HOMES & INTERIORS A superb

Seeing the LightSeeing the Light

When Sarah and Alan Stenson first saw their late 18th century former rectory, When Sarah and Alan Stenson first saw their late 18th century former rectory, it was love at first sight. Upon employing lighter colours and clearing the it was love at first sight. Upon employing lighter colours and clearing the grounds, the property was truly able to appear in a whole new light... grounds, the property was truly able to appear in a whole new light...

THE DETAILS The Old Rectory at Saxby...

Location: Nine miles from Oakham, 19 miles to Stamford. Provenance: Georgian-era former rectory built in 1789 and standing in 1.4 acres. Rooms: Three receptions, arranged as living room, drawing room, and dining room. Study, entrance hall, Six bedrooms with one en suite.

Guide Price: £1,250,000.

Find Out More: James Sellicks Estate Agents, Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com. n 74 “IT’S A BIT LIKE AN EPISODE OF ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY,” says Sarah Stenson, recalling the moment that she and husband Alan first saw their late-18th century rectory in the village of Saxby. “We moved from Buckinghamshire and were looking for a house adventure. We knew that we were taking on quite a property, but viewing it for the first time, we could see the potential. I’ve a sort of sixth sense for walking into a property and seeing what would suit the architecture, the interiors and how to use the light.” Built in 1789 and carrying a Grade II listing, it’s easy to see why the couple fell head over heels with the property. There’s a distinctive look to The Old Rectory, and that’s because it replaced an older property on the site which is believed to have burned down. Its owner the Fourth Earl of Harborough commissioned architect George Richardson to create the new house, and instructed him to use domed brick ceilings and other architectural means to make it as fireproof as possible.

The property was originally designed in a ‘T’ shape with later additions in the 19th century, with a double-height entrance hall.

There are three south-facing reception rooms sitting to the front of the property, all with wonderful coved ceilings, timber flooring and feature fireplaces. The reception rooms on each end have large sash windows allowing the southern light to flood in whilst the drawing room in the middle has double doors opening onto the patio.

To the rear of the property are the kitchen and dining room, perfectly placed side by side creating a more open feel for entertaining. A spacious utility room and downstairs cloakroom sit just off the rear hall.

The first and second floor comprise six large double bedrooms and two bathrooms. The first floor has four bedrooms, three facing south, one facing north, all with beautiful timber flooring and original fireplaces. The master bedroom is complemented by an incredible ensuite comprising a free-standing bath, separate shower, double hand basins and high flush lavatory. To the second floor there are two generously sized double bedrooms with a large storage cupboard. The property is approached through electric gates up a sweeping gravel driveway with ample parking. The gardens for The Old Rectory surround it on all sides with a mixture of woodland areas, lawns and rose gardens. A patio stretching the width of the property, approximately seventy feet wide, sits off the front of the property facing directly south, creating a wonderfully private and sunny space to enjoy and take in the beautiful surroundings. >>

>> To the east of the house and formal gardens there is a paddock extending to 1.4 acres. The grounds have been lovingly restored by Sarah and Alan, who reckon they’ve planted no fewer than 150 David Austen roses, with a second flush ensuring a spectacular display right up until October. The couple are especially pleased with the way their work in the garden has opened up the potential for more natural light. “The grounds were definitely asserting themselves, with lots of dense, self-seeding saplings and shrubs. Whilst this gave the house a lovely hidden-away setting, you couldn’t see the fields beyond the curtilage, so by opening up the grounds we were able to take advantage of the perfect north/east, south/west orientation of the house, and really enjoy the morning sunrises.” “We’ve restored windows, ensured the roof is in sound condition and replaced the wiring and plumbing, so essentially all of the nasty jobs that can crop up in an older property have been taken care of.” “Our daughter and son are in Manchester and Bristol respectively, so leaving the house is really just a geographical necessity. Otherwise we love the place. We’re really pleased with the decisions we’ve made and with the property’s look, its feel and its character.” n

n Main Street, Teigh

OIEO: £1,100,000

Beautifully refurbished and tastefully extended stone property with open plan kitchen/diner and sitting room, as well as four good-sized bedrooms and three bathrooms. Garden room studio plus workshop and 1.9 acres total grounds.

