Stylish and unique contemporary renovation of a former village school in the heart of the vibrant rural village of Claypole. This warm and welcoming family home effortlessly combines the building’s original character with contemporary high-end modern design over an impressive 5,300 square feet of accommodation. Set in grounds approaching a third of an acre, the property offers two large lawned gardens, a kitchen garden, annex, driveway and triple garage. Grantham’s high-speed rail network to London Kings Cross (approximately 65 minutes) is located a short distance away as are two excellent and sought after Grammar schools. Epc Rating - C

When the current owners first viewed Claypole’s derelict former school, they knew instantly it could become a wonderful family home. Originally built in the Victorian period with an early twentieth century addition, the property offered huge potential. “We fell in love with its character although we realised there was an enormous amount of renovation required as it had been derelict for four or five years. Our priority was to combine the original character of the former school with the benefits and conveniences of modern family living. So, we basically demolished the property and built our new home within the existing outer school walls. The roof was replaced, a first floor constructed, top-quality insulation fitted throughout, and plumbing and electrics installed. We then commissioned bespoke wooden double-glazed windows in keeping with the original school window frames. We were really lucky to find local Master Cabinet Maker, Jermaine Designs of Claypole, who did such a fantastic job we also asked them to install a bespoke oak staircase to the new first floor.”

Their stunning home offers a huge 5,300 square feet of accommodation combining open plan living with individual reception rooms. “The main living area is a huge open-plan space with kitchen, dining and lounge areas. It allows us to spread out so, no matter how many people are here, we never feel on top of one another. The children might disagree with our choice of favourite room however, as they really enjoy spending time with their friends in the annex, which also doubles up as a family games room. It’s a really useful space and could easily be converted into additional accommodation if you wanted as it has plumbing, electrics and space for a kitchen on the ground floor with a bedroom on the mezzanine floor.”

“We love that our home retains much of the original school’s character, such as the vaulted double height ceiling and enormous arched windows in the sitting room, and the exposed roof trusses from the original Victorian school hall. Conversely, our bedroom offers contemporary luxury with fitted wardrobes along one wall, double aspect windows, and a balcony with views over the gardens. But our favourite part of the house has to be the lounge in the main living area. It’s unlike any room we’ve seen elsewhere. Although it’s a vast area, it still manages to have a homely, lived-in feeling, especially with the woodburning stove. It’s a wonderful place to relax during the day as it’s flooded with light and, as the sun moves from east to west, the whole character of the space changes. And in the evening we never tire of gazing up at the moon and stars in the night sky. We’ve been here since 2014 and yet, whenever we return home from being away, we still get that wow feeling every time we come into the lounge.”

The property sits in a plot of approximately one-third of an acre which the current owners have landscaped to complete the transformation of the former school into a welcoming family home. “We now have a large lawn to the front with a drive to the triple garage, an equally large lawn to the rear, and a kitchen garden to the side with raised vegetable and herb beds, fruits, olive trees and wonderfully aromatic lavender.”

“We are so lucky to have all this space and yet be in the heart of a really vibrant village community. Claypole really has such a lot to offer. We initially moved here to be close to the fantastic grammar schools in Grantham, but we now know what a great area it is for outdoor activities. It’s a real hub for cyclists and there are so many beautiful countryside walks right from our doorstep, a particular favourite being to walk the dogs along the banks of the river Witham. And we’re also close to the beautiful Vale of Belvoir and the peaceful towpaths alongside the Grantham canal.”

“We feel very privileged to have been able to live in this wonderful house. Although it’s very large it feels warm and welcoming rather than overwhelming. We both come from large families who love socialising together so Christmases in particular are always big, noisy affairs. It often means we have 25 or more for Christmas dinner yet we never feel on top of one another as we can all spread out. And it’s a great entertaining space for special occasions. When we celebrated my wife’s fortieth birthday we had a small marquee in the garden for around 60-70 friends and family, and we even hosted a gathering of all the children and teachers from Claypole Primary School for the retiring Headteacher, as she had taught in the former school we now call home.”

“Because the house still retains the charm and appearance of the former school, it still recalls fond childhood memories for many in Claypole and so everyone in the village was very keen to meet us when we moved in. We were made to feel very welcome and have enjoyed listening to countless recollections of school days. As a result, we quickly felt a part of village life and have made many friends during our time here. The new owners will also be lucky enough to become a part of the history of this vibrant village community, just as we did, and we wish them well.”

Centred around the fourteenth century Grade 1 listed parish church of St Peter, Claypole is a vibrant rural community with a village hall, cricket and football fields, butchers, general store, hairdressers, café and The Five Bells Inn. Primary education is available in the village at the Claypole Primary School (OFSTED rated ‘Good’) with regular bus services to the highly respected grammar schools of Kesteven and Grantham Girl’s School and The King’s School for boys in Grantham (OFSTED rated ‘Outstanding’) some 12 miles south of the village. It is within easy reach of the nearby cities of Lincoln and Nottingham and offers superb road and rail links with the rest of the country via the A1 and A46 and mainline rail services to London (65 mins) and Leeds (65mins). The nearest town of Newark lies 4 miles to the north west and offers an array of eateries, boutiques, antique shops, quaint pubs, cafes and its own cinema and theatre.

Heading south: take B6326 (Great North Road) from A1 approaching Fernwood. Continue along B6326 past Fernwood then turn left onto Shire Lane which becomes Main Street, Claypole. Turn left onto School Lane. Heading north: take B6326 (Great North Road) from A1 then turn left onto Shire Lane which becomes Main Street, Claypole. Turn left onto School Lane. POST CODE: NG23 5BQ.

NB: Approximate mileage and average journey times quoted.

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