East Street, Crowland

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What the owner told us…

"This home was chosen as a place to raise a family, purchased because of its unique location and character. We renovated this house and in doing so made it our home, we have spent every Christmas here for the past 30 years and it has been the only family home my daughter has known."

Our Thoughts…

Some houses are lovely. Some are full of character. And then, every so often, you come across one that makes you wonder how on earth you're ever going to leave.

38 to 40 East Street is one of those homes.

We spent almost three hours here on our first visit, and quite frankly, we could have stayed all day. Every room had something that made us smile. Another beautiful detail, another clever idea, another reason to fall in love with the place. It's cosy, wonderfully individual and so full of personality that even the photographs can only tell part of the story.

And then there's the setting.

Imagine living just a stone's throw from Crowland Abbey, with views of this magnificent historic landmark from your home and garden. Walking past centuries of history on your way to the shops. It's quite extraordinary when you think about it, yet for the family who have lived here for the past 30 years, it's simply been home.

The cottage itself has a fascinating past. The owners believe it could be around 300 years old, possibly older, and it was once two separate houses. Look closely at the front and you'll still see the outline of what would have been the second front door.

There's even a local story that monks from the Abbey once lived here, with rumours of underground tunnels connecting the buildings. Whether those tales are true remains a mystery, but they certainly add to the intrigue of a home that already has plenty of stories to tell.

Over the years, the owners have put an enormous amount of thought into making this cottage their own. Walls have been opened up, a beautiful handmade kitchen installed and individual details carefully chosen to make the most of the space.

The result is a home that feels wonderfully personal, with all the warmth you'd hope to find in an old cottage and considerably more room than you might expect.

The living room is a perfect example.

It's a wonderfully generous space, yet the clever arrangement makes it feel almost like two separate rooms. There's a wood burning stove in one area and an open fireplace in another, creating two inviting places to relax without losing the lovely sense of connection between them.

You could have someone reading beside the fire, someone watching television and others chatting over a glass of wine, all enjoying their own corner of the room.

Beautiful exposed beams, wooden flooring in one section and traditional pamment brick flooring in another give the space so much personality. The different finishes help define the living and dining areas, while the fireplaces make it somewhere you'll look forward to spending time, particularly on those dark winter evenings.

There's room for substantial furniture, family gatherings and entertaining, without having to compromise on the cosy atmosphere that makes a cottage so appealing.

And if you love the living room, just wait until you see the kitchen.

This is the sort of kitchen that could easily persuade someone to buy the whole house.

It's beautifully handmade, full of thoughtful details and has a magnificent AGA taking pride of place. Complete with its additional companion module, providing extra oven and hotplate facilities, it's a kitchen designed for people who genuinely enjoy cooking, whether that's a quiet supper for two or Christmas dinner for the whole family.

The owners tell us that one of their favourite parts of the day is standing beside the Aga in the morning with a cup of tea or coffee, enjoying its warmth before the day begins.

The bespoke cabinetry is beautifully done, with excellent storage and a wonderful central island that provides additional preparation space, useful cupboards and somewhere to sit for breakfast or a quick coffee.

We particularly love the shiplap panelled cupboard that cleverly conceals the fridge. It's such a lovely detail and a perfect example of the thought that's gone into making this kitchen both practical and beautiful.

Wooden flooring adds warmth, while the handmade finishes and traditional styling give the whole room a relaxed, country kitchen feel.

Alongside the kitchen is the dining area, where the traditional pamment brick flooring adds another beautiful layer of character.

There's plenty of space for a substantial dining table, making it perfect for everything from everyday family meals to those occasions when everyone comes together.

And this particular dining room has quite a story to tell.

The owners shared a lovely Christmas tradition with us. Over the years, they've collected individual pieces of tableware from their travels around the world, bringing them all together for Christmas dinner. Every piece holds a memory, and for the past 30 years, the family has gathered around the table, surrounded by the home they've created.

It's a wonderful picture of family life, and one that captures what makes this cottage so much more than simply a collection of beautiful rooms.

And then there's the Jailhouse. Yes, you read that correctly!

It's the affectionate name the owners have given to the snug, thanks to the extraordinary historic prison door that leads into it. It's one of those wonderfully unexpected details that makes this cottage so fascinating, although the door itself is a treasured piece the owners sourced and will be taking with them when they move.

The room has had quite a few different lives over the years.

Originally used as a kitchen, it's since been a playroom, bedroom, gym and now a cosy second sitting room. With its own adjoining shower room, complete with shower, WC and washbasin, it offers some really useful flexibility.

Perhaps you have family who regularly come to stay, an older relative who would appreciate ground floor accommodation or a teenager who would love a little more independence.

Equally, it could be a peaceful reading room, hobby space or somewhere to work without the distractions of the main living areas.

Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, a family bathroom and a study area that offers an interesting possibility.

Both bedrooms are comfortable and full of character, with the principal bedroom providing a lovely place to retreat to at the end of the day.

