October 3, 2013

I’ll Take This: Mini-Downton Abbey

Since it looks like it’s shaped up to be house week here at Pigtown*Design, I thought I’d cross the pond and show you a mini version of Downton Abbey – yours for a mere £465,000. Actually not a bad price. Georgian, of course, and with a 300-year old pedigree to go along with it. imageHere’s a little history of the place: Commissioned in 1673 by William Hudson, a wealthy merchant and Chief Lord of the manor of Bridlington, The Toft was designed to display Hudson's new found wealth and status. The property was originally a two story house with attic accommodation and a cupola to the south elevation so that Hudson could keep an eye on his ships at the Quay. The property remained in the Hudson family until the mid eighteenth century. In around 1840, the house was remodelled with a third story added, the interior however was of such quality that it remained largely untouched.

The entry hall with its marble floor and brilliant red lacquered walls is gorgeous, but the real feature in this room is the different pediments over each of the doors leading to the principal rooms. image

The timber paneled dining room has a gorgeous Doric-framed chimney breast and window seats under leaded glass windows. The floor looks like it could use a bit of refinishing, and I am sure the paneling could use a good scrub with oil soap as well. image

The first floor drawing room with moulded paneling, concealed storage cupboards and ornate carved chimneypiece, is one of the unique features of this house. image

All but a few of the rooms within the house enjoy intricate plaster friezes, deep decorated architraves, cornices and fine moulded plaster ceilings.image

The one bedroom that the listing showed is even wood paneled, although I’d move the dresser out from right in front of the beautiful fireplace!image

There is a walled knot garden in the rear of the house, which is believe to be more than 150 years old, image as well as another garden space. image

It’s close to the Yorkshire coast – actually within walking distance – so the location is excellent. image

Yes, I would take this in a heartbeat!

10 comments:

  1. You had me at Georgian house but then I reconsidered bc of location. I was hoping it might be in Wales or the west country. But what a stunner and actually is considered great value because that won't buy you a studio in central London!

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    1. Location isn't the best, but at least it's near the water!

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  2. What a contrast in interior preservation.

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  3. I just found out that my friend Austen walks by this house every day! He said he's gotten some glimpses into the interior, but never had any idea that it was this well-preserved.

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  4. I'm in love with the black/white floor against red walls - gah!!!! And the next picture, well I just want a HUGE bottle of Murphy's and a damp rag... all that wood needs some love to look its best!

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    1. I agree! It looks like a bit of work will bring that wood right back!

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    2. Don't use Murphy's Oil Soap on wood...vinegar and water makes an excellent cleaner for wood surfaces.

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    3. Maybe do the vinegar and water and then wax the wood to protect it. A nice buffed wax finish would look stunning.

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  5. It's funny how we start to remodel in our heads. My first thought was, "Ditch the shutters and those teal doors and the little flower boxes balanced on the sills." My next thought, given it's age, was that I wondered how the underpinings were holding up...have beams been replaced, etc. or one *poof* and down comes the flooring. All in all, though, a little jewel of a house. Tons of charm.

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