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THE LONG & SHORT OF IT

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to execute the perfect barn conversion, or you’re seeking the perfect family home ready to move into, this Whitwell property, The Long Barn, is ideal and for Mark Underwood & Family, that’s the long and short of it...

THE LONG BARN AT WHITWELL is pretty much the most perfect execution of a barn conversion. It’s Grade II listed with lots of character and period features, but also lots of practical features and a well-thought out layout. “My wife and I happened upon the property quite by chance just a few years ago and at that time it consisted of five Grade II listed period barns that had fallen into a very bad state of disrepair,” says Mark Underwood. “However, we could see that they had the potential to be transformed into a really fabulous home and that, combined with this amazing location, made it an opportunity too good to pass up. The development of the buildings was a mammoth task but we’re absolutely thrilled with the results.”

“We’ve owned barn conversions before and what I really love is that they are all so unique. Here we wanted to create a very modern home within this gorgeous period shell, so the accommodation is centred around one huge open-plan kitchen, dining and family room.”

The property is arranged over two floors. On the ground floor, as well as that 66ft living area, there’s a games room or snug, and a formal sitting room. Also on the ground floor is a practical study, ideal for those working from home, and a bedroom with its own en suite.

On the north east elevation of the house is a boot room and utility for family clutter, and a garden room with bifold doors as well as an additional space for office use or for storage.

“We’ve owned barn conversions before and what I really love is that they are all unique....”

Beyond that there’s also a self-contained annex for multi-generational living with a living kitchen, two bedrooms, shower room and utility. “Our eldest daughter has been living in it, but it could be ideal for an elderly relative,” says Mark. With modern bespoke cabinetry, white engineered stone surfaces and a suite of high end appliances, the kitchen has two fridge/freezers, induction hob, three Siemens ovens including a steam oven and microwave as well as a boiling water tap. Energy saving features throughout the house include LED lighting, underfloor heating, and electrically operated Velux windows with rain sensors.

Meanwhile, there are en suite bathrooms to the property’s downstairs bedroom, master suite and its second bedroom upstairs, as well as a bathroom serving bedrooms four and five. The master suite also has a walk-in dressing room and Juliet balcony.

“We’ve gone for sleek units in the kitchen, the bathroom in the master suite looks like something out of a swanky hotel and in terms of the décor we’ve used a pale, neutral palette throughout,” says Mark.

“We tend to spend most of our time in the huge open-plan space, mainly because we can all be together, perhaps doing different

things, and you never get the feeling of being on top of one another,” says Mark. “It’s without doubt the real heart of the home, and it’s one of our favourite features of it, but the best thing about the house, undoubtedly is that it’s right in the heart of Rutland.” “The property is literally planted by the side of the water, and in actual fact we have private access to the reservoir, so from a lifestyle perspective it simply couldn’t be better. People travel from far and wide to go sailing, cycling or just walk the shore, and we have it all practically on the doorstep.” “The garden is another really lovely feature of the property and we have five sets of bi-folding doors in total, so there’s a fabulous

Above: Between the main house and the annex is a superb garden room. The gardens, meanwhile are beautifully maintained with lots of hard landscaping.

connection between the inside and outdoor area,” continues Mark.

“The garden incorporates terraces, a courtyard area that has a bit of a Mediterranean feel, a big lawn and a very pretty wooded area. It’s a great space for relaxing and entertaining and there’s more than enough room for children to have a good run around, and best of all it’s peaceful, private and the views are something else.” “If it wasn’t for the fact that we’ve decided to move overseas, we wouldn’t even consider moving from this house,” says Mark. “It’s everything we dreamed it would be and the location simply couldn’t be more idyllic. It’s safe to say we’ll all be very sad to leave!” n

THE LONG BARN, WHITWELL

Location: Whitwell; Oakham 4.3 miles, Stamford 7.4 miles. Style: 6,500sq ft barn conversion with five bedrooms including three en suites, plus four reception rooms and 66ft living/dining kitchen.

Guide Price: £2,500,000

Find Out More: Fine & Country, Seaton Grange Barn Offices, Uppingham, LE15 9HT. Call 01780 750 200, www.fineandcountry.com. n

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