with a Guy Ritchie Cashmere Caveman Wild Kitchen, a shepherd's hut, a tipi tent, a Swedish bath, a sauna and a hot tub. These items are available for sale by separate negotiation; more information is available on request.

The Area

This rural home is perfectly positioned for hiking along the Viking Way or for pedalling along National Cycle Network route one. The area has abundant wildlife, and there are some excellent RSPB reserves: Tetney Marshes, Freiston Shore and Spurn Point.

Barnoldby le Beck is within walking distance: an excellent stop for a good pub lunch at The Ship Inn.

The town of Louth, 15 miles south-west, hosts a weekly market and is home to Hubbard Hills Park - a brilliant spot for picnics.

With its wide sandy beaches, the Lincolnshire coastline is within a 20-minute drive. Donna Nook is known for its seal sightings, while Cleethorpes is known for its traditional seaside feel. Grimsby docks are now well-stocked with local brands like Alfred Enderby Fishsmokers.

The area has top-performing schools. East Ravendale is a great local primary, and St Martin’s Prep in Grimsby won the Sunday Times' ‘Best Primary in the UK’ award in 2020. Caistor Grammar School and St Edwards, Louth, are excellent secondary options.

The cathedral city of Lincoln is about 30 miles away and has mainline rail connections to London King's Cross. Humberside Airport and Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster are both easily reached.

Council Tax Band: E