The favourite architectural style of Horsington residents Andrew and Diane Hampson is clearly Victorian. The couple say they love its simplicity, scale and practicality next to the decidedly fancier stylings of the Georgian era, and their recently renovated country home in the village is perfect homage to the stately, dignified style of the era.

"We saw the property in the estate agent's window and loved its shape, its position, its scale - it really was ideal." says Andrew.

The property is situated in Horsington, around four miles from Woodhall Spa, which the couple knew very well. Approached by large gates and a sweeping gravel driveway, it's a grand property with two upper floors, situated centrally in a nine acre plot.

Originally constructed in 1850, the house served as a rectory until the late 1960s, when it was sold by the Church of England and converted into flats. New owners in the 1980s refurbished the property before Andrew and Diane brought the property in 2000 and carried out their own programme of modernisation, bringing the property up to date and refurbishing some of the forgotten Victorian features.

The couple is originally from the North West of England and were working in London when they decided a move to Lincolnshire would afford them a larger property and a better quality of life.

Andrew and Diane run their own business, reviving flagging fashion brands and finding new markets for other successful brands - Andrew, for instance, assisted in the creation of Marks & Spencer's Autograph range 16 years ago.

"The property is in a great location but it's also really convenienent for both London, and for international travel to places like Amsterdam, given its proximity to Humberside airport." he says.

Upon coming to the property, the couple first re-landscaped the grounds - this may seem an unusual first step, but Andrew wanted the gardens to mature whilst they were embarking on the rest of the refurbishment. This included having the  property replumbed and rewired before redecorating it and installing new kitchens & bathrooms.

"One of the facets of Victorian property that appeals most is their practicality." says Andrew. "The house is grand in proportion - some of the ceilings are 11ft high - but everything's practical, not fussy."

This includes the kitchens; the main breakfast kitchen is elegantly styled with a British Racing Green Aga, Belfast sink and Shaker-style units with central island in cream with marble and solid wood toppers. The kitchen also includes conventional Neff cookers which the couple says is useful when hosting dinner parties.

In addition to the main breakfast kitchen, the property also features a utility kitchen with US style fridge-freezer, dishwasher and further Belfast sink - there are also two pantries and a separate utility room housing the laundry equipment and boiler.

The suite of kitchens makes the property ideal for entertaining, and with a casual dining area in the kitchen and outdoor breakfast terrace, the formal dining room can afford to be a little grander.

Like the other reception rooms, there's elaborate cornice work, a marble fireplace and shuttered windows, as well as restored varnished pine flooring with reclaimed materials used throughout.

"The property isn't Grade II listed - which makes things easier, we've embarked on listed building refurbishment before." says Andrew. "But being faithful to the architecture and the property's history was really important to us."

Elsewhere in the house, the sitting room features custom joinery with elaborate Victorian architraving, ceiling roses and cornice work, as well as a bespoke staircase whilst seven bedrooms and five bathrooms create a comfortable, spacious property for guests.

"There's plenty of space outside too." says Andrew. "The property is situated centrally in the plot, and there's a lovely summerhouse which is great for barbecues in the summer."

"The Coach House has been converted into office accommodation so it's ideal for anyone seeking to run a business from the property."

Beyond this Andrew has created his own driving range adjacent to the four acre paddock - there's the potential for equine accommodation on the ground floor of the coach house - and the two acres of woodland are delightfully mature.

Featuring a woodland treehouse for the couple's nieces and nephews, as well as mature oak, beech and poplar trees, Andrew says it's a 'magical' place, and the perfect contrast to the austerity of the red brick and slate property, currently on the market with Chesterton Humberts for £1.2m.

"We'll miss the place, and we're definitely looking to remaining in the area." says Andrew. "But we're looking to downsize, so we're hoping to find a family who will love the property as much as we have!"