Clare Savage introduces a new property page which keeps you in touch with what’s going on in the market
Victoria Valentine opens the door to 4 St Mary’s Place
How long have you lived here?
Ten years
Was it love at first sight?
When we bought it, this house was the National Farmer’s Union offices. It needed an awful lot of work doing to it and I like a project.
When was it built?
The front section was re-modelled in 1790 but it’s on the site of a much earlier house.
It’s Grade II* listed because the cellar contains remains of a vaulted undercroft which is believed to be 14th or 15th century. It’s thought it belonged to the Guild of Corpus Christi.
How long did it take to feel like home?
A long time. First of all I needed a bathroom and kitchen that functioned and then it happened room by room. There are still unfinished bits even now because of the sheer size of the project.
What changes have you made?
Masses. We tried to get the front of the house back to how it was in 1790, the only things that were original were the window shutters and one door in the kitchen. It was great that we had these original moulds because it gave us a door and window shutters to copy.
What is the house’s best kept secret?
The garden because it’s enclosed and you’d have no idea it was there from the street.
Where is your calm space?
The morning room. It looks over the garden, is really sunny and far away from it all.
What is the house’s biggest claim to fame?
It was a convent school and a home for Polish refugees but perhaps its most infamous phase was when it became a bank in 1790 and then went bust shortly afterwards causing a lot of strife in Stamford.
Location, location, location?
It is superb. Everything is within a couple of minutes – the Arts Centre, the library, the shops. We’re right in the middle of town and yet there’s no traffic whizzing past. It’s been fantastic for the kids as everything has been walkable.
Fresh coffee or freshly baked bread?
Both! Both smell good and when looking around houses some people are very sensitive to smell, so it is important.
What kind of qualities does this house look for in an owner?
Somebody who loves it and appreciates its architecture. It’s definitely a family house.
So…what’s the new pad like?
It’s quite a similar property in that it has nice architectural features but further out of town.
4 St Mary’s Place is on the market for £1.15 million. To view contact Savills on 01780 750200 or visit www.savills.co.uk
49 St Leonard’s Street, Stamford
“We think this is a well priced period Stamford town house. It’s high quality with lots of exposed stone and oak, and two minutes from the town centre,” says director of Moores estate agent, Rob Gosling.
The property offers accommodation over four floors, has 2 bedrooms and an enclosed courtyard garden. Price £219,000. To view contact Moores Estates Agents on 01780 484555 or visit
www.mooreestateagents.com
The Vale, Ketton
An impressive 5 bedroom stone built house that dates from 1837, has many period features and is grade II listed. Also has a two-bedroom coach house in the garden which would be ideal for your guests, your house keeper, or even for you, should you fancy a change of scene.
Price £1.15 million. To view contact Murray Estate Agents on 01780 766604 or visit www.murrayestateagents.co.uk
Barnack is a popular village three miles south east of Stamford. Here’s what the locals think of life in the village…
Peter Farrer, Post Office owner
“There’re lots of lovely people here and it’s a great village. I love watching the cricket. The cricket club gets lots of people in the summer and they’ve got a bar. The village hall has a lot going on too. With three churches here, there’s a real community spirit.”
Harry Brassey and Judith Broughton, Directors of Barnack Country Clothes and wellieboots.com
“Barnack was the first conservation village in the Peterborough district. It’s a friendly community with a brilliant primary school. It’s rural here, yet very accessible.
“Our business does well here. We have a niche market. We’re a destination stop with ample parking but we have to keep letting people know we’re here.”
Jean Annal, resident
“I moved here last March; I’ve always loved Barnack with all the walks, the countryside and its surroundings.”
Catherine Wright, resident
“We’ve lived here nearly 17 years. We chose Barnack by getting out the OS map and looking at all the footpaths around the village, it’s got so many, plus the Hills and Holes nature reserve. There’s a very good community here and everyone stops to talk. They care about the village itself.”
Lauren Mackintosh and Luke Marsh, new managers at the Millstone Inn
“We’ve been here two months and the first pub quiz happens next Sunday. Recently the pub had become more of a restaurant and lost the village feel, we hope to change that.”
Did you know?
The Barnack Beauty is a variety of apple tree first recorded in the village in 1840. Only six trees were known in 1996 but a planting programme has increased the number to over 400.