History and Heritage of Skendleby Hall…..built in 1750 the hall was commissioned by Lord Brackenbury.
History of Skendleby Hall
Lincolnshire lost many of its beautiful country houses in the middle of the last century but Skendleby Hall, near Spilsby, has not only survived but thrived under attentive ownership.
SKENDLEBY Hall did not escape WWII untouched. It was requisitioned as an officers’ mess for the Green Howards, part of RAF Skendleby, which was a Chain Home Low radar station.
FINE PEDIGREE
The Hall was built as a country residence for Lord Brackenbury and his family in the mid-18th century after a fire in 1750 had destroyed an earlier dwelling.
The Hall is a brick house, in an Elizabethan style, was extended a century later with elegant Victorian additions including a substantial wing and clock tower designed by renowned architect Samuel Sanders Teulon (1812–1873). His designs were exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1848.
The Brackenburys enjoyed the Hall as part of their estate for country pursuits
and its beautiful location. Past guests entertained at the Hall include members of famous Lincolnshire literary families, the Trollopes of Harrington and their niece (sister of Anthony Trollope) and young Alfred Tennyson.
In 1937 Skendleby Hall was advertised for rent as a shooting estate, with Lord Gainsford later purchasing the property. Subsequent owners included an evangelical group, who used the Hall as a retreat and study venue; a developer who converted the building into apartments (and replaced the roof) and an artist and his wife, Brian and Carole Chapman, who saved the property from becoming a ‘block of flats’ and found the natural light of the chapel created the perfect art studio.
COUNTRY HOUSE RE-BORN
The Hall has been Grade II Listed since 1987.
ROOMS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
The drawing room, although grand, has been designed for relaxing with cushioned window seats and comfortable sofas. The fireplace and panelling depict Masonic motifs, a legacy of the Brackenbury connections to Masonry. The library, also wood panelled, has a Highland feel with tartan carpet, while the large, oblong dining room can comfortably seat 24 for a culinary experience with seasonal fresh Lincolnshire produce.
At the end of the room which is part of the extension includes the chapel, built for the Roman Catholic wife of Mr Gainsford. The beautiful Alexander Napier stained glass windows in the chapel bedroom are a real delight.
PRIVATE CELEBRATIONS
The Hall caters for bespoke weddings, private celebrations and corporate events and is now under the new ownership of Adrian Thornton. “People love having exclusive use of the Hall for their family and friends, often combining a special birthday celebration at the Hall with a family meet up”.
THE NEXT CUSTODIAN
Adrian and his team are already welcoming clients who wish to view the Hall for wedding and holiday bookings for 2024 and beyond. It is his intention to continue to make investments in the upkeep, amenities, and presentation of Skendleby Hall to ensure its continued success. Simons Design, based in Lincoln, has been commissioned and senior architect Daniel Christie has already prepared concept design proposals for the interior and new facilities, which will add to the existing luxurious quality of the Hall.
“I love heritage and I love history,” said Dan, “and Skendleby Hall has so much to discover, from the stunning stained glass windows to the oak wood panelled drawing room – you can almost smell the history as you walk through the doors, a wonderful project to work on with our client, Adrian.”
Adrian commented: “I have been inspired by Dan’s vision for the Hall. He has been a delight to work with by guiding me through his ideas.
“In February we held a 1920’s Murder Mystery – a proper immersive event that was both fun and very engaging for the partygoers and we hope to deliver more events at the Hall.”
Adrian will create the next chapter in the story of this remarkable Lincolnshire country house, whose future is once again assured.