Property description

We are pleased to offer for sale this historic and unique Grade II listed Observatory which was professionally and sympathetically converted in 1997, to provide a most impressive and spacious four bedroomed residence which is situated in this highly desirable and much sought after residential location set in approximately 0.4 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland. The Observatory was built as part of the Bermerside Mansion by Edward Crossley in 1872 and after its conversion it has retained many original and period features which enhance the character of this delightful residence. An internal inspection is absolutely essential to fully appreciate this unique historical residence and its delightful south facing garden.The entrance door opens into the

BREAKFAST KITCHEN 14'6" x 14'2"Being fully fitted with a range of modern wall and base units incorporating matching work surfaces with a 1 ½ bowl sink unit with mixer tap, Leisure Rangemaster 110 multi-fuel cooking range with extractor in canopy above, integrated dishwasher and glass fronted display cabinets. The kitchen is tiled around the work surfaces with complementing colour schemes to the remaining walls, inset directional spotlight fittings to the ceiling, double glazed window to the rear elevation overlooking the attractive courtyard garden and two double radiators. French doors open onto the south facing patio garden.From the Kitchen a doorway through to the

INNER HALLWith a panelled door to the

LOUNGE 19'7" x 19'9"This superb spacious room has a wealth of charm and character with a large floor to ceiling arched window to the front elevation incorporating doorway with double doors opening onto the south facing garden with double glazed windows to either side and above. There are further double glazed windows to the side elevation providing this room with its light and spacious aspect. There is feature colonade plasterwork around the fireplace and an electric living flame fire with marble inset and hearth. Three double radiators, inset spotlight fittings to the ceiling and a fitted carpet. There is a wrought iron open staircase to a mezanine floor with a balcony overlooking the lounge with a hidden door opening into spacious under the eaves storage which could be converted into further living accommodation (14'9" x 14'5") if so required. The storage area houses the two combination boilers, one for the ground floor and one for the first floor, a cylinder tank, Panasonic Switchboard and the TV distribution amplifier.From the Lounge a panelled door opens into the

HALLWith cornice to ceiling with matching dado rail, and one double radiator. From the Hall a panelled door opens into the

DINING ROOM 14'10" x 14'10"With a feature Minster style fireplace to the chimney breast with a slate hearth, cornice to ceiling with matching dado rail, stone mullioned window to the side elevation with double glazed unit, and one double radiator. The dining room is also accessed from the Inner Hall.From the Hall a panelled door opens into the

DOWNSTAIRS CLOAKROOMWith a modern two piece suite incorporating a low flush WC and pedestal wash basin. This downstairs cloakroom is half tiled with complementing colour scheme to the remaining walls, one single radiator, coat hanging facilities and an extractor fan.From the Hall a panelled door with arched stained glass window above opens into the

GARDEN ROOM 10'1" x 11'9"With exposed stone work to two walls with a double glazed skylight roof. Double glazed French doors open onto the south facing garden with large double glazed windows to the side and above. Three double radiators.From the Hall a panelled door opens into the

STUDY 12'9" x 11'4"With a double glazed window to the side elevation. The study has super fast BT Infinity Wi Fi, one double radiator and a fitted carpet. From the Inner Hall steps lead down to the

BASEMENT UTILITY CELLAR 15' x 15'With a white enamel sink unit, power and light and plumbing for an automatic washing machine, vented for a tumble dryer. Louvre doors open to a further storage area with fitted wall and base units. From the Hall a staircase leads to the

FIRST FLOOR LANDING With cornice to ceiling, matching dado rail, and one double radiator. From the Landing a door opens to

BEDROOM FOUR 11' x 11'2"With two Velux double glazed skylight windows, double doors to a built-in wardrobe with cupboard space above with further cupboard providing useful storage facilities. From the Bedroom a panelled door opens to the

EN SUITE SHOWER ROOMWith white three piece suite comprising pedestal wash basin, low flush WC and a fully tiled shower cubicle with Mira shower unit. The en suite is fully tiled has one single radiator and two inset spotlight fittings.From the Landing a panelled door opens into

BEDROOM TWO 16' x 12'8" (including en suite)With a double glazed window to the side elevation, built-in furniture comprising double wardrobe with small dressing table and chest of drawers, one TV point, a fitted carpet, one and one double radiator.From the Bedroom a door opens into the

