House For Sale £1,950,000
A truly magnificent, 18th century, Lincolnshire property of historic importance is hidden away in an idyllic world of its own yet within easy reach of towns, cities and England’s east coast. Presented in immaculate order and decorated to the highest standards, this handsome, seven bedroomed mansion is flooded with natural light and surrounded by 11 acres of grounds filled with fine mature specimen trees, sweeping lawns and enchanting places to relax. A restorative sense of calm is imbued immediately upon entering the beautifully landscaped setting, a feeling which continues throughout the entire property.
Splendid West Skirbeck Hall was designed in 1795 and finished in 1802 by Henry Clarke, a wealthy brewer, banker, and merchant who was Mayor of Boston in 1805 and 1816. “In the twenty-five years I’ve lived here I’ve never taken it for granted – West Skirbeck Park still takes my breath away every time I drive in – it is so welcoming and grand with such impressive gardens. I have raised a family here and more recently it is my grandchildren who have appreciated it – they love to run around in all the space and they adore playing under the huge, majestic Harry Potter style trees.”
A prominent figure, William Garfit, acquired the Hall in 1872; he owned 12 private banks in Lincolnshire since 1754 and founded many local Lloyds banks. Many Garfit family portraits can be found in the National Portrait Gallery, London. “William Garfit became the MP for the area and held his political surgery in the library. He commissioned the fireplace and surrounding carved panelling depicting trees, acorns and flowers, having his and his wife Sarah’s initials as a feature. It was painted white when I came here and I personally painstakingly removed all the paint so I can vouch for the incredible intricacy of the carvings!”
“The Hall embraces you as you walk in. Although large with 16-foot ceilings, there is a warmth to it and a great sense of comfort and home. It is extremely sociable and has known lavish entertaining through the years being owned by so many dignitaries such as mayors and MPs. We have frequently held parties of 100 to 150 people here; the kitchen I designed to be sociable with the island in the middle adjoining the morning room so you can easily interact with everyone. With 12 pairs of French windows opening onto the encompassing terrace, the Hall is perfect for grand occasions.”
“Christmas is fabulous here with 12- to 14-foot-high trees and wonderful open fires. The connecting drawing room and dining room create an uninterrupted space of 17 metres length surrounded by so many near floor to ceiling tall windows, the light and juxtaposition of the inside and out is tremendous – if it’s snowing, you feel as if you’re inside a giant snow globe!”
The Hall is magnificently decorated and has been exceptionally well maintained. “We have used quality paints in period colours such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene Paint Company, and Zoffany with the gold a ‘by Royal Appointment’ brand; we restored all the original Douglas fir floors with their rich colour and grain which run throughout and all the bathrooms have been recently refurbished.”
“It’s an incredibly well-built Hall. There’s a vast wine cellar, divided into rooms, underneath the entire building with a traditional, vaulted, damp proof tunnel that extends under the York stone terrace keeping the Hall damp free. There is also a very spacious attic which we have used for storage.”
The aspect of each reception room provides the perfect relationship with the sun. “The sun rises through the tall morning room French windows and sets in crimson glory through the drawing room windows. That ‘golden hour’ of the setting sun is heavenly with the reflections of the big glowing skies on the canopy of the trees. French windows open onto a formal dining area on the south facing walled terrace outside that seats up to 16 people where you can really appreciate the evening light with a glass of wine.”
“The parkland is a particularly spectacular feature of the Hall. Planted in 1795, Sir Joseph Banks, Royal Botanist who pioneered plant research for Kew Gardens, had a hand in acquiring rare specimen trees for the Park. Banks, who was a local man, accompanied Captain Cook on his voyages of discovery to America and Australia, bringing back rare plants and trees. As a result, the parkland has an ancient American Buckeye tree, a lovely old American Indian Bean tree and splendidly graceful, ancient Deodar Cedars; the park also had a rare American Black Oak, only three of its age in the country, one of which is in Kew Gardens.”
