House For Sale £2,500,000
A rare and exciting opportunity to purchase The Dower House, Canwick, Lincoln. The Dower House today has been occupied by the current owner since 1999 who has over the years acquired all of the apartments. The house has been extensively refurbished to the highest standard retaining the original character of the building and does now forms six impressive and individual apartments.
The current owner occupies what was originally two of the seven apartments, the third has a permanent tenant on a short-term tenancy agreement and the other four have been very successfully let out as high-quality holiday accommodation for a number of years and is still very much a thriving business today. The guest reviews are astonishing and frequently acknowledge and highlight the owners extensive care for the property and attention to detail. The location and outstanding quality of this accommodation is voted as one of the best places to stay in Lincolnshire.
The property is accessed through a private gateway where there is extensive parking for numerous vehicles. The iron railings secure and seclude the ground to the front of the house which is accessed by private automatic wrought iron gates. This area has been beautifully landscaped and is enhanced by the varied selection of mature trees and shrubs, the rose hedge circle is central in the path that is lined with an abundance of Italian Topiary that lead you to the imposing front door.
Enter into the vestibule where the word “salve” is in scripted in the original Victorian floor tiles. Double doors open into the breath-taking entrance hall which is lit by an enormous period style chandelier that is centered to the magnificent baronial staircase that turns as it leads you to the galleried reception landing. This beautiful Hall is enhanced by the welcoming large wood burner and offers access to all the apartments, it has retained all the original detailed cornice, pelmet and ceiling rose.
Ground Floor
Apartment One has a stunning sitting/dining room with double aspect, the large bay window to the front is a fine example of the concealed original working shutters and the French doors allows access to the gardens at the rear. The high ceilings and original features make this a most enjoyable relaxing space.
The large bedroom has an original fire surround and French doors that lead to a private and secluded terrace that is most enjoyed by the resident guests.
There is a fully equipped kitchen with appliances and a modern shower room.
Apartment Two is the remainder of the ground floor and forms an extensive apartment occupied by the owner. The attractive and cosy feel of the inner hall leads to all rooms within this apartment. The bedroom has an en-suit bathroom with large modern bath, a walk-in shower, double vanity basins and wc.
The formal dining room is of period style with an open real fire and is described by the owner as the perfect place for entertaining during the winter months and Christmas.
The grand formal sitting room, recently redecorated, has a feature fireplace with log burner and fabulous bay windows and doors that leads onto just one of the secluded spaces in the garden, which is an ideal area to relax and entertain friends. The kitchen benefits from a four oven Aga, integrated appliances and island. Steps lead to another level to the breakfast room which has a wood burner and offers access to another private garden area, pond and summer house. There is a separate utility room with fitted kitchen units and a large ceramic double sink. From here steps lead up to a separate shower room with corner shower and period style large basin and wc. There is a laundry room which provides access to a private outside shower. This apartment also benefits from a large room currently used as a working office and access to the cellars.
First Floor
Apartment Three boasts views over the City of Lincoln, The Cathedral and the rear gardens of The Dower House. The beautiful extensively fitted kitchen with fully integrated appliances and island bar, the dining area, enjoying the best of the views, and the large sitting room area all form part of this enormous room. The large bedroom has fitted wardrobes, feature fireplace and lovely views over the rear gardens. There is a separate shower room with fitted vanity units and wc. The ceilings in excess of 14ft and period features throughout add to the “wow factor” of this wonderful apartment. All the windows are slim line double glazed units and have been hand crafted to match the originals.
Apartment Four is the most recently refurbished apartment and has a fresh modern feel. It benefits from a brand new modern and stylish high spec kitchen with island and top of the range Neff appliances. The open plan kitchen/sitting room has views over the rear gardens and benefits from the south facing aspect. There is a beautiful bedroom with a stunning en-suite with walk in shower. The windows in this apartment also benefits from new slim line double glazed units
Apartment Six is a large apartment consisting of a large sitting/dining room with feature fireplace and gas flame fire and enjoys the south facing aspect. There is a large double bedroom and further room that could be a single bedroom or dressing room but is currently used as an office for staying guests. The kitchen has an extensive range of fitted unit and appliances and a double oven range cooker. The bathroom has a bath a large separate shower, basin and wc.
Second Floor
Apartment Five is a charming attic apartment with a large sitting/dining room, with original fireplace and again with garden views. There are two large double bedrooms, both with original feature fireplaces, a bathroom and over the bath electric shower, basin and wc. There is a gally kitchen with integrated appliances. Like all other apartments, this one too benefits from the original working window shutters
The Dower House and grounds are approximately of one acre. The rear gardens are superb and have been maintained and developed over the decades to create interesting and magical spaces. The garden is mainly laid to lawn with established flower borders and an abundance of mature trees and large shrubs. There is a summer house situated at the edge of the large pond and there are also substantially constructed sheds and workshop on the west side of the house.
