Cross House, Bratoft, Lincolnshire

This atmospheric red-brick Victorian house lies just outside the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape, a short distance from a stretch of coast known for its varied wildlife. Grounds of around three acres surround the home, divided between gardens, a productive orchard and a paddock, along with a summerhouse and a garage. Inside is a set of characterful, cosy spaces, along with three peaceful bedrooms.



Setting the Scene



Set in a restorative rural location, Cross House sits within a rolling pastoral landscape. Historic architecture dots the surrounding area, with the National Trust’s Gunby Estate, an early 18th-century house with expansive gardens, a short drive north. A moated site close to Cross House has been designated a scheduled monument, where remnants of medieval pottery were discovered in the mid 20th century.



History is upheld at Cross House, named for the remarkable stone crucifixion scene attached to its frontage, and the twin crosses atop its exaggerated doorcase. Views from inside extend across farmland towards the Gunby Estate, which borders the home’s gardens.



The Grand Tour



Situated in a secluded position, the house sits within its private grounds, which are studded with mature, leafy trees. A driveway sweeps up to the house and garage, offering ample parking.



Built in red brick, the house is a picture of symmetry, with charming eight-over-eight sash windows. What was once the front door has now been replaced with a striking stained-glass window; entry is now from the side, via a smart porch or boot room that adjoins a shower room.



The ground floor is arranged as a series of interconnected living spaces. The kitchen, a bright and functional room with built-in appliances, opens to a breakfast room, where a Rayburn stove sits within a former fireplace, a wonderful configuration for cooking weekend breakfasts.



A door here opens to the sitting room, an ambient, well-proportioned space with glazed French doors leading to the adjoining dining room. With windows on three sides, light flows throughout, creating a versatile and bright arrangement of rooms. Running parallel to the dining room is a charming conservatory, an ideal perch for enjoying the garden year-round.



Stairs ascend to the first floor, where there are three delightful bedrooms, all with pretty pastel decorative schemes. The principal bedroom has lovely mint-green walls and a handy cupboard. The second bedroom also has fitted storage, set behind sky-blue painted double doors. A well-lit bathroom completes this floor.



The Great Outdoors



Naturalistic grounds embrace Cross House, with plenty of space for hosting, playing and picnicking. Mature trees cast pockets of shade; beneath an age-old twisted eucalyptus is a peaceful seating area. On one side of the garden is an orchard planted with trees, with a generous paddock on another.



Outbuildings include a winsome summerhouse, an enchanting spot in need of some attention. There is also a garage, with space for one car.



Out and About



The area is delightfully unspoiled, offering an immersive connection with nature. Located just south of the National Landscape and close to a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve, it is a haven for wildlife, especially wildfowl.



Occasional porpoises or dolphins can be spotted close to shore, while in winter, thousands of grey seals gather on the nearby beach at Donna Nook to give birth to their pups. The area lies along a migratory route and is alive with oystercatchers, sanderlings, shore larks and fieldfares.



The house sits along a stretch of the England Coast Path, a 16-mile route from Mablethorpe to Skegness, near the hamlet of Anderby Creek, which has a well-loved shop and beach café serving breakfasts and lunches. The Kitchen and Bar at Popa’s offers an extensive menu and is a popular evening spot for a drink.



A 22-minute drive away, the purpose-built North Sea Observatory is an excellent piece of contemporary architecture. It houses exhibitions on the area’s natural history and includes an art space, as well as a café, The Seascape, known for its coffee and supper clubs.



The countryside extends inland towards Lincoln and the market towns of Horncastle and Alford. Lincoln, about an hour’s drive away, has all the amenities of a thriving university city and features a striking Gothic cathedral, a library designed by Christopher Wren, and the only Roman archway still in use today.



Skegness is a short drive away and has a range of amenities, including a railway station with trains to Nottingham. Nearby road connections include the A52, A158 and A16.



Council Tax Band: C