One of Scarborough's most remarkable homes is for sale

The Manor Road lodge and chapel designed by architect Frank Tugwell

By Sharon Dale

Published 23rd Feb 2021, 15:29 BST

That two of the most remarkable properties in Scarborough are still standing, side by side, is something of a miracle. The Manor Road lodge and chapel were designed by renowned architect Frank Tugwell, who was also responsible for the town’s now demolished Futurist theatre and for the interiors of the Savoy Theatre in London and the Theatre Royal in York.

Built in 1901, the buildings bear all the hallmarks of Tugwell’s bravura and Arts and Crafts style but by 1993, the cemetery lodge was in a sorry state. It had been put to new use as a council house before modern building regulations deemed it unsuitable for tenants. Squatters moved in and dereliction took hold.

When Scarborough Borough Council put the house up for auction in 1993, a likely outcome was demolition until local builder Sean Costigan stepped in with a bid to make it into a family home. “I was drawn to it because it was unusual and a challenge and it has been a great place to live and bring up our four sons,” he says “There’s plenty of space, it’s close to town and you can walk down through the glen to North beach without crossing a road.”

The sensitive restoration project took years and while the building was not listed, Sean has stayed true to Frank Tugwell’s vision. Along with replumbing, wiring and plastering, he replaced all the smashed original windows with perfect replicas made by glass specialist Valerie Green. “I could’ve put white uPVC in but that would have been so wrong,” says Sean, a salvage enthusiast.

After buying the officers’ mess at Burniston Barracks and taking it down by hand, he salvaged bricks, old radiators and other vintage pieces for use in a sympathetic revival of the lodge, which has three reception rooms and four bedrooms.

The railings outside were also restored and topped with their original finials, unearthed by the cemetery gardeners, who left them on Sean’s doorstep over a period of 15 years. The adjacent chapel, which the family bought in 2002, is linked to the house and now acts as a games room.

Sean and his wife, Heidi, are now selling to downsize and are leaving the property in good order and with potential. The chapel could be used for light industry, offices or as a separate house or apartments.

The property is on the market for £550,000. Contact: Harris Shields, tel: 01723 341557, www.harris-shieldscollection.uk