Canwick Village is located on the southern fringe of Lincoln, (1.5 miles from the city centre) on the crest of the Lincolnshire Limestone escarpment overlooking the city. As would be expected, the view northwards to Lincoln are the most prized. Ruskin described Lincoln Cathedral as among the finest in Europe, and there is no better place from which to view it than Canwick. There are two significant wooded areas to the immediate south and east of Canwick village, but it is the trees within the village curtilage which gives Canwick its extraordinary wooded nature- unique in Lincolnshire- and justify it long having been known as “the village in the trees. It is further understood that the renowned artist Peter De Wint painted several beautiful views of across Lincoln from Canwick, circa 1849.
The Dower House, steeped in history is a substantial country house (in excess of 11,000 square feet) was built by the Sibthorp family, the architect being William Burn. The building is recognized in the Buildings of Lincolnshire produced by Nikolaus Pevsner.
Canwick was the family seat of the wealthy and landed Sibthorp family, a ten thousand acre and a ten thousand pound a year family for most of the nineteenth century, residing at Canwick from 17th to 20th century. Its was Mary Sibthorp, widow of John Sibthorp, that made the first purchase in Canwick in 1730.
The Sibthorps represented the City Of Lincoln in Parliament for several generations, with one of the more notable being the eccentric ColonelCharles De Laet Waldo Sibthorp, whom reputedly displeased Queen Victoria by persuading the House to reduce Prince Alberts allowance. Charles sons included Gervaise Tottenham Waldo (1815-61) and Coningsby Charles (1846-1932) who became a member of the newly formed Kesteven County Council. Gervais did a lot to develop the Canwick estate and during Coningsbys years changes to Canwick also continued and, as head of the family, The Dower House was built to replace the older house for his mother, widowed in 1861. He went to live at Sudbrooke but after the death of his mother and wife, Coningsby came to live in The Dower House until his own death in 1932, three years later than his brother Montagu. The last of the Sibthorp line was Montagu’s youngest daughter, Evelyn who had married Major the Hn Dudley Pelham, and following the death of Coningsby they came to reside at The Dower House until his death in was in 1945 That Evelyn Pelham and her sister Mabel Lambert decided to sell Canwick Hall, The Dower House and all the estate of 1148 acres to Jesus College Oxford with Mrs Pelham leasing The Dower House back off the college, still for her own use. The Hall was converted into thirteen flats and following the death of the Major, Mrs Pelham moved into Flat 1 at the Hall, and remained there until her own death in was in the early 60s that The College converted The Dower House into seven apartments and a further two above the old stables.
Agents note: The seller has kindly provided the brief history of The Dower House
The current owner occupies what was originally two of the seven apartments, the third has a permanent tenant on a short-term tenancy agreement and the other four have been very successfully let out as high-quality holiday accommodation for a number of years and is still very much a thriving business today. The guest reviews are astonishing and frequently acknowledge and highlight the owners extensive care for the property and attention to detail. The location and outstanding quality of this accommodation is voted as one of the best places to stay in Lincolnshire.
The property is accessed through a private gateway where there is extensive parking for numerous vehicles. The iron railings secure and seclude the ground to the front of the house which is accessed by private automatic wrought iron gates. This area has been beautifully landscaped and is enhanced by the varied selection of mature trees and shrubs, the rose hedge circle is central in the path that is lined with an abundance of Italian Topiary that lead you to the imposing front door.
Enter into the vestibule where the word “salve” is in scripted in the original Victorian floor tiles. Double doors open into the breath-taking entrance hall which is lit by an enormous period style chandelier that is centered to the magnificent baronial staircase that turns as it leads you to the galleried reception landing. This beautiful Hall is enhanced by the welcoming large wood burner and offers access to all the apartments, it has retained all the original detailed cornice, pelmet and ceiling rose.
Ground Floor
Apartment One has a stunning sitting/dining room with double aspect, the large bay window to the front is a fine example of the concealed original working shutters and the French doors allows access to the gardens at the rear. The high ceilings and original features make this a most enjoyable relaxing space.
The large bedroom has an original fire surround and French doors that lead to a private and secluded terrace that is most enjoyed by the resident guests.
There is a fully equipped kitchen with appliances and a modern shower room.
Apartment Two is the remainder of the ground floor and forms an extensive apartment occupied by the owner. The attractive and cosy feel of the inner hall leads to all rooms within this apartment. The bedroom has an en-suit bathroom with large modern bath, a walk-in shower, double vanity basins and wc.
The formal dining room is of period style with an open real fire and is described by the owner as the perfect place for entertaining during the winter months and Christmas.
The grand formal sitting room, recently redecorated, has a feature fireplace with log burner and fabulous bay windows and doors that leads onto just one of the secluded spaces in the garden, which is an ideal area to relax and entertain friends. The kitchen benefits from a four oven Aga, integrated appliances and island. Steps lead to another level to the breakfast room which has a wood burner and offers access to another private garden area, pond and summer house. There is a separate utility room with fitted kitchen units and a large ceramic double sink. From here steps lead up to a separate shower room with corner shower and period style large basin and wc. There is a laundry room which provides access to a private outside shower. This apartment also benefits from a large room currently used as a working office and access to the cellars.