www.murrayestateagents.co.uk

n The Old Post Office, Exton

OIEO: £1,000,000

A former Post Office Situated in the conservation village of Exton, with open plan kitchen diner and family room, as well as double-reception room and snug, and four bedrooms with three bathrooms. Rear garden with raised patio.

www.fineandcountry.com

n St. Peters Street, Stamford

Guide Price: £2,050,000

A unique, Grade II listed, five bedroom family home brimming with original features and renovated to the highest quality, enjoying a south facing tiered terrace garden and private parking.

Interior Design Service

We offer a seamless interior design service with an extensive range of sampling to choose from, to suit your individual taste and budget. Whatever your needs, from decorating to flooring, to curtain-and blind-making (and fitting) and re-upholstery or new furniture, we can help make your home the best it can be for you.

Call in for a chat and take a break at the Hayloft where we serve excellent coffee, delicious cakes, savoury light lunches and a pre-bookable Afternoon Tea. We look forward to welcoming you. Open Monday – Saturday, 9.00 am – 4.30 pm

Photo courtesy of Colefax and Fowler

The Hayloft Terrace

The Stables, Copthill Farm, Uffington, Stamford PE9 4TD Call 01780 757946

info@huntersinteriors.co.uk www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk

Zoffany Launches

COTSWOLDS MANOR

Extravagant, playful and eclectic... this month we’re previewing a brand new collection from Zoffany. Named Cotswolds Manor, they’ll bring a sense of opulence and bold designs right into your sitting room...

To make the best of these fabrics, seek out one of the county’s leading interior design specialists to create bespoke soft furnishings and decoration for your interiors...

Top: French Marble velvet fabric in Serpentine (blue) and Malachite (green), £169/m, also seen in Empire Grey/White £109/m. Above/Right: Verdue wallpaper in Indigo colourway, £151/roll. Cushions in French Marble. Right: Storks & Thrushes fabric in Tuscan Pink/Cobalt £149/m, wallpaper £199/roll, green wallpaper foreground Marsden's Palm Damask £109/roll, shown here in Pale Poisen and Blue Stone.

Wallcoverings Chintz Lustre in Quartz Grey £189/roll; Grand Paisley in silver £579/three metre panel. Fabrics Avalonis in black gold £129/m.

Stamford & Rutland Interiors: Broughtons: Leicester, 0116 2341888,www.broughtons.com. Delcor Interiors: Stamford, 01780 762579, www.delcor.co.uk. Elizabeth Stanhope Interiors: Oakham, 01572 722345, www.elizabethstanhope.co.uk. H-Works: 01780 754605, www.hworksdesign.co.uk. Hunters of Stamford: 01780 757946, www.huntersinteriorsofstamford.co.uk. Sarah Harding Interiors: Uppingham, 01572 823389, sarahhardinginteriors.co.uk.

Quality Kitchens in Stamford CRAFTED BY QKS

In the same way that the kitchen is the heart of the home, QKS is the heart of Stamford, a family firm that has been providing locals with their dream kitchen for the past 40 years...

Words: Lauren Singer. Images: Sara Brandwood-Harris.

Nestled in the centre of Stamford, Kate and Richard are sat in the heart of their home: a combined living and kitchen area boasting a beautiful soft contrast of baby pink walls, indigo painted shaker cabinetry and Banaba white quartz surfaces. When Kate visited Andrew at QKS of Stamford, she was looking for a space which would facilitate her love of baking, cooking from scratch and entertaining friends and family, ensuring her ‘snug’ could be incorporated into the kitchen area and natural light dispersed throughout. After understanding Kate and Richard’s lifestyle and space, QKS set to work identifying key aspects which would maximise the room and tailor the kitchen to their needs.

Think large seamless worktops for preparing homemade dishes and an integrated seating area to entertain guests. Supported by Andrew’s 31 years of experience in kitchen design, Kate and Richard were guided through final interiors, layout and finishing touches. Complete management of the project and a friendly and professional installation team delivered their dream kitchen.

