Willowcroft Christchurch | Cambridgeshire
WILLOWCROFT Barnology This substantial two hundred year old threshing barn, now converted to a home exuding character and charm, has materials re-used or cleverly reclaimed - the source of each remembered and named. Chunky oak beams and timber framed doors compliment the wood and natural stone floors. In a tranquil setting, and with extensive land, this ‘modern rustic’ building, that’s really quite grand, is a home full of light, style and space, an exemplary barn that’s one heavenly place.
Barnology • A Gorgeous Well-Appointed & Proportioned Barn Conversion • Edge of Village Location, Surrounded by a Patchwork of Verdant Farmland • Circa 3 Acres (stms) of Gardens & Grass Paddocks, Shared Manege Area • Nestled Neatly within a Small Complex of Exclusive Conversions • Reception Room, Dining Room, Study. Kitchen / Diner, Utility & WC • Five Double Bedrooms, Three En-suite Shower Rooms & Family Bathroom • Exposed Beams & Posts, Inglenook, Wood Burner & Timber Floorboards • Good Size Timber Framed and Panelled Tractor and Log Store • Planning Permission for Attached Linked Double Garage to Enclosed Rear Garden • Accommodation extends to 3,076 sq. ft.
The current owners of Willowcroft toiled long and hard to convert this two hundred year old threshing barn into the most magnificent home. “It was a real labour of love,” says the owner. “We bought the barn seven years ago in a state of dereliction, after being used for storage for the past fifty years, and it’s taken three years to make it habitable.” It was certainly worth the effort, for this wonderful building is not only a fantastic home full of light and space but screams quality wherever you turn. The attention to detail and the calibre of the fixtures and fittings is exceptional. “All the window and door frames are handmade solid oak. We used a reclamation man for other materials who knew exactly where everything had been sourced, such as the timber mantelpiece in the dining room came from Southend Pier! So close to his heart was the project, that my husband is happy to tell anyone the exact derivation of all the materials and features!” The couple bought the derelict barn just as they discovered she was pregnant, but there was no going back on the deal so they stormed ahead with gusto! The owner laughs, “I would also like to mention that, whilst pregnant, I cleaned all the pantiles for one section of the roof by hand, helped by my parents!”
Reclaimed in Style The very handsome building is made up of three sections with the middle part being the original Georgian barn, and thankfully it is not listed. The two end sections were added in the 50s and the 70s, and in fact the current owners completely rebuilt these so it is, in effect, like a new build but using old and reclaimed materials. Inside, the walls of some rooms are partially plastered leaving areas of the brickwork exposed which has been executed in a very pleasing way. Added to the presence of structural beams and timbers and the creation of interesting features such as the modern but rustic staircase, the building has been converted with impeccable style and taste. The stairs were formed from reclaimed timber beams, and are cleverly supported by almost unnoticeable metalwork giving the appearance of a solid but almost floating staircase defying the laws of gravity!
A Nod to its Heritage Much of the downstairs is natural stone underfoot, but
with timber floors in the living and dining room. “The timber floorboards in the living room were actually the rafters in the original roof which my husband sanded down, waxed and laid,” states the owner. “All the floors upstairs are out of reclaimed timber as well. And we saved a rod and wheel from the threshing mechanism which we have fitted as a decorative feature in the living room – it makes a brilliant place for hanging Christmas decorations!” Another original wheel is fitted on the wall in one of the bedrooms, all giving a nod to the building’s heritage.
