Matthew and Sarah Carr, the two sons, her parents, and various animals moved to their bit,(9 ½ acres), of the Lincolnshire countryside in 2017. It is just off the Fen at Keal Cotes, where the land begins to rise towards the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The aim of the move was to provide the opportunity for comfortable multi-generational living and space to create a garden and room for the various creative endeavors of the household. Sarah trained and has worked as a self-employed designer of clothing and knitwear for more than 30 years and also a part-time university lecturer in this field. She is interested in all aspects of design. Floral art and gardening are particular favorites along with an interest in interiors, recycling, and sustainable living. Matthew has worked as a Director in the family retail business again for over 30 years.

He is a keen creative and has always practiced drawing, painting, and sculpting in the wood when time allowed. His particular loves are wildlife and the growing and planting of trees. He has been able to indulge both interests since the big move. He had been growing trees from seed for years and many are now planted around the property. They join the thousands of walnut trees that the previous owner had set for timber production.

The couple joined ‘The Fydell House Ceramics Group’ in 2015 to provide a weekly date night and also to explore the use of clay in their work! The Covid19 crisis sadly put a stop to the meetings in Boston, but when restrictions allowed the group met at Fens End Studio for ceramics days.

The first Lockdown gave Matthew the opportunity to discover what being at home 7 days a week was like. He rather liked it! Time to finish off the house, work in the garden, and spend more time on creative projects. The bold decision to leave the family firm and try something else was taken. Sarah assures him it’s a Gap Year though, and not retirement!

It seems an odd time to leave the security of a thriving business and leap into the unknown, and many of the plans that the couple has for developing a business here are now less obvious due to the restrictions necessitated by the pandemic. They hope ultimately to share this wonderful place with other creatives for short courses and art retreats, but until then they have plenty to be getting on with!