The space features carefully chosen Sheraton Sterling shaker cabinets topped with white quartz worktops and light porcelain tiles underfoot, designed to bounce light around the room. A Quooker boiling water tap and graphite Neff appliances were fitted, including those with slide and hide oven doors, to facilitate Kate’s culinary endeavours. A devoted preparation and cooking station was designed within the lustrous quartz island. The bronze finish sink is located adjacent to a large induction hob for easy cleaning, preparation and cooking. A discreet extractor fan was incorporated into the ceiling, allowing natural light to float around the room whilst Kate and Richard entertain guests at their breakfast bar. And the end result for Kate and Richard? All aspects of the space carefully designed around their needs and lifestyle, the kitchen becoming the centre of their home. >>

“With more choice than ever, clever technology and infinite design possibilities available, there’s never been a stronger reason to be guided by a company that has 40-years experience producing quality kitchens. We project manage your job and coordinate the fitting, electrical, plumbing and decoration of your room for real peace of mind...”

Malcolm Brandwood, QKS Kitchens, Stamford

A GREAT WAY to modernise a period property, this is a contemporary take on the classic shaker-style kitchen but more streamlined and with a narrower frame. Its contemporary style is underwritten by the blush colourway, one of 22 colours you can use as a solo shade or combine with an accent colour.

Right: Signature Painted kitchen from Sheraton’s 2022 range available at QKS.

TWO TONE...

LEFT/ABOVE: A cheerful look for a country kitchen taking advantage of lots of natural light, Caledonia’s in-frame kitchen is shown here in two-tone Cloudy Dawn and Summer Sky, with a solid timber insert on the island. Plenty of storage, and nice wide pan drawers for convenience.

BELOW: You can never have too much storage in a kitchen, and a larder unit like this from Caledonia is ideal for organising spices, sauces and baking ingredients. There’s space for appliances like mixers, too.

UPDATING AN OLDER PROPERTY...

BELOW: QKS presents Deveron, a handleless design shown here painted in Caithness Slate colourway. An older property with a narrow Georgian kitchen is typical in Stamford, and this example’s tall larder cupboard maximises storage without sacrificing a large Aga-style range. The island’s rough-sawn pillars and the handleless design with copper inserts really update a classic property.

Find Out More: QKS of Stamford is committed to complete delivery of personalised kitchens designed to suit your needs, lifestyle and space. For enquiries, guidance and consultation, call or visit the firm’s large 25 room setting showroom in Stamford for discussion with its designers. For recent projects, inspiration and testimonials, please visit www.qksstamford.co.uk.

Quality Kitchens in Stamford...

OUTSTANDING KITCHENS, WITH QKS’S OUTSTANDING SERVICE, FOR OVER FOUR DECADES

QKS of Stamford has been providing quality kitchens to the local area for over 40 years, boasting a trusted, friendly and professional service from consultation through to completion. Encompassing contemporary, traditional and handmade styles, QKS can offer complete solutions including design, supply, project management and installation of quality kitchens.

In addition to Sheraton and Chippendale ranges, QKS are introducing a new hand built and painted kitchen range, Caledonia Kitchens, in a comprehensive range of colours and finishes. Alternatively, the firm can colour match your cabinets to your favourite Farrow & Ball or Little Greene shades for a truly personalised kitchen.

The new summer 2022 additions of Miele and De Dietrich to QKS adds to an already extensive list of kitchen appliance brands.

Luxurious yet reliable appliances such as ovens, warming drawers & coffee machines – to name a few – can be readily incorporated into your space with reliable and fast supply chains.

Family run company, De Dietrich, combines centuries of technological know-how with French culinary expertise to produce appliances which guarantee sophistication and excellence.

Miele have been crafting appliances to new levels of performance and cutting edge innovation since 1899. Pioneering Miele appliances are designed to stand the test of time, having undergone significant endurance testing to simulate over 20 years of use and winning several Best Buy Awards. Addition of Miele appliances to the showroom is currently underway, whilst De Dietrich ovens are on display. n