THERE ARE FEW Grade II* listed properties in Lincolnshire.  Just 5% of Grade II listed buildings across the UK are starred, denoting special interior features or those of special interest - Ayscoughfee Hall being one example.

Given this fact, when a starred property comes onto the market, it's of particular interest to those with a passion for local history or architecture. Wykeham House is one such property, on the market now for £865,000 and arranged over three floors.

Owners Paul and Nicola have lived in the house for over a decade. Their home is actually the central wing of Wykeham House, which was converted into three private dwellings in 2000 by a local developer.

Originally, the five acres or so of parkland were intended to accommodate new-builds too. Planning permission was unobtainable, so the grounds surrounding the property were left untouched and consequently Wykeham stands alone with open views over Stamford, set in mature grounds.

The house was built in 1850 and has an intriguing history, built by local architect Edward Browning.

Browning was a renowned architect in the mid-1800s and built Wykeham House - formerly known as The Elms - as a culmination of his prowess. Browning created many of Stamford's finest stone buildings, and structures like the Welland Road bridge in the town centre.

Edward was a real eccentric. The architect completed a lot of work on Stamford's churches creating, for instance, the box pews and vestry in All Saint's Church.

"We're really not sure," says Paul, "But we think he may have filched some architectural detailing from his commissions during the course of his work."

Indeed, with a Norman stone on the property's front façade, and Norman woodwork used in the house too, it's possible that some of the architectural details are 'borrowed' from Stamford's most renowned buildings.

Inside the property, two details that really stand out are the Jacobean dog-leg staircase, and the encaustic terracotta flooring, and unusually colourful floor with pigments baked into the clay itself.

On the first floor is a three-panelled frieze window, featuring on its left panel a depiction of Browning himself!

However, it's the property's drawing room which attracts the most interest. The stencilled wallcovering was completed by Edward and wife Leticia at the time of the property's construction, and bears their initials.

The walls feature motifs of foxes and owls, along with an original black marble fireplace and a wooden built-in dresser flanked by pieces of Norman wood adjacent to where a dumb waiter was originally installed.

The floor uses sycamore and elm to create a two-tone herringbone effect, and the huge stone mullioned windows feature coloured glazing with the same original stencil work above them.

The 'green drawing room' is the reason for the property's special listing, and the property is practically unmolested by modern conveniences on the ground and upper floors.

However, the lower ground floor comprises the family's dining kitchen, laundry room, dining room, study and TV room, which make essential concessions to modern family living.

Despite its modern units, built in appliances and open-plan layout, the kitchen does harbour a few period touches, like the double vaulted ceilings, restored and opened up at the time of conversion, and the recesses for the family's Raeburn cooker.

"We wanted a modern kitchen that for the family is the heart of the house and is surrounded by generous open plan living space." says Paul. "But the house is really adaptable - we've had formal cocktail parties and business meetings here, and our daughter's wedding - we entertained 70 people with ease!"

Upstairs, the house features a large master suite with en-suite and walk-in bay window, plus a second ensuite bedroom and bathroom, a further bedroom and a ground floor bedroom, as well as a hobby room for sewing or storage and a further family shower room.

Outside, the house has its own mature garden with breathtaking views over Stamford, and beautiful views of Wothorpe Park to the front.

"The joy of the house is that it's totally private." says Nicola. "We're surrounded by sheep-dotted fields and views of church spires. We can stroll across the rear fields to Stamford, the station and The George."

"We'll miss the house." says Paul. "We adore watching the magnificent sunsets over Stamford and the sun shining into our bedroom window in the morning. It's been a wonderful home and is much loved by the whole family."

Wykeham House is currently on the market with Fine & Country for £865,000. For more information call 01780 750200.