Imagine yourselves on the set of a period drama during a stay at this truly breathtaking country house near South Crosland in West Yorkshire. Built in 1802 and exquisitely restored, it offers all the elegance and sophistication of a 19th-century mansion, but with the high levels of comfort required for the 21st-century visitor. Sleeping up to 18 guests, the eight-bedroom abode is set in the Holme Valley, just 2 miles from the fringes of the Peak National Park and approximately 6 miles from the Pennine Way.
Alongside its natural beauty and myriad of fine footpaths and cycle routes, the region hosts a range of cultural venues for all interests, including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 14 miles away, and the Hepworth Wakefield Art Museum, 17 miles from the house. There are several heritage properties rich in history within reach for a day visit, including Nostell Priory, 22.5 miles away, and the Bronte Parsonage at Haworth, a 21.5-mile drive. Younger members of the party will enjoy Canon Hall Farm, 13 miles away in Barnsley: this is an extensive farm with animals, play areas, a farm shop and cafe.
Let yourselves into this luxurious property that is yours for the duration of your stay. Find yourselves in the alcove hallway, with its sweeping staircase, then wander on to discover gracious, generous rooms of Georgian proportions. The kitchen is bright and airy and presents a large, central marble island where guests can congregate and chat over a glass of wine or cup of fresh coffee from the machine. For the chefs in the party, there is an electric range oven and gas hob. Find you have two dishwashers to make clearing up a smooth process and a TV so you can watch your favourite cookery shows as you prepare your feasts. There is also a large kitchen table situated under the window, creating a lovely spot for breakfast.
For more formal dining and special events, head to the classical dining room where a fine, shell and leaf trompe l’oeil motif has been discovered under layers of old paint and wallpaper, offering a true taste of history. The formal dining room can seat up to 18 guests comfortably with the option to add an additional table. Relax in the light and peaceful drawing room with large sofas; enjoy the stunning views over the grounds or light the wood burner and curl up with a good book.
The lounge, aptly named the Red Room, has something of the feel of a gentleman’s club about it. Here there is a pool table where you can challenge each other to a game or two. There is also comfortable seating by the wood burner, plus a projector to create your own cinema room, so bring along your favourite DVDs and watch them on the big screen. Find a broad range of family board games in here too, together with an electric digital piano for the musically inclined. Also, on the ground floor is a separate WC and, tucked away, a butler’s kitchen, with additional cooking facilities.
Discover you have a beautiful king-size bedroom, with en-suite wet room, at ground-floor level, while the rest of the bedroom and bathroom accommodation is up on the first floor. This includes two generous super-king-size bedrooms, which boast high ceilings and huge bay windows, with views over the grounds. There are then two nearby bathrooms, accessible down four steps, with a roll-top bath and separate shower. Find three king-size bedrooms, two with an en-suite shower room, up here too, together with two twins and another family bathroom. At this level, there is also a snug or teenagers’ room, with TV, table football and a double sofa bed, and a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer.
On warm days, guests can spread out and relax outside on the terrace overlooking the expansive garden and woodland. The gently sloping lawn provides plenty of room for exercise and garden games in the glorious summer sun. Opposite a croquet lawn, there is a beautiful stone-built summer house, with comfortable seating. Please supervise children at all times as there are two ponds and stone walls within the grounds and stone walls. You’ll find plenty of parking at this property.