EN SUITE BATHROOMWith modern three piece suite comprising pedestal wash basin, low flush WC and a panelled bath with mixer tap and shower fitting. The en suite is fully tiled and has a single radiator, shaver point and a fitted carpet.From the Landing stairs with fitted carpet lead to a small landing with panelled door opening to the

SPACIOUS MASTER BEDROOM 19'10" x 17'9" (including En Suite Shower Room)With double doors opening onto the stone balcony overlooking the south facing garden. Double glazed windows to the side elevation, and built-in wardrobes with cupboard space above, and a matching dressing table with chest of drawers, inset spotlight fittings to the ceiling, two radiators and a fitted carpet.From the Bedroom a panelled door opens into the

EN SUITE BATHROOMWith modern white four piece suite comprising wash basin in vanity unit, low flush WC, panelled Jacuzzi bath with shower above and bidet. This attractive en suite bathroom is fully tiled and has one single radiator, an extractor fan and a fitted carpet.From the Master Bedroom a panelled door opens into

BEDROOM THREE 13'7" x 14'3"With double glazed windows to the front and rear elevations, two sets of double doors open to wardrobe facilities, one double radiator, and a fitted carpet.

GENERALThe property has the benefit of all mains services, gas, water and electric with the added benefit of gas central heating and double glazing. The property has the added benefit of a hard wired Bose sound system which runs through the house so high quality "Hi Fi" can be enjoyed from a central distribution system. All rooms have T V and telephone sockets and there is a Panasonic Switch Board enabling internal communications and the automatic opening of the Yale lock on the outside door.

EXTERNALThe property is set in approximately 0.4 acres of garden and woodland. To the front of the property there is a large south facing garden with landscaped gardens incorporating flagged patio areas, lawns, mature trees and shrubs, woodland area, water features, external lighting, rockery, vegetable and fruit garden. There is a decked entertainment area with a water feature which provides excellent facilities for external entertaining. To the side of the property there is a small courtyard garden with access to the rear entrance door and a tarmacced drive leading to a spacious.

DETACHED DOUBLE GARAGE 19'7" x 21'4"This spacious double garage has electric up and over doors, power and light. It provides superb storage facilities and has the potential to be converted into further living accommodation subject to the relevant planning permissions being granted.

To the rear of the property there is a flagged courtyard garden with steps leading to the entrance door and a tarmac drive leading to the detached garage and providing parking facilities.

TO VIEW Strictly by appointment please telephone Property@Kemp&Co on 01422 349222.

DIRECTIONSFrom our office in Skircoat Green proceed along Skircoat Green Road taking the third turn left into Lawrence Road, proceed straight ahead at the first crossroads until reaching the junction with Greenroyd Avenue, turn left into Greenroyd Close and follow the road straight ahead to Bermaside House and follow the road to the right. The Observatory is in the left hand corner.

HISTORYIn 1872, Edward Crossley, the Managing Director of the famous Crossley Carpet's Empire, had a mansion, known as Bermerside, built in the residential area known as Skircoat. Being a keen astronomer and a member of the Royal Astronomical Society, he had constructed, 25 yards from the mansion a magnificent observatory with the building housing two circular domes. At its height the building and dome stood majestically some 42 ft from the ground. He purchased two of the largest telescopes in the world at that time and they went on to become famous in their own right. Indeed the 9.8 inch diameter Thomas Cook refracting telescope became, in the early 20th century, the main public telescope of New Zealand enjoying today its own observatory in the Botanical Gardens above Wellington Harbour. Known as The Carter Telescope it is still used weekly to view the heaven and stars. Why not log on and search 'Carter Telescope'. At some 18 ft in length it once stood at the centre of the Master Bedroom of the residence you are about to view! A pencil sketch dated 1875 shows the Observatory with one of its cylindrical copper domes when it was 'attached' to Bermerside. The other telescope, a 36 inch reflector, is at the top of Mount Hamilton in California and became America's principle photographic telescope for thirty years! The Observatory, a grade II listed building was converted in 1997 to form a delightful 4 bedroomed residence.

Property Features :

• Hall
• Spacious Lounge with Mezanine Floor
• Breakfast Kitchen
• Dining Room
• Garden Room