Whilst Sibsey couple Paula and Jamie Golby moved to this property in Lincolnshire for a better standard of living, even they didn’t realise just how individual, practical and beautiful their converted mill could be.

“When we first saw the picture of the house we just knew that living there would be something quite special.” Says Paula. “But when we pulled up in front of it we could barely contain ourselves!”

Their property, Rhoades Mill, is indeed a converted flour mill, built in 1823 and working until the early 1920s whereupon it fell into dereliction until it was restored by a Boston couple in 1996. At the time, the building only consisted of a tower mill with four storeys, but the conversion included adding a cottage which scaled up the property to include a round living room, study and guest room, three additional bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and utility.

The Grade II listed property is also set within eight and a half acres, so in addition to being superbly located, well-specified and individual, it’s also extremely practical, especially for the couple, whose hobbies of equestrianism and sports cars demand a degree of space.

The mill’s conversion was completed in 1996 by the previous vendors and included the addition of a new wing, with two storeys. Reached via powered gates complete with intercom, the property is situated at the leading edge of a plot totalling eight and a half acres, with separate paddocks, a manege and separate concrete stableyard with five stables plus tackroom for Paula’s horses.

The property in Lincolnshire also features a four bay barn, workshop and standing for almost unlimited vehicles, with a gravelled turning area for cars in the middle of which is situated a Victorian style lamp and the property’s last original millstone. The mill itself lost its sails in 1924, but period features are still present in the property, from the round drawing room, study and guest bedroom and period brickwork, to the white cap and cupola.

Inside, meanwhile, the property features new bathrooms and kitchen installed by Jamie, who owns his own construction business back in Warwickshire.The kitchen is high quality shaker-style cream units topped with black solid granite surfaces. A recessed butler sink and Rangemaster electric Aga style cooker enables the room to retain a degree of traditionalism, whilst modern appliances including fridge and dishwasher ensure convenience too.

A dedicated dining room is located in the new wing of the property, and overlooks open countryside to the rear of the building, also enjoying south-facing views for early evening sunshine and French doors beyond which a sunny terrace and formal lawn allows the occupants to take advantage of a sunny evening during formal dinner parties.

The drawing room is more casual, with its location in the mill tower’s widest part providing a double aspect for sunshine throughout the day. “It’s not difficult to furnish a round room once you’re used to it.” says Paula. “We haven’t encountered any problems, it’s actually quite fun!”

The guest bedroom, however, is our favourite room. Because of its elevated position, the room enjoys sunshine from four aspects and is gloriously snug and quaint, finished in cream with a bright red accent colour. In addition, the family has installed new bathrooms and there is under floor heating in certain rooms.

Outside the traditional feel of the Lincolnshire property continues with open barns, those equestrian facilities and a kitchen garden, with raised beds including lettuce, onions, garlic and potatoes. A small orchard adds to this with apples, pears, plums, apricots, raspberries and many redcurrant bushes. “It’s such a wonderful country home.” says Paula. “It had an amazing feel from the very moment we walked in and we’ve been so happy here. Being able to have the horses on the land has been perfect too. The paddocks are all post and rail, there’s a professionally floored manege and automatic water troughs, plus plenty of space for tack.”

The couple originally found the property whilst browsing through Horse and Hound magazine, and despite having no connections with the county, found themselves relocating here. However, with Jamie’s business located back in Warwickshire and being unable to continue working from home due to work commitments, the couple have decided to put the property onto the market with estate agency Newton Fallowell, and with Fine & Country.

“It’s a home that has provided a complete lifestyle, and we’ll miss everything about it.” say Paula. “It’s also a lovely area and the village has a great sense of community; the village shop and post office are within walking distance, as is the school, the village hall and local village pub.”

Offered for sale for £569,950 with modern infrastructure, high specification and plenty of space for the family, as well as specialist equestrian facilities, it’s a great property in Lincolnshire for those seeking space to raise a family and enjoy animals in complete safety, for its lucky future owners.