LINCOLNSHIRE PROPERTY FOR SALE — HISTORY HAS A TRICKSY habit of repeating itself and has done so rather attractively in the case of a 19th century stonemason's properly being restored over 120 years later by a latter-day stonemason.

Richard Allen moved to the area as a child and was looking for a property with partner Sam when the couple stumbled across Hibbins House in the village of Ketton, just three miles away from Stamford. Self-employed as a supplier of granite and marble for use in the county's high end kitchens, Richard also has an interest in stone, and that's perhaps why he appreciates the style of beauty of his country cottage.

George Hibbins created the house that now bears his name to showcase his talent. Its entrance, like the rest of the property, is crafted in Ketton stone. It features a porticoed entranceway with 19th century detailing, and rich architecture inspired by the gothic revivalist movement that had been so prevalent in Pugin's work nearly 20 years before Hibbins's work.

Astonished by the affordability of the property, Richard and Sam were desperate to find out more, but soon found out the reason for the property's competitive pricing; it required a full and complete restoration inside.

"It had been modernised, but so unsympathetically." explains Richard. "I project managed the work myself but used local tradespeople throughout.

Even so, it was hard work. It needed a new kitchen, new roof, new plumbing and wiring in parts, and cosmetically there was a lot of work to do."

The couple moved in during October of 2009, and have since created a stylish, contemporary and modern property whilst working with the beautiful architecture and retaining the property's character.

The traditional and modern elements of the house play nicely together; the kitchen, for instance is fiercely modern but the bathrooms, created with the property's reclaimed suites, are more traditional.

Open fireplaces feature in upstairs bedrooms and downstairs reception rooms, whilst the master bedroom is darkly sophisticated with black decor and mirrored furnishings and a black marble fireplace.

Whilst the majority of their work was cosmetics or was concerned with 'making good' utilities and the roof, Richard's one structural concession involved knocking the kitchen diner into one room. This brought an element of modern living into the house and created an open-plan island kitchen.

It features devastatingly stylish high-gloss island units crowned in beige starlight quartz and bejewelled with appliances by Gorenje; a built in dishwasher, microwave and ceramic hob, along with a recessed double sink and German designer Hansgrohe taps.

Ideal for entertaining, the kitchen also opens out onto the breakfast terrace with original flagstones, barbecue decking and a raised seating area.

Maintaining the kitchen's clean, sleek lines is a lack of conspicuous white goods courtesy of a separate utility room with convenient cloakroom and for the storage of wine, a small cellar.

The property's reception rooms feature original fireplaces and stone mullion bay windows with elaborate craving.

Period details such as deep skirtings and ceiling roses are complemented by well-considered furnishings sourced from, among others vendors, Laura Ashley, with bespoke window dressings, soft furnishings by Ray & Paul Interiors of Peterborough and carpets by Stamford's Colourbank.

There are, in total, four bedrooms with one en-suite and a further Jack & Jill bathroom and built-in storage in three bedrooms, so often lacking in newer properties.

Outside, the property's rich architecture and elaborate carvings sit neatly next to a gravelled front terrace flanked by flagstone paths.

"Approaching the house is still an absolute joy." says Richard. "It's a beautiful house, grand in architecture and design. We still stand back from it, look at the frontage of the house and just appreciate the fact that it was not just a family home, but testament to Mr Hibbins's incredible work."

Having worked tirelessly to restore the property, both Richard and Samantha's increasing interest in horses has compelled the couple to put the property on the market.

The couple is seeking new custodians for Hibbins House and at the same time, a property with an acre or so of land. They say, however, they'll miss the house and its village location enormously.

"There's a great sense of warmth in the Ketton." says Richard. "It has been wonderful immersing ourselves in village life and the location is ideal; Stamford is just a couple of minutes away, Peterborough only a little further, yet we live in a small village with a real sense of community... it's a terrific compromise, and the property will prove a superb modern home for its next owners."

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