Fine & Country Feature Property in Collingham Near Wetherby, - Truly Unique

September 2007

It’s rare these days to find a house with more than one unique selling point, but Collingham Wood House near the West Yorkshire town of Wetherby is bursting with them. If the sheer size and space of the house itself does not wow you, then the seven acres of woodland, the formal gardens and the River Wharfe out the back, certainly will.

“However, even if there had only been a boat shed when we first went to look at it, I wouldn’t have cared. I would have wanted to buy the place regardless because it’s in such a phenomenal position.”

Collingham Wood House is nestled in between the River Wharfe and seven acres of natural woodland. The River itself is quiet with no passing traffic, except perhaps the odd duck or swan. But, for Ellen, it’s the woodland that wows her every time. “It’s in the spring that you really appreciate what our woods have to offer.  The flowering season starts off with violets, then it becomes a mass of bluebells and it’s such a great place for wildlife.  We have owls, foxes, rabbits, deer, and badgers.  We’ve made walks all through the trees as well. If you love nature, our woods are perfect.”

There are also formal gardens surrounding the house. Down by the river there are carefully mown lawns, mature trees and flower borders. Ellen says, “We didn’t want the formal gardens to detract from the view across the river, which is why we made them quite flat. We only built the conservatory a couple of years ago and it’s lovely to be able to sit in there and look out across the river, over Wetherby Golf Course and then onto the village of Linton.

“People tell me that the views from the house are addictive but I prefer to use the word ‘intoxicating’ - because I would defy anyone not to feel uplifted when they look out of the window.”

It is the conservatory that Ellen and Alan feel is now the best part of Collingham Wood House. “I love the whole house of course, “Ellen says, “We’ve redone the kitchen in solid wood and our bedroom is wonderful; so spacious. But I have to say it’s the conservatory I love the most. Simply because we have the most beautiful sunsets and it looks out over the river, facing west and it’s just awesome.   We eat in there, and relax in there. Who needs a TV when we have such wonderful views?”

With so much space both in and outside the house, it is no surprise that the current owners spend a lot of time entertaining. Ellen says, “When you look at the dimensions of the house, you can see how roomy it is.  The dining room will very comfortably seat ten people and add in our lovely drawing room and the conservatory and it’s no problem fitting in lots of guests. Last year, I had my sixtieth birthday party here and we had a full house, but there was plenty of room.”

If the new owners ever fancy leaving the space and solitude at Collingham Wood House, they will find they are in a prime location, being just twenty minutes by car from Leeds, Harrogate and York. Even closer is the market town of Wetherby, with shops, supermarkets and, Ellen assures, lovely restaurants.

“I’ve had a love affair with this house for over 20 years,” she says. “And I talk myself out of leaving it on a daily basis! But we feel that we’re getting to a point where in a few years we won’t be able to look after it the way we do now.  We’ve put so much work into the place and want the new owners to fall in love with it the way we did.”

To view the full sales particulars for the property please click here.