The study is particularly interesting because it was previously an enclosed bedroom. The original beamwork remains visible, creating a beautiful feature, and there may be an opportunity to reinstate the original arrangement if a third bedroom is required, subject to any necessary consents and building requirements.

Alternatively, it makes a lovely dedicated workspace, reading area or somewhere to enjoy a hobby.

With the family bathroom upstairs and a second shower room on the ground floor, the accommodation offers a practical arrangement for both everyday living and visiting guests.

Outside, the garden is another reason to fall in love with this place.

Imagine sitting out on a summer afternoon, enjoying a coffee or a glass of something cold, with views towards the magnificent Crowland Abbey.

The owners have loved being so close to the Abbey and the events it hosts throughout the year. During the summer, there are craft fairs, art fairs, flower festivals and historical reenactments, all just moments from home.

They also tell us that hearing the Abbey bells ring for weddings and special occasions has been one of the little pleasures of living here, a sound they've come to associate with many happy family memories.

The garden also has two brick built outbuildings, both currently used for storage.

They're useful as they are, providing somewhere for garden equipment, tools and all those things you'd rather keep out of the house. But they could also offer some interesting possibilities for the future.

Perhaps you've always wanted a dedicated home office, a gym, an art studio or a little garden retreat. Subject to the relevant planning permissions, building regulations and any other necessary consents, there may be potential to adapt these buildings for other uses.

Beyond the beautiful rooms, the historic features and the extraordinary setting, there's something else that makes this home so appealing.

It's the life you could enjoy here.

The current owners originally chose Crowland because they wanted somewhere peaceful to raise their family, with the convenience of having everyday amenities close by. Over the years, the cottage has been home to three generations, providing the space and flexibility they needed as life changed.

They've loved being able to walk to the shops, visit the Abbey, enjoy peaceful walks around the village and spend time with neighbours who have become friends.

And after spending time here ourselves, we can understand exactly why they've been so happy.

The owners describe their home in three words: warm, charming and distinctive.

We couldn't agree more.

If you've been searching for something different, a home with real personality, generous living space and a setting that would be almost impossible to recreate, then we think you need to come and see 38 to 40 East Street.

Because however much we tell you about it, and however lovely the photographs are, there's something about being here that you simply have to experience for yourself.

And we have a feeling you'll understand why we found it so difficult to leave.

Location…

Crowland is a historic Lincolnshire town with a friendly, village feel, surrounded by open Fenland countryside and conveniently positioned between Peterborough, Spalding and Market Deeping.

Its history is quite remarkable, and nowhere is that more obvious than at Crowland Abbey.

The Abbey has origins dating back to the eighth century and is one of the area's most significant historic landmarks. Its surviving medieval architecture, impressive stonework and centuries of religious and community history make it an extraordinary building to have on your doorstep.

Crowland is also famous for Trinity Bridge, a remarkable medieval stone bridge with three arms and one of the town's most distinctive historic landmarks.

But Crowland isn't simply somewhere to visit for its history. It's a proper community, with a good range of amenities that make everyday life convenient.

Within walking distance of East Street, you'll find a doctors' surgery, pharmacy, butcher, bakery, food shops, hairdressers, post office, library and Pilates studio. There are also local parks, places to walk and opportunities to enjoy the surrounding countryside.

For families, South View Community Primary School is just a short walk away, and there are further educational options in the surrounding area.

The current owners particularly appreciate how easy it is to manage everyday life here. Whether it's popping out for a few groceries, taking a walk or catching a bus to a neighbouring town, there's a real sense of convenience without the bustle of a larger town or city.

Crowland also has a lovely community spirit. The Abbey plays an important part in local life, hosting services, festivals and events throughout the year, while local groups and activities offer opportunities to get involved and meet people.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring. The owners have a favourite nature reserve just a short drive away, where they enjoy watching the wildlife, taking in the scenery and picking blackberries during the summer.

Market Deeping is nearby and offers a further selection of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and everyday services. It's a lovely market town to explore, particularly if you enjoy somewhere with traditional character and a relaxed atmosphere.

Spalding is also within easy reach, providing larger supermarkets, shopping facilities, leisure amenities and additional services.

And for those who need access to a city, Peterborough is conveniently close.

The owners advise that Peterborough railway station is approximately 20 minutes away by car, providing access to mainline rail services, including direct trains to London King's Cross. This makes Crowland an attractive option for anyone who wants to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while still having the ability to travel into London for work or leisure.

Road connections provide access to the A16, A15 and A1, linking Crowland with the wider region.

Yet perhaps the nicest thing about living here is that so much of what makes Crowland special can be enjoyed on foot.

You can wander through historic streets, visit the Abbey, pop into the local shops, enjoy the parks or simply take a stroll and appreciate the slower pace of life.

And when you're ready to head home, there's a beautiful character cottage waiting for you, with its fires, its Aga, its wonderfully individual rooms and those unforgettable views of Crowland Abbey.

For anyone who dreams of a home with a story to tell, and the chance to write the next chapter themselves, this is a very special opportunity.