First Floor
Apartment Three boasts views over the City of Lincoln, The Cathedral and the rear gardens of The Dower House. The beautiful extensively fitted kitchen with fully integrated appliances and island bar, the dining area, enjoying the best of the views, and the large sitting room area all form part of this enormous room. The large bedroom has fitted wardrobes, feature fireplace and lovely views over the rear gardens. There is a separate shower room with fitted vanity units and wc. The ceilings in excess of 14ft and period features throughout add to the “wow factor” of this wonderful apartment. All the windows are slim line double glazed units and have been hand crafted to match the originals.
Apartment Four is the most recently refurbished apartment and has a fresh modern feel. It benefits from a brand new modern and stylish high spec kitchen with island and top of the range Neff appliances. The open plan kitchen/sitting room has views over the rear gardens and benefits from the south facing aspect. There is a beautiful bedroom with a stunning en-suite with walk in shower. The windows in this apartment also benefits from new slim line double glazed units
Apartment Six is a large apartment consisting of a large sitting/dining room with feature fireplace and gas flame fire and enjoys the south facing aspect. There is a large double bedroom and further room that could be a single bedroom or dressing room but is currently used as an office for staying guests. The kitchen has an extensive range of fitted unit and appliances and a double oven range cooker. The bathroom has a bath a large separate shower, basin and wc.
Second Floor
Apartment Five is a charming attic apartment with a large sitting/dining room, with original fireplace and again with garden views. There are two large double bedrooms, both with original feature fireplaces, a bathroom and over the bath electric shower, basin and wc. There is a gally kitchen with integrated appliances. Like all other apartments, this one too benefits from the original working window shutters
The Dower House and grounds are approximately of one acre. The rear gardens are superb and have been maintained and developed over the decades to create interesting and magical spaces. The garden is mainly laid to lawn with established flower borders and an abundance of mature trees and large shrubs. There is a summer house situated at the edge of the large pond and there are also substantially constructed sheds and workshop on the west side of the house.
Canwick Village is located on the southern fringe of Lincoln, (1.5 miles from the city centre) on the crest of the Lincolnshire Limestone escarpment overlooking the city. As would be expected, the view northwards to Lincoln are the most prized. Ruskin described Lincoln Cathedral as among the finest in Europe, and there is no better place from which to view it than Canwick. There are two significant wooded areas to the immediate south and east of Canwick village, but it is the trees within the village curtilage which gives Canwick its extraordinary wooded nature- unique in Lincolnshire- and justify it long having been known as “the village in the trees. It is further understood that the renowned artist Peter De Wint painted several beautiful views of across Lincoln from Canwick, circa 1849.
The Dower House, steeped in history is a substantial country house (in excess of 11,000 square feet) was built by the Sibthorp family, the architect being William Burn. The building is recognized in the Buildings of Lincolnshire produced by Nikolaus Pevsner.
Canwick was the family seat of the wealthy and landed Sibthorp family, a ten thousand acre and a ten thousand pound a year family for most of the nineteenth century, residing at Canwick from 17th to 20th century. Its was Mary Sibthorp, widow of John Sibthorp, that made the first purchase in Canwick in 1730.
The Sibthorps represented the City Of Lincoln in Parliament for several generations, with one of the more notable being the eccentric ColonelCharles De Laet Waldo Sibthorp, whom reputedly displeased Queen Victoria by persuading the House to reduce Prince Alberts allowance. Charles sons included Gervaise Tottenham Waldo (1815-61) and Coningsby Charles (1846-1932) who became a member of the newly formed Kesteven County Council. Gervais did a lot to develop the Canwick estate and during Coningsbys years changes to Canwick also continued and, as head of the family, The Dower House was built to replace the older house for his mother, widowed in 1861. He went to live at Sudbrooke but after the death of his mother and wife, Coningsby came to live in The Dower House until his own death in 1932, three years later than his brother Montagu. The last of the Sibthorp line was Montagu’s youngest daughter, Evelyn who had married Major the Hn Dudley Pelham, and following the death of Coningsby they came to reside at The Dower House until his death in was in 1945 That Evelyn Pelham and her sister Mabel Lambert decided to sell Canwick Hall, The Dower House and all the estate of 1148 acres to Jesus College Oxford with Mrs Pelham leasing The Dower House back off the college, still for her own use. The Hall was converted into thirteen flats and following the death of the Major, Mrs Pelham moved into Flat 1 at the Hall, and remained there until her own death in was in the early 60s that The College converted The Dower House into seven apartments and a further two above the old stables.
Agents note: The seller has kindly provided the brief history of The Dower House
