Rectory revamp that created a stunning home for the family
A VISIT to a friend’s house in Yorkshire led to a life-changing decision for Gordon and Angela Lorimer.
While reading the local newspaper, they spotted an advertisement for The Old Rectory and decided to view it.
“We hadn’t even thought of moving from our home in Surrey but eight weeks later we were living in Yorkshire. Gordon just said, ‘that’s the house for us’ and he was right,” says Angela, who grew up in the area.
The couple, who have three children, were enchanted by the grade two star listed property even though it was in need of renovation.
The building, which dates back to the 14th century, has a wealth of architectural features and sports a blue plaque from Wakefield Civic Society detailing its rich history.
It was built for the local rector before being confiscated by Henry VIII during the Reformation. Later owned by the Church of England , it was bought by a local couple in the 1960s.
“It needed a lot of work when we bought it and we spent 10 years making it into a beautiful family home,” says Angela, who runs a B&B from the property’s cottage annexe.
“There were a lot of 60s and 70s features and a lot of false ceilings that hid the old beams. We took all that out so you can really appreciate the building.”
The transformation shows off the architectural splendour of the property, which has stone mullion windows, medieval timbers and original fireplaces.
The house, which is set in an acre of grounds, now has a hall with cloakroom, a breakfast kitchen with Britannia range cooker, a drawing room with oak concertina doors to the dining room, a family room and a cellar.
Upstairs, there is a master bedroom with dressing room, three bedrooms and a fifth bedroom/home office.
The cottage annexe, which is accessed from the main house, was previously used as a workshop. It now boasts a sitting room, breakfast kitchen, a bedroom with en-suite, a second bedroom and a house bathroom. There is also a balcony on the first floor overlooking the garden.
Outside, there are landscaped gardens with sitting areas, walkways, open lawns and mature trees. There is a very spacious patio to the front of the house, just a short walk from a sunken fire pit, which has proved a big hit at parties.
“I got the idea from visiting Kenya. Fire pits are really popular there. Ours is big enough to seat 25, which is lovely on Boxing Day when we have a big family party,” says Angela.
“We are selling because our children are becoming more independent and we fancy a change, but we will miss the house. It’s lovely at this time of year thanks to the four roaring log fires.”