IT’S NOT OFTEN you come across such a large, spacious property in a relatively small Lincolnshire village, but that’s exactly what drew current owners Simon and Amanda Meade to their stunning Grade II listed home.

Dating back to the late 18th century, the property boasts perfect proportions, with high ceilings and lavish natural light, all of which are perfectly complemented by professional interior designer Amanda’s midas touch in home furnishing.

Sharing the space with their three children, Amanda’s mother, and a handful of horses — it’s safe to say that it’s a suitably
stylish family home.

“It’s got a really contemporary feel,” says former head of the Red Arrows, Simon. Thanks to modern data pipes and fashionable furnishings, the house is compatible with the 21st century, whilst retaining enough of its original features to stay true to its 18th century roots. “It really is the perfect combination.” he adds.

A sweeping gravelled drive, landscaped gardens, and commanding views of the open countryside all give voice to the grand Georgian charm of this property.

“The kitchen is the hub of the house,” Simon explains. “The vaulted ceiling spans reaches or 30 feet from the floor.”
This allows for an exceptional amount of light to flood into the room, creating a beautiful brightness.

The fitted Scottwood Kitchen also features a large central island with a Corian work surface, and extensive wall and base units. The four oven Aga is a hit with Amanda, who, according to her husband, is a ‘fabulous cook!’

In addition, the kitchen boasts a tiled surround, fitted fridge freezer, dishwasher, and Maytag electric hob.

An attractive archway joins the kitchen to the breakfast/morning room, where the family like to sit down and have meals together. Here, French doors open onto the terrace also add to the room’s outstanding lustre, whilst the pine fire surround adds character and warmth in winter.

The property’s sitting rooms however, are perhaps the greatest example of its gorgeous Georgian proportions.

“We had furniture built to suit the scale of the sitting rooms,” says Simon. “We were concerned that standard sofas might simply get lost in the space — we needed something custom-made which would match the proportions.”

Original marble fireplaces add to the property’s warmth during the colder months, whilst authentic shutters help to keep heat either in, or out, dependent upon the season. As with all listed buildings, the house is without the luxury of double-glazing, but the shutters serve as a similar form of insulation. The space traditionally used as a dining room has been converted by Simon and Amanda into a study.

Instead, the morning room, which currently has a large 12-seater table, is used for both formal and everyday dining. First and foremost, it’s practical; adjoining the kitchen, whilst also making the most of the beautiful Amtico flooring.

The bedrooms, of which there are nine, are all generous in size, and occupy the two top floors of the house. The master bedroom is en-suite, and in addition to the other bedrooms and two further bathrooms, the upper levels also host a seating area on the inner landing, and a playroom on the second floor.

The self-contained annexe had not been utilised until the family moved in four years ago; “We put in some stairs, a bedroom, and an open living area.” The cottage is currently occupied by Amanda’s mother, who says she feels an adequate sense of both independence from and integration with the family. The conversion was undertaken by Lincolnshire contractors, Willow Construction.

Despite this, the couple have had to do very little in the way of change; “Structurally the house was completely sound from day one.” says Simon. “Whilst we decorated and carpeted throughout, there wasn’t a great deal that needed doing.”

In spite of this, Amanda has used her artistic license to make subtle changes to fully utilise the property’s substantial space and light.

Outside meanwhile, the formal gardens extend to just over one and a half acres which really suits Amanda and her mother, both of whom are keen gardeners.

In addition, paddocks extending to almost seven acres span from the side of the house, where visitors can find the family’s horses and ponies.

“We have really enjoyed living in Beckingham, and our roots our firmly set in Lincolnshire,” says father of three, Simon.

“It’s rural, but accessible, and the local rail networks are fantastic. Lincolnshire is perfectly situated, and you are always made to feel that you’re a local, even if you’re not.”

“We’re extremely sad to leave, and this house will be a tough act to follow, but we’re glad to be staying in the area.”

The Old Rectory is on the market with Chesterton Humberts for £1.25m.