“I have enhanced the garden by landscaping certain areas in place of rather overgrown shrubberies. A Victorian ha-ha wall encompasses the south facing, formal gardens separating them from the park. I deliberately designed with Regency symmetry in mind and planted to ensure interest all year round. Much thought was given to adjoining the grounds to the parkland with plenty of seating areas enjoying magnificent framed views with the scent of honeysuckle, roses and jasmine filling the air. Paths meander under archways between the different spaces – there is a Chinese pergola, a traditional summerhouse, a Thai gazebo raised above a sunken garden and a wonderful, roofed dining space we call the alfresco pavilion where barbecues are fitted either side of a welcoming rustic open log fire flanked by mullioned windows, a superb place to relax amidst the garden sat in front of a blazing fire. You can wander round with friends from place to place, with a bottle of wine or two, catching the last rays of the sun and relishing the evening fragrances and then enjoy the fire pit in the sunken garden for a real outdoor experience after dark.”
Just recently, the Hall has been made suitable for extraordinary holiday accommodation. “We have fitted new boilers with a thermostatically controlled facility, the Hall has had a re-wire upgrade, all new bathroom fittings, all new kitchen appliances, a hardwired CCTV system with alarm system and smoke detectors connected to 24/7 security and emergency services. All bedrooms and two main reception rooms are hard wired for large, wall-mounted Smart TVs and Wi-Fi has been professionally boosted throughout. The property is now fully certificated ready for luxury accommodation.”
“There is so much atmosphere here whether at sunrise or sunset; it is wonderful to see the mist through the morning trees or crimson sun rays pierce through the evening foliage leaving long shadows on the grass or experience a moonlit walk in the park. Very peaceful and calming, it is such a healing place. It is so lovely to sit out on the terrace listening to the birds, catch a glimpse of the deer family under the trees or an owl, pheasant or partridge family on the lawn – it is as if you are in your own nature reserve out in the wilds yet we are so close to civilization! Tuck into bed at night and feel like you are nestled in the treetops. The Hall and the Park are true hidden gems.”
Location
West Skirbeck Hall stands in a very secluded position within its parkland and landscaped gardens, less than 2 miles south of the historic port and market town of Boston with its rich trading history and a wealth of Georgian architecture. The town is well known for its 14th Century Church of St. Botolph, also called The Stump, ironically due to its extremely tall tower. Other attractions are The Guildhall Museum, Blackfriars Theatre & Arts Centre, Fydell House and Maud Foster Mill. There is a great variety of shops and supermarkets, the Pilgrim Hospital, the Savoy Cinema and many sports facilities including a popular golf club and tennis club with extensive indoor and outdoor tennis.
Further north in the historic town of Woodhall Spa is the National Golf Centre with The Bracken and The Hotchkin Golf Courses consistently rated amongst the world's finest and mentioned in Golf World magazine’s top 100 golf courses.
Locally, you can visit the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, Ark Wildlife Park and Exotic Animal Sanctuary, the RSPB sites at nearby Frampton and Freiston Shore and the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is about 20 miles north. National Trust properties within a 45-minute drive of the property include Gunby Hall, Tattershall Castle, Belton House, Woolsthorpe Manor and Grantham House.
Lincoln is approximately 30 miles northeast, Nottingham 50 miles west, Humberside Airport 50 miles north, Norfolk 30 miles east with miles of unspoilt sandy beaches including the Royal Sandringham Estate and Peterborough 30 miles southeast. Central London is around 115 miles to the south via the A16 and the A1, or by rail, fast trains from Peterborough (about a 45-minute drive) take about 45 minutes to Kings Cross. Grantham is around 28 miles away (40 mins) which is on the same line (and to Edinburgh northwards).
Schools
There is a wide choice for education with many primary schools in and around Boston, one of the closest is within walking distance, St. George’s, an excellent independent prep school, whilst only one mile away the state primary of St. Thomas is rated Good by Ofsted. For state secondary education, Boston High School is also rated Good by Ofsted and is less than 3 miles away and Boston Grammar, founded in 1555, is 2 miles away in the centre of town. Further afield in Sleaford (17.5 miles/approx. 30 mins) there are some highly sought-after grammar schools: Carre’s Grammar School, and Kesteven & Sleaford High School (for Girls), as well as St. George’s Academy, all rated Good by Ofsted.
Agent’s Notes
As well as the certification in place for luxury holiday letting, the property has approved commercial planning for hosting weddings. Professional assessments have allowed up to 100 seated guests for ceremonies within the elegant and palatial proportions of the living room and dining room combined.
A full inventory of the entire contents of the Hall is available for sale by separate negotiation, perfect for an instant start with holiday lets and ideal for a ready-made comfortable getaway haven for those looking for a second home.
