Set in extensive private grounds, Twizell Estate has an illustrious history, once belonging to the eminent botanist and ornithologist Prideaux John Selby, who famously hosted John J Audubon at Twizell. South Lodge forms part of the existing estate with stunning walking and wildlife from the doorstep, most notably the estate's precious red squirrels.
Benefiting from four bedrooms sleeping six, this delightful property has been sensitively restored throughout by the owner. First and foremost, it has the warm feeling of home, with attention to all the little things which help to make a holiday stay a memorable one.
Enjoy the warmth of the electric AGA and perhaps whip up a cake or two, leading into the cosy ambience of the open plan sitting room and dining room, where you can turn the lights down low and enjoy some relaxed chat around the fireside, yet equally well set up for formal dining too. Original artworks of the local area, along with antiques, including a kist from the original mansion house, are lovely features here.
Farrow & Ball colours are used throughout the property along with paint from the Little Green Paint Company, their rich pigment balanced with high-quality fabrics and wallpapers from Mulberry, Colefax & Fowler and Sanderson. The addition of Crystal chandeliers bounces shafts of light beautifully and are a statement piece to each room.
A more formal drawing room offers space for some grown-up time with deep, comfortable sofas in rich blue velvet, adding extra comfort. This leads into a ground-floor bedroom with a double bed, its deep colour scheme and tweed accents inspired by the family archives.
Upstairs are two generously appointed double bedrooms with sumptuous memory foam mattresses and quality duck and goose down duvets. Enormous window seats are the perfect spot to start the day, watching the sunrise or the comings and goings of the local wildlife, including Wilma, the local peacock!
The first double room features an ornate mahogany four-poster bed surrounded by romantic rose and floral wall detailing, delicately hand-painted by a local artist. The second has been finished in a French style with an elegant bed and soothing colour scheme. For the children in the party, two tiny doors from either bedroom open up into a perfect hideaway, ideal for play time or for some hide and seek.
Off the upper hallway, it leads down into the second bathroom (bathroom one on the ground floor) and a further single bedroom with a double bed.
Outdoors, the property sits in an enclosed south-facing private garden, with a patio to the rear and an upper-level seating area offering vast views across the fields and a fire pit for some atmospheric stargazing. This extends into the wider woodland and parkland with designated public footpaths. For those who prefer life on two wheels, there are private hardcore tracks which cyclists can use on the estate, as well as routes all the way down to the coast.
Shooting, fishing, sporting and other outdoor activities offer endless possibilities, along with catering, picnic lunches, special events and celebrations.
South Lodge sits in the same ownership as Gardener's Cottage and may be suitable for larger parties who wish to holiday together. Please refer to the location information and area map on each of the property pages. It should be noted that Gardener's Cottage sits on the other side of the A1, and is approximately 1.8 miles from South Lodge.