The School House, Capheaton

Set within the prestigious Capheaton Estate, The School House accommodated the resident teachers of Capheaton School for nearly a century before the parish school closed in the 1970s. Black and white photographs of the school and its former pupils now adorn the walls of the tastefully converted, Grade II listed stone building in a nod to its history, which is inextricably linked with the even longer history of Capheaton Estate.

Comprising 500 aces of woodland, walled gardens and landscaped parkland that extends down to the large Sir Edward’s Lake as well as the historic Capheaton Hall, a Grade I listed Baroque-styled mansion dating to 1669, and a small village, the Capheaton Estate has belonged to the Swinburne family since 1260. Together with a smattering of other stone cottages, The School House sits just outside the main gate to Capheaton Hall, a tranquil location with unbroken views of Sir Edward’s Lake and the lush woods surrounding it.

Capheaton’s current owners, Willy and Eliza Browne-Swinburne, are deeply committed to the maintenance of the estate’s sprawling gardens, woods and habitats as well as the ongoing restoration of the buildings within it. As such, they have transformed The School House into a comfortable family home that oozes laidback charm while retaining many of its original features. The sitting room, which is warmed by a wood burner in a large original stone fireplace, is dotted with squashy sofas and armchairs covered in homely throws and features a window seat from which to admire the views of Sir Edward’s Lake. The informal dining room also features a wood burner, original fireplace and lake views while the galley kitchen, set in a single-storey side extension, sports a Victorian-inspired star tiled floor and exposed timber beam.

Moving upstairs, the views of the lake are even more expansive and can be enjoyed from the vibrantly upholstered window seats and beds of the two double bedrooms. These two rooms, and a cosy bunk room, share access to a family bathroom with a bath and separate shower.

The enclosed back garden makes a lovely spot for enjoying the peaceful surroundings and indulging in the odd BBQ. The Browne-Swinburnes invite guests to enjoy walks around the Lake and can arrange a visit to the gardens at Capheaton Hall with the Estate team. For days when you’d like to explore slightly further afield, the splendid Belsay Hall, castle and gardens and National Trust Wallington house and gardens are both ten minutes’ drive away and keen golfers will find a wide choice of golf courses in the local area.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

There are four other holiday properties available for let at Capheaton Estate - Lakeside Cottage - Alice, sleeping 4, Lakeside Cottage - Emily, sleeping 2 and Lakeside Cottage - Edward, sleeping 2 which sit on the same row as The School House. The West Wing, sleeping 8 sits in the main grounds of the Estate within Capheaton Hall.