It should be noted that there is no onward chain.
Services: Mains water, electricity and drainage; mains gas central heating
Local Authority: Boston Borough Council
Council Tax Band: G
Epc Rating: Exempt
Splendid West Skirbeck Hall was designed in 1795 and finished in 1802 by Henry Clarke, a wealthy brewer, banker, and merchant who was Mayor of Boston in 1805 and 1816. “In the twenty-five years I’ve lived here I’ve never taken it for granted – West Skirbeck Park still takes my breath away every time I drive in – it is so welcoming and grand with such impressive gardens. I have raised a family here and more recently it is my grandchildren who have appreciated it – they love to run around in all the space and they adore playing under the huge, majestic Harry Potter style trees.”
A prominent figure, William Garfit, acquired the Hall in 1872; he owned 12 private banks in Lincolnshire since 1754 and founded many local Lloyds banks. Many Garfit family portraits can be found in the National Portrait Gallery, London. “William Garfit became the MP for the area and held his political surgery in the library. He commissioned the fireplace and surrounding carved panelling depicting trees, acorns and flowers, having his and his wife Sarah’s initials as a feature. It was painted white when I came here and I personally painstakingly removed all the paint so I can vouch for the incredible intricacy of the carvings!”
“The Hall embraces you as you walk in. Although large with 16-foot ceilings, there is a warmth to it and a great sense of comfort and home. It is extremely sociable and has known lavish entertaining through the years being owned by so many dignitaries such as mayors and MPs. We have frequently held parties of 100 to 150 people here; the kitchen I designed to be sociable with the island in the middle adjoining the morning room so you can easily interact with everyone. With 12 pairs of French windows opening onto the encompassing terrace, the Hall is perfect for grand occasions.”
“Christmas is fabulous here with 12- to 14-foot-high trees and wonderful open fires. The connecting drawing room and dining room create an uninterrupted space of 17 metres length surrounded by so many near floor to ceiling tall windows, the light and juxtaposition of the inside and out is tremendous – if it’s snowing, you feel as if you’re inside a giant snow globe!”
The Hall is magnificently decorated and has been exceptionally well maintained. “We have used quality paints in period colours such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene Paint Company, and Zoffany with the gold a ‘by Royal Appointment’ brand; we restored all the original Douglas fir floors with their rich colour and grain which run throughout and all the bathrooms have been recently refurbished.”
“It’s an incredibly well-built Hall. There’s a vast wine cellar, divided into rooms, underneath the entire building with a traditional, vaulted, damp proof tunnel that extends under the York stone terrace keeping the Hall damp free. There is also a very spacious attic which we have used for storage.”
The aspect of each reception room provides the perfect relationship with the sun. “The sun rises through the tall morning room French windows and sets in crimson glory through the drawing room windows. That ‘golden hour’ of the setting sun is heavenly with the reflections of the big glowing skies on the canopy of the trees. French windows open onto a formal dining area on the south facing walled terrace outside that seats up to 16 people where you can really appreciate the evening light with a glass of wine.”
“The parkland is a particularly spectacular feature of the Hall. Planted in 1795, Sir Joseph Banks, Royal Botanist who pioneered plant research for Kew Gardens, had a hand in acquiring rare specimen trees for the Park. Banks, who was a local man, accompanied Captain Cook on his voyages of discovery to America and Australia, bringing back rare plants and trees. As a result, the parkland has an ancient American Buckeye tree, a lovely old American Indian Bean tree and splendidly graceful, ancient Deodar Cedars; the park also had a rare American Black Oak, only three of its age in the country, one of which is in Kew Gardens.”
“I have enhanced the garden by landscaping certain areas in place of rather overgrown shrubberies. A Victorian ha-ha wall encompasses the south facing, formal gardens separating them from the park. I deliberately designed with Regency symmetry in mind and planted to ensure interest all year round. Much thought was given to adjoining the grounds to the parkland with plenty of seating areas enjoying magnificent framed views with the scent of honeysuckle, roses and jasmine filling the air. Paths meander under archways between the different spaces – there is a Chinese pergola, a traditional summerhouse, a Thai gazebo raised above a sunken garden and a wonderful, roofed dining space we call the alfresco pavilion where barbecues are fitted either side of a welcoming rustic open log fire flanked by mullioned windows, a superb place to relax amidst the garden sat in front of a blazing fire. You can wander round with friends from place to place, with a bottle of wine or two, catching the last rays of the sun and relishing the evening fragrances and then enjoy the fire pit in the sunken garden for a real outdoor experience after dark.”