Incredibly Warm Inside The property is heated by air source heat pump with underfloor heating throughout. “We have log-burners in the living room and the dining room but we hardly ever put them on as the heating is so effective and the place so warm with an extraordinary amount of insulation embedded in the walls. Everyone comments on how cosy it is when they walk in,” she enthuses. The kitchen is also warmed by a reconditioned 1950s cream coloured Aga which suits the property perfectly sitting, as it does, within a chimney breast with hefty reclaimed timber beam overhead. A single fan oven and a ceramic hob on the island have been installed for use in the summertime if wished. The large kitchen/breakfast room is a fabulous space with a solid oak bespoke kitchen from Handmade Oak Kitchens featuring glazed wall units over solid baselevel ones, and tall fitted cupboards. Worktops are in solid oak and the central island has a grey granite worktop, incorporating a breakfast bar at one end. A dishwasher is integrated within the units, there is space for a freestanding American-style fridge freezer, and there is a chunky butcher’s block. A butler’s sink has a copper mixer tap and a timber plate rack hangs on the wall above. Two windows overlook the front of the property, and bifold doors open onto the garden and terrace at the rear, beyond a spacious area for a big table and several chairs. The huge utility is located at the far end of the property and has space for another fridge/freezer, and for a washing machine and dryer behind cupboard doors. Also in here is the boiler which is housed in a cupboard next to a cloacks cupboard. A tall glazed door flanked by fixed panes opens onto a paved area outside at the back.
Spacious Reception Rooms The living room, like the kitchen, spans the barn from front to back with two pairs of windows overlooking both aspects. It is a spacious room nearly twenty-three feet long and over twenty feet wide. Original timber structural uprights on brick plinths stand almost centrally and the wheel mechanism of the threshing barn is a feature spanning the width of the room, along with a quirky ceiling light made from an old agricultural sieve. In the corner a modern log-burner sits on a raised hearth, and the mix of exposed brick and plaster on the walls creates an interesting rustic effect. A touch of modernity is the television screen suspended on a mount from the ceiling. Other rooms downstairs comprise a dining room with a log-burner in a wide, raised, rustic fireplace and several tall adjoining floor-to-ceiling fixed glazed panels, overlooking the garden and terrace, allow light to flood in. At the front of the property a sizeable study has a window overlooking the front. The stunning entrance hall is approached through large glazed doors flanked by glazed panels which fit the opening for the original barn doors. They open into a wonderful spacious full-height hallway reaching up to the vaulted ceiling interspersed with old timbers, a galleried landing accessed by the bespoke feature staircase, as mentioned before. To the right is a big walk-in cupboard for boots and coats?, and beyond is a downstairs lavatory with wash basin.
Well Appointed Bedrooms The five bedrooms all occupy the first floor, all into the eaves of the roof with criss-crossing beams and roof timbers lending character, all with rooflights flooding the rooms with natural light. The timber floors and chunky oak doors add to the rustic nature of the building at the same time as giving a sense of quality and craftsmanship. As well as an airing cupboard on the landing, all the bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, the large master which stretches the depth of the property has its own walk-in wardrobe opposite the en suite which has a fitted
bath, a pedestal wash basin, and a separate rainfall shower. The two bedrooms at the far end of the barn also have their own en suites, both with showers, lavatories and wash basins. The unusual family bathroom with its low but wide windows at floor level overlooking the back of the property, and sloping ceiling, boasts a brand new roll-top bath with a reclaimed oldfashioned pump as a tap (no pumping required!). The room also houses a quadrant shower, a pedestal wash basin and a lavatory. Outside, the garden is simply set out with a terrace along
the rear of the barn enclosed by a reclaimed dwarf brick wall that makes a perfect spot for al fresco dining. Beyond that is a lawn which extends down to a small attractive lake. To the sides are two paddocks within post and rail fencing, and near to the barn a play area which currently has a timber swing and a trampoline. The plot is just under three acres and includes an all-weather manege as well as the two paddocks. There is an outbuilding that so far has only been used for storage but would make a good garage.
