**EAST LODGE**
GORGEOUS GEORGIAN GATEHOUSE
Bursting with character and offering a quiet and idyllic way of life, welcome to East Lodge.
Set behind a gated walled entrance in the rural...
GORGEOUS GEORGIAN GATEHOUSE
Bursting with character and offering a quiet and idyllic way of life, welcome to East Lodge.
Set behind a gated walled entrance in the rural countryside village of Skelbrooke in South Yorkshire, this charming four-bedroom detached cottage has an abundance of charm and is sure to capture the heart of a new owner with its period features and wonderful green surroundings.
Dating back to the early 1700s, this stunning property is the former gatehouse to the now neighbouring Skelbrooke Hall, which was separated after the war in the 1950s and has since become a family home of its own.
Just half a mile from the A1 motorway, Skelbrooke is marvellously accessible despite its feeling of remote seclusion. This quaint village is made up of less than 100 houses and is part of the parish of Hampole. The field views are simply delightful and with privacy plus ample space to grow, this is a fantastic place to set up home.
AN ELEGANT ENTRANCE
Given the property’s exterior is one of its finest features, it’s perhaps fitting that all entrances to the home are accessed via a pathway which cuts across the immaculate lawn.
Pass over the pebbled driveway in front of the double garage and through the side gate to enter the private and secluded garden surrounded by six-foot cobbled stone walls.
You’ll immediately see the pride that has gone into maintaining the outdoor space and if you stop for a moment to admire the architecture, you’ll notice nothing but birdsong which represents the totally tranquil vibe here at East Lodge.
CHIC COUNTRY KITCHEN
Depending on which door you enter the property from, it’s likely your first port of call will be the kitchen which lays a fine claim to being the most loved part of the home. The current owners have a small dining table situated here for the perfect breakfast spot, with a further formal dining room across from the lounge.
Standing in the 1980’s extension of the house, this room is not only ready for a bustling family but is also the most modernised space. Renovated from top to toe only six years ago, you’ll find all the mod-cons you’ll need including a Rangemaster cooker, integrated Bosch appliances, a wine cooler and underfloor heating for home comforts in the winter months.
Finished with neutral and chic grey shaker-style units and a practical slate tiled floor, the aesthetic strikes the perfect balance of a modern cottage, with a nod to the heritage of the property in the form of whitewashed wooden beams overhead.
COSY UP
Across the hallway, you’ll find the large yet cosy lounge which is set in another extension; this time dating back to the 1700s.
Dual-aspect windows look out to the garden to ensure this space is flooded with daylight all year round which is an extra special treat in the summer. In the darker months though, the dual-fuel stove comes into its own to provide an inviting evening ambience. Coupled with the solid oak flooring underfoot and the feature oak mantel, the period charm is oozing from this characterful space.
ORIGINAL FEATURES
Moving through to the dining room, you’re now into the original quarters of East Lodge where the walls have decades of history to tell. The charming traditional interiors continue in here with original beams defining the ceiling, as well as a statement cast iron fireplace adorned with Victorian tiles.
You’ll also spot the solid wood interior doors throughout the ground floor, complete with the original locks and handles – a detail which sets this home apart from similar unsympathetically modernised properties.
The French doors allow plenty of light and give you access to the garden as well as offering the perfect opportunity to bring the outdoors in when hosting the wider family in the summer months. The pretty gravelled courtyard right outside is a lovely spot to dine al fresco when the sun is shining.
Before heading upstairs, you’ll also see a contemporary tiled downstairs W/C tucked away by a further side entrance for ample convenience.
FIRST FLOOR DOUBLES
As you head upstairs to the first floor, the quirky wooden staircase set beneath deep skirtings leads to a split-level landing where you’ll be greeted with another fine view out to the countryside from the window at the top.
To either side of the split-level landing are two large double bedrooms; both of which could make a claim to be the master. There’s very little between them in terms of size and design, plus both offer views out to the garden and come with concealed storage.
The wooden oak flooring from the stairs continues seamlessly throughout the sleeping quarters, adding a cohesive and simplistic style.
FAMILY BEDROOMS
Two further bedrooms await which each could hold a small double bed, either for children or guests. At present, bedroom three which overlooks the entrance to Skelbrooke Hall is set up as a single and the fourth is being used as an office – demonstrating the flexibility perfectly. Neutral and simplistic decor as standard ensures that minimal effort will be required to make your mark, however you please.
BEAUTIFUL BATHROOM
Between bedroom three and four, you’ll find the luxurious family bathroom. Totally modernised to a hotel standard and tiled floor to ceiling in chic Travertine, you’ll find a spacious white suite to soak in style. A large built-in bathtub, concealed cistern W/C, separate double shower cubicle and contemporary wall-hung wash basin finished with chrome accessories complete the space to a high standard.
WHIMSICAL WALLED GARDEN
The owner’s love for gardening and all things outdoors comes shining through when you step outside into the property’s wonderful garden, which has a bit of something for everyone. A choice of patios carefully placed to catch the rays – one stone and the other being raised flag – ensures that you’ll have a spot in the sunshine no matter what time of day. Nothing beats a quiet coffee after sunrise, but the layout and space on offer is equally suited to hosting busy parties and BBQs.
The ample lawns are immaculately kept and surrounded by tall mature trees including a large cherry tree which blossoms each and every year.
A highlight for the green-fingered – the addition of two vegetable patches has produced peas, runner beans, onions, courgettes and beetroot this year alone and should appeal to those who have a love for growing their own. There’s also no shortage of storage dotted around the perimeter with direct access into the garage, a new outdoor shed and brick-built wood storeroom on offer, meaning the bikes and outdoor furniture can be safely stowed when not in use. With no overlooking properties to disturb your peace and relaxation, you’ll feel a million miles from civilisation.
AREA TO EXPLORE
Skelbrooke is a frontrunner for those who love nothing more than the quiet humming of birds and beautiful countryside views in the morning.
Unlike many villages nearby, Skelbrooke has retained its peaceful small-scale rural feel and yet is positioned less than a mile from the A1 giving perfect access links to larger towns and cities across Yorkshire.
Located off the beaten track, there’s plenty to love about the lifestyle here. Within the village itself, there are fields in all directions and at the heart of the community you’ll find the Grade II listed church of St Michael and All Angels. Another interesting recent addition is the Skelbrooke Community Garden where you can take a seat to enjoy the wildlife.
Venturing out, there’s plenty within a short driving distance. In nearby Campsall, you can visit Doncaster Country Park; a dream for those who love to pull on their walking boots and embrace the great outdoors. You can occupy yourself for hours here, take the dog for a walk or enjoy some fresh air with the children surrounded by lakes and woodlands.
The nearest and most convenient towns are Pontefract and South Elmsall offering all the amenities you’d need on a day-to-day basis. Doncaster, Wakefield and Leeds city centres are all within half an hour too by train or car.
Heading out for an evening meal, the nearby village of Wentbridge is not to be overlooked – where you’ll find The Blue Bell Inn pub accompanied by Blue Smoke Artisan Pizza restaurant. Fine dining or an afternoon tea treat is also on offer at the highly regarded Wentbridge House Hotel.
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Four Bedroom Period Stone Cottage
Former Gatehouse to Skelbrooke Hall
Character and Modern Features Throughout
Modern Breakfast Kitchen
Good Sized Lounge and Dining Room
Downstairs Cloakroom
Modern Four Piece Bathroom
Expansive Garden with Greenhouse, Vegetable Plots and Multiple Patio Areas
Double Driveway and Double Garage
A Quaint and Picturesque Home with Open Countryside Views
