Our house: Ginette and Martin Mitchell took on a Victorian house which led to a real change of lifestyle

Mar 9 2010 By Emma Davison

Our house: Ginette and Martin Mitchell took on a Victorian house which led to a real change of lifestyle

The couple felt the previous owners had done a great job on the renovation work, but added their own finishing touches to create a feeling of a home from home.

To features like grand chandeliers adorning the high ceilings they added antique furnishings brought from home and added a personal touch with accessories like Ginette’s collection of cherubs to bring a sense of serenity.

Says Martin: “We wanted to keep the grandeur of the place but to give it some soul so it now feels homely, yet still grand and impressive.

“It was important to us to give the guests a more personal experience than a latch key experience.

“When guests come, rather than being shown directly to their rooms, we ask them to sit down and have a cup of tea and a homemade scone.”

Running the guest house has allowed Ginette to explore her own passion for cooking and she loves nothing more than spoiling guests with her home baked cakes and scones and jams made with fruit from the house’s gardens.

She says: “I worked out that I must have made over 14,000 scones, so it’s a good job I like baking!

“We have people from all over the world coming to stay with us, Americans particularly like coming because they love the old Victorian architecture.

“Some are like our extended family, who return time after time and update us on the latest goings on in their lives.”

Ginette says: “One of the most memorable guests for me was Bob the wood carver from Canada. He went out to find wood and sat in the porch carving this lovely piece for us – he’s going to finish it when he comes back.

The couple have built up the business from no stars to four star accommodation and a reputation as being one of the top guest houses in Huddersfield.

They have decided to sell as they hope to move to the seaside resort of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, in Cleveland, where they have had a property for years.

“The house could easily be returned to its former glory as a large family home, but I would love to see somebody continue as a guest house.

“It’s a lifestyle business and case of getting the right balance but it’s been a great experience for us and we’ve really enjoyed it. But the seaside beckons and, who knows, we might open up a tea room – I’ve got a great scone recipe!”

Elm Crest, Edgerton is on the market with Boultons Estate Agents. To view call 01484 515029.

Price £495,000

Grade II listed double fronted Gothic Victorian property

Currently used as a guest house with eight letting rooms, with separate owner’s accommodation

Well-maintained and decorated with original features