Emley Woodhouse, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Quintessentially Georgian with its handsome symmetry, this Grade II-listed house lies just outside the pretty village of Emley in West Yorkshire. It extends over 5,116 sq ft, with six bedrooms and a series of carefully updated voluminous living spaces. Gardens embrace the building and are filled with the likes of roses, lavender and productive apple trees. A 20-minute drive away, Wakefield Westgate station is a convenient station for travel north and south, with services to Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh and London King's Cross.



Setting the Scene



This home lies in Emley Woodhouse, a quiet hamlet around three-quarters of a mile from Emley. The latter is a peaceful village with a history rooted in agriculture and the mining of iron ore and coal.



Nestled on a quiet country lane, it was originally built as the dower house for nearby Bretton Hall. A tree-lined driveway sweeps up to the house, with its 20-pane sash windows in corniced ashlar surrounds.



The Grand Tour



A fine pilastered front porch frames the front door, which has an arched fanlight overhead. Entry is to a grand entrance hall, its tall archway amplifying a sense of volume. Flagstone flooring runs underfoot, while overhead, a ceiling rose complements smart cornicing.



To the left of the hall is a spacious sitting room, currently used as an additional bedroom. Light pours in through a wide sash window and a set of French doors, both with painted wooden shutters. A snug sits adjacent; here, a log burner set into a wide fireplace is perfect for hunkering down on a winter’s evening.



The kitchen is across the hall and has a large marble-topped island with a butler sink. A smart black Aga sits in an alcove, and built-in cabinets provide ample storage space. Underfoot, red and white decorative tiles add a pop of colour. From here, a pretty garden room can be accessed. Large banks of glazing are separated by smart black trim.



Through the kitchen, an expansive living room is the perfect spot for reclining after dinner. It has timber flooring, integrated shelving and a series of sash windows.



A marvellous dining room is at the front of the house. It has a handsome fireplace with a stone surround, alcoves with intricate plasterwork, and tall sash windows. A utility room and a cloakroom are found at the rear of the house.



An original stone staircase with a curved iron balustrade and a mahogany handrail ascends to the first-floor landing, its walls washed in a mid-grey shade.



There are six bedrooms on this floor, one of which has a large en suite with a walk-in shower and dual washbasins. All are beautifully illuminated by large sash windows. The remaining bedrooms are served by a further two bathrooms on this level - both with showers, one with a bathtub.



There is also a cellar, a garage, a wood store and a garden store.



The Great Outdoors



A wonderful split-level garden extends to the side of the house. Borders are filled with roses, lavender and hydrangeas; there are also apple trees. A greenhouse is a handy haunt for those wanting to grow their own.



Paved areas provide opportunities for outdoor dining in the summer months, and lawns have been carefully tended. The area is a haven for wildlife, and a local footpath leads to a nearby stream and woodland.



To the rear, a sweeping gravelled driveway has a large double garage, plus parking for multiple vehicles.



Out and About



Emley is a peaceful village surrounded by the picturesque West Yorkshire countryside. It has a post office with a shop, a primary school, a church and a pub, The White Horse.



There are many neighbouring villages to explore, including Farnlay Tyas, which has a lovely café called Field and a much-loved local pub, The Golden Cock. The Three Acres in Roydhouse, a nearby hamlet, is an award-winning, family-run restaurant with rooms. Atmospheric local pubs can be found in the likes of Scissett, Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe; a favourite of the current owners is The Dunkirk in Denby Dale.



The winding streets of Holmfirth are around 11 miles away. The town has a collection of excellent pubs and a reputation as a regional hotspot for gigs at the Picturedrome.



The surrounding area is renowned for its rolling countryside and excellent walks. The northern edge of the Peak District is a short drive away and a wonderful starting point for exploring this striking landscape.



The Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park are both under half an hour away and are a brilliant way to admire art and architecture in the local surroundings.



There are excellent schooling options in the area, including the highly regarded Emley Primary School. Dane Royd Junior and Infants School is also close by, as is Shelley College secondary school. Queen Elizabeth Grammar School is a well-regarded private option in nearby Wakefield.



Wakefield Westgate rail station is a 20-minute drive away and runs services to London King’s Cross in approximately two hours. Nearby Huddersfield rail station provides trains to Manchester in as little as 30 minutes, and Liverpool in around one hour and 15 minutes.



Council Tax Band: G