Spaces To Gather

The principal reception rooms each possess their own distinct character whilst flowing effortlessly together.

The magnificent drawing room is perhaps the grandest of the home’s reception rooms. A beautiful carved fireplace, original plaster cornicing and a striking crystal chandelier draw the eye upwards, whilst the dual aspect sash windows frame uninterrupted views across the gardens and surrounding countryside. Natural light fills the room throughout the day, enhancing the sense of calm that defines this remarkable space.

“The view from the window is one of my favourite things about the home. I still find myself stopping to look out across the gardens.”

Equally impressive, the dining room has been designed for entertaining on every scale. The coffered ceiling, elegant architectural archway and generous proportions create a wonderful backdrop for everything from family dinners to larger celebrations. French doors set within the bay window open directly onto the terrace, allowing the gardens to become an extension of the room during the warmer months. A door provides direct access to the former servants’ passage, which connects through to the kitchen.

More informal in character, the elegant sitting room provides a peaceful retreat, where the warmth of the gas fire and bespoke arched bookshelves create an atmosphere equally suited to quiet afternoons or evenings spent with friends.

A separate study provides an ideal environment for home working, complete with fitted bookcases and storage cabinets, traditional panelling and views across the driveway and gardens beyond, offering privacy without feeling disconnected from the rest of the home.

The Heart Of Everyday Life

Whilst the formal rooms celebrate the home’s heritage, the kitchen is where everyday life naturally comes together. Exposed dark timber beams, characterful York stone flag flooring and the traditional black AGA bring warmth and authenticity, balanced by Shaker cabinetry, quartz worktops and modern appliances that make the space equally suited to everyday family life. A downstairs WC sits conveniently just off the kitchen.

Fascinating traces of the home’s original service quarters remain woven into this part of Royds House. The former servants’ passage connects the kitchen directly with the dining room, with a pantry and prep kitchen/utility positioned just off it, reflecting a time when meals would have been prepared and served discreetly behind the scenes. The kitchen also retains its own secondary staircase, once reserved for servants, providing an alternative route to the first-floor bedroom accommodation.

Beyond the kitchen, a generous boot room incorporates a second kitchen with an oven and induction hob, integrated washing machine and dryer, with a door opening directly onto the rear courtyard. This additional kitchen brings another layer of practicality to the home, whether used for entertaining, busy family life or simply keeping the main kitchen free when hosting larger gatherings.

A further staircase, entirely separate from both the principal and former servants’ staircases, rises directly from the boot room to a generous double bedroom above. Complete with its own en-suite shower room and overlooking the courtyard through stone mullion sash windows, its slightly removed position gives it a wonderful sense of independence. It would work particularly well for guests, older children or extended family who appreciate having their own space whilst remaining part of the home.

“The kitchen has always been where everyone naturally ends up. Whether we’re cooking, chatting over coffee or preparing for a family celebration, it’s the room that keeps everyone together.”

Quiet Luxury Above

The sweeping staircase rises gracefully to a magnificent first-floor landing where a beautiful stained glass window fills the space with coloured light. The period craftsmanship continues to impress through decorative plasterwork and elegant archways.

The principal suite offers a peaceful sanctuary. Beautifully proportioned and filled with natural light, it enjoys far-reaching views across the gardens and countryside beyond. A dedicated dressing room fitted with bespoke wardrobes provides excellent storage, whilst the luxurious en-suite features marble finishes, twin basins, a deep bath and a separate walk-in shower, creating a space designed for quiet relaxation at the beginning and end of each day.

“Waking up to the view across the gardens is something I’ve never taken for granted, even after all these years.”

The remaining four double bedrooms continue the home’s generous proportions, each enjoying its own individual character through original fireplaces, sash windows and period detailing. Two benefit from en-suite facilities, whilst the beautifully appointed family bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms. Just off the landing, a small open recess believed to have once been a powder room now lends itself perfectly to a writing desk, books or a quiet reading corner, with a sash window overlooking the driveway.