All the window and door frames are handmade solid oak. We used a reclamation man for other materials who knew exactly where everything had been sourced, such as the timber mantelpiece in the dining room came from Southend Pier!�
It’s a wonderful spot here, it’s private but not isolated. The other renovated old properties close by give you a sense of security, but it is very peaceful and lovely to sit on the patio in the summer”
Peaceful Location “It’s a wonderful spot here, it’s private but not isolated. The other renovated old properties close by give you a sense of security, but it is very peaceful and lovely to sit on the patio in the summer. We’ve had friends staying most weekends as there’s so much room for people to stay,
and lots of family get-togethers for major birthdays. We’ve had great Christmases too with an enormous real tree in the hallway, and another in the lounge. And although Christchurch is a small village we do have our own infant and primary school with a ‘Good’ Ofsted report which is a big bonus. We will miss the place and it will be very sad to leave,” says the owner.
Energy Graph
Additional Information LOCAL AUTHORITY Fenland District Council AGENTS NOTES: Mains Electricity is 3 Phase in house and sheds. Mains Water. Air Source Heating. Sewage Treatment Plant Please note: Currently the manege is shared with a neighbour, all restricted covenants are available upon request at the selling agents’ office. These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set out as a general outline only for guidance and do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. Intending purchasers should not rely on them as statements of representation of fact, but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy. No person in the employment of Fine & Country or Norfolk Country Properties has the authority to make or give any representation or warranty in respect of the property. We would also point out that we have not tested any of the appliances and purchasers should make their own enquiries to the relevant authorities regarding the connection of any services.
Norfolk Country Properties. Registered in England and Wales No. 06777456. Registered Office - 17 Neptune Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1QJ copyright Š 2017 Fine & Country Ltd.
Agents notes: The floor plans are for illustration purposes only. All measurements: walls, doors, window fittings and appliances and their sizes and locations are shown conventionally and are approximate only and cannot be regarded as being a representation either by the seller or his agent. Š Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
Location
Postcode for satellite navigation : PE14 9LJ
How Far Is It To... Christchurch has a shop, post office, church, primary school and pub. This rural village is located centrally between the Fenland market towns of March (7 miles), Downham Market (10 miles) and Wisbech (11 miles). The Georgian market town of Wisbech, offers a wide range of amenities and leisure activities. These include primary and secondary schools such as Peckover Primary School and the sought-after Wisbech Grammar School, supermarkets, restaurants, shops, museums and a theatre. Downham Market also offers a wide range of facilities along with a direct rail link to London’s King’s Cross with a journey time of 1 hour and a half. Ely, with its impressive
Directions cathedral, shops and market, is 14 miles away. Trains from Ely serve London, Norwich, Cambridge and Peterborough. The picturesque North Norfolk coast is only 36 miles to the north whilst the Famous university city of Cambridge is only 45 minutes drive away. Stansted Airport can be found an hour and 15 minutes drive to the south where you have connections to all major European destinations.
To arrange a viewing of this property please contact North & West Norfolk King’s Lynn Innovation Centre, Innovation Drive, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 5BY Tel: 01553 769 100 www.fineandcountry.com If you have been thinking of selling and getting nowhere fast then the first move you should make is to contact an agent who can deliver outstanding results. Here at Fine & Country we know that our unique approach to selling houses works. For more information on any of the services Fine & Country can offer, please call 01553 769 100 and speak to Jan von Draczek at our North & West Norfolk office. © All rights reserved by Norfolk Country Properties Ltd for the World outside the UK. Any unauthorised copying or publishing of either the words or photographs contained in this brochure will constitute an infringement of the copyright.
From King’s Lynn, take the A47 towards Peterborough and Wisbech. After approx. 12.5 miles take the first exit onto the A1101 signposted Downham Market and Ely. Continue on this road and after passing Upwell turn right onto Croft Road (B1098). Then take the first left onto Sixteen Foot Bank, staying on the B1098. Stay on this road for another 1.7 miles and then turn left onto Upwell Road (B1094). In half a mile trun left and then right. Willowcroft will be found on the right.
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Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0) 1553 769 100 kingslynn@fineandcountry.com King’s Lynn Innovation Centre, Innovation Drive, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5BY