WALK through the doors of Ginette Mitchell’s Edgerton home and more likely than not you will be greeted by the delectable whiff of freshly-baked scones.
In fact Ginette reckons that she has made more than 14,000 of the sweet treats for the many guests she has entertained from all over the world.
Ginette and her husband Martin have been running Elm Crest Guest House, on Queen’s Road, for over seven years.
The couple were looking for a new home in the area and fell in love with the imposing Victorian property.
And as well as finding a family home, Ginette and Martin discovered a new business venture they had never even contemplated before.
Ginette says: “I had worked for Kirklees Council for 22 years in estates, while Martin was working with his brothers at a rug business in Elland and we were thinking about changing jobs as well as moving house.
“We came across a for sale advert and were instantly attracted by the picture of this beautiful, grand building.
“It wasn’t until we read on that we discovered it was in fact a local guest house.
“It wasn’t a business we had considered before, but when we both came and saw the house it was like somebody flicked on a switch.
“Me and my husband hadn’t worked together – we had never even stayed in a guest house before – but the time was right for a change so we took the plunge. It turned out to be the best decision we ever made.”
The couple had been living just around the corner from the Grade II listed house, so already loved the location and the fact that it was near to facilities like their local tennis club.
They also had a love of older properties and the 10-bedroom house, which sits in a leafy suburb surrounded by other grand residences, had character in abundance.
A stunning example of Gothic Victorian architecture, Elm Crest was built in 1864 and originally shared by two brothers who were mill owners.
The house has had 11 owners in its 150 year history and been used for a variety of purposes, including a meeting place for the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society in the 1940s.
The property was later a hotel for 22 years before the previous owners renovated it and ran it as a guest house for a year.
Ginette said: “When we took it on it had no star rating and we had to build up the business from scratch.
“We were thrown straight in at the deep end when we had some guests turn up two weeks before we were due to officially open. The previous owners had booked them in and then failed to mention it to us!
“It felt uncomfortable at first sharing our home with complete strangers, but it soon became second nature and the strangers went on to become friends.”
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