Just recently, the Hall has been made suitable for extraordinary holiday accommodation. “We have fitted new boilers with a thermostatically controlled facility, the Hall has had a re-wire upgrade, all new bathroom fittings, all new kitchen appliances, a hardwired CCTV system with alarm system and smoke detectors connected to 24/7 security and emergency services. All bedrooms and two main reception rooms are hard wired for large, wall-mounted Smart TVs and Wi-Fi has been professionally boosted throughout. The property is now fully certificated ready for luxury accommodation.”
“There is so much atmosphere here whether at sunrise or sunset; it is wonderful to see the mist through the morning trees or crimson sun rays pierce through the evening foliage leaving long shadows on the grass or experience a moonlit walk in the park. Very peaceful and calming, it is such a healing place. It is so lovely to sit out on the terrace listening to the birds, catch a glimpse of the deer family under the trees or an owl, pheasant or partridge family on the lawn – it is as if you are in your own nature reserve out in the wilds yet we are so close to civilization! Tuck into bed at night and feel like you are nestled in the treetops. The Hall and the Park are true hidden gems.”
Location
West Skirbeck Hall stands in a very secluded position within its parkland and landscaped gardens, less than 2 miles south of the historic port and market town of Boston with its rich trading history and a wealth of Georgian architecture. The town is well known for its 14th Century Church of St. Botolph, also called The Stump, ironically due to its extremely tall tower. Other attractions are The Guildhall Museum, Blackfriars Theatre & Arts Centre, Fydell House and Maud Foster Mill. There is a great variety of shops and supermarkets, the Pilgrim Hospital, the Savoy Cinema and many sports facilities including a popular golf club and tennis club with extensive indoor and outdoor tennis.
Further north in the historic town of Woodhall Spa is the National Golf Centre with The Bracken and The Hotchkin Golf Courses consistently rated amongst the world's finest and mentioned in Golf World magazine’s top 100 golf courses.
Locally, you can visit the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, Ark Wildlife Park and Exotic Animal Sanctuary, the RSPB sites at nearby Frampton and Freiston Shore and the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is about 20 miles north. National Trust properties within a 45-minute drive of the property include Gunby Hall, Tattershall Castle, Belton House, Woolsthorpe Manor and Grantham House.
Lincoln is approximately 30 miles northeast, Nottingham 50 miles west, Humberside Airport 50 miles north, Norfolk 30 miles east with miles of unspoilt sandy beaches including the Royal Sandringham Estate and Peterborough 30 miles southeast. Central London is around 115 miles to the south via the A16 and the A1, or by rail, fast trains from Peterborough (about a 45-minute drive) take about 45 minutes to Kings Cross. Grantham is around 28 miles away (40 mins) which is on the same line (and to Edinburgh northwards).
Schools
There is a wide choice for education with many primary schools in and around Boston, one of the closest is within walking distance, St. George’s, an excellent independent prep school, whilst only one mile away the state primary of St. Thomas is rated Good by Ofsted. For state secondary education, Boston High School is also rated Good by Ofsted and is less than 3 miles away and Boston Grammar, founded in 1555, is 2 miles away in the centre of town. Further afield in Sleaford (17.5 miles/approx. 30 mins) there are some highly sought-after grammar schools: Carre’s Grammar School, and Kesteven & Sleaford High School (for Girls), as well as St. George’s Academy, all rated Good by Ofsted.
Agent’s Notes
As well as the certification in place for luxury holiday letting, the property has approved commercial planning for hosting weddings. Professional assessments have allowed up to 100 seated guests for ceremonies within the elegant and palatial proportions of the living room and dining room combined.
A full inventory of the entire contents of the Hall is available for sale by separate negotiation, perfect for an instant start with holiday lets and ideal for a ready-made comfortable getaway haven for those looking for a second home.
It should be noted that there is no onward chain.
Services: Mains water, electricity and drainage; mains gas central heating
Local Authority: Boston Borough Council
Council Tax Band: G
Epc Rating: Exempt
