Wonderful Home
Sitting around the supper table with friends on the terrace overlooking the garden, John and Judy Aspin relax knowing their six bedroom home has everything they and their guests need.
Thinking back over their time here they realise the house has come a long way since they bought it partly renovated six years ago.
"We liked the feel of it and could tell what it could become," said John. "It really is beautiful now."
John remembered they loved the location of the house, tucked away down a drive, secluded by trees and hedges. It was the perfect place for a couple or family who wanted privacy and seclusion only a few minutes drive from the vibrant city of Nottingham.
"It was hard work but with a good architect and a team of local craftsmen we were able to transform it in two years," he added.
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A party house
A luxurious party house for grown ups, is how the couple happily describe their home now. From the fold back wall of glass on to the garden, to the remote controlled modern inset gas fire to the integrated audio system, it's a house for enjoying.
"It is a party house and we use it as that," he said. "It's brilliant for parties as people can flow from the kitchen to the dining room to the living room, into the summer room and out to the garden. We love having friends and family here, and people do seem to enjoy it too."
The house, which is larger than it looks from the outside, is fitted with numerous modern day comforts. The Aspins love their under-floor heating, the music throughout the house, as well as the walk-in wardrobe inspired by Australian-style open plan living.
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Entertaining friends
Both John and Judy are keen cooks and take it in turns at the range. So the kitchen was designed with the chef and diners in mind. Family can sit and chat at the breakfast bar, keeping the cook entertained without interrupting the preparations. The couple like to have breakfast here, and sometimes supper too.
"It's a real focal point for us, it's a nice place to be," said John, adding that dinner parties in the dining room were a great success, although whenever weather permits they like to dine al fresco with space for ten or more around the table on the terrace.
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Stylish home
There's a barbecue area too, and throughout the garden, plenty of places to sit. There's even a secret decking area on the other side of the stream - a few steps over the cedar bridge, which is lit with tiny fairy lights - that is perfect for private suppers.
On chillier days, the sitting room leading into the summer room with cathedral roof and unobstructed garden views is a favourite spot. With its Italian tiled floor, soft calico décor and huge squashy sofas, it is both stylish and relaxing.
"People do say 'wow' - they love this house. It has such an inviting, comfortable feel," added John.
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Space to stay
Guests are always welcome here, with a choice of bedrooms and plenty of privacy. John and Judy love their sunny master bedroom and ultra modern bathroom, and the grandchildren love visiting. They always head off to explore, eyeing up the attic as a den, playing hide and seek in the garden, peeking into the gym off the garage or accompanying grandad as he finds a favourite bottle from the wine cellar.
John works from their purpose built self-contained office, installed, like the whole house, with the latest technology to make life as easy and straightforward as possible.
The couple - and their family and friends - love the luxurious home, but John's work taking them off to France, to be based among the sunflowers and vineyards of south west France, almost makes up for leaving the modern comforts here.
"It is a wonderful house, we enjoy it very much and we did expect to be here a very long time, but I'm sure new owners will love it too," John added.
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Setting the Scene
John and Judy Aspin put as much thought into the garden as the house, and their garden designer created an outdoor living space with plenty of features.
There are lots of places to sit and relax, and to socialise with friends. The pond and stream, waterfalls and slate paths are complemented by mature trees, stone steps cedar decking and thoughtful lighting.
There's a workshop, garage and gym, for those busy moments, or space to simply relax and admire the olive and banana trees, which give part of the garden a truly Mediterranean feel.
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Within Easy Reach
The Beeches is located in a quiet well regarded no-through road position, Gedling is a favoured residential location with a range of local amenities including schooling nearby with Carlton le Willows secondary school which has been highly rated by OFSTEAD. Within only a few minutes drive is the buzz of Nottingham City which offers some of the best shopping in the East Midlands and is home to the world famous designer Paul Smith and the local legend which is Robin Hood.
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