W HEN Howard and Sarah Thomas bought Lantern Cottage they knew they would have a home of two halves.
This appealing rural house was once two separate barns which were part of a former farm and, by completing the conversion work and bringing them together, Howard and Sarah were able to create a spacious, family home.
"The barns date to 1874," he said. "I love older properties and these buildings had so much character. They had lots of quirky little features, such as the brickwork and the vaulted ceilings.
"They also had lovely views from the back, out across the fields and countryside."
It took six months to complete the project and to bring the two buildings, which are now joined by a conservatory, together to create one spectacular home.
"It all works really well now. We have been here for ten years and it has been a great place to live," he added.
The pivoted glass conservatory allows light to stream into the kitchen and the hallway leading into the main sitting room. The glass vestibule looks out over the rear courtyard garden – an entertaining space surrounded by exposed brick and with a part-raised decked area and lawn. There is access to the courtyard from the kitchen and the master bedroom.
The buildings were likely to have originally been a hay barn and stable block.
Through careful and creative design, they have been transformed into a bright, four-bedroom home.
"This house does have great flexibility," said Howard.
"We spend a lot of time upstairs in the room that we call the children's toy or playroom but it could easily have another use. In the past, it has been a dining room."
The open-plan living area can be arranged to suit the needs of the owners, with different sections for comfortable seating and dining. Upstairs, the mezzanine level lends itself to being a study area but could also be a second sitting room.
"The whole house is very light and airy because it is so open and has such a lot of glass," he added.
By bringing the two barns together, Howard has allowed for the creation of a home that is ideal for people who enjoy having visitors to stay or who perhaps wish to live with other family members who are seeking a degree of separation.
"There is a fantastic bedroom for guests with its own en-suite bathroom. If guests use this bedroom they can have one side of the house to themselves, and you and the rest of the family can have the other," he said. "The house is also great for parties because there are so many different spaces."
Lantern Cottage has a stylish interior that contrasts beautifully with its character and enhances its intriguing shapes. Neutral shades have been complemented by splashes of carefully-chosen, tasteful colour.
The kitchen, which has Iroko work surfaces, is quite modern but works well alongside the older features. Units are white and there is also a central island. Slate floor tiles are fitted throughout while there are integrated appliances including a five-ring hob and double oven.
Solid oak doors separate all of the rooms within the property. From the kitchen is the utility room which comprises of two floor-to-ceiling white hi-gloss cupboards and also an Iroko work surface with additional storage underneath and room for a washing machine.
The family – Howard 46, Sarah, 38, and their children Millie, five, and Archie, two, enjoy living at Upper Broughton and plan to stay in the village. It takes them just 10 minutes to reach Newark and the A1, and they can be at the M1 in around a quarter of an hour. Popular Melton Mowbray is also nearby.
"This is a perfect place to travel from but, at the same time, it is ideal if you have a family. The school bus picks the children up at the end of the drive, there is a famous butcher's shop, a nice church and a great pub," Howard added. "We will miss the character of the house when we leave – but most of all I think we will miss the peace and quiet we have here.
"This is a very tranquil place to be, and very private as well."