2023 and beyond!

This year marks 25 YEARS since we first acquired the buildings at Westwood Lodge - then known as The Glenmoor Centre. We've been through a few changes over the years. initially we were a day and residential conference centre with one self-catering cottage and offering B&B in our 10 bedrooms. After Foot & Mouth Disease closed large areas of the countryside in 2001, we limited ourselves to day meetings and then stopped catering operations altogether in 2003. We were totally self-catering stays from then, until the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to virtually close down in 2020. 

Since the easing of Coronavirus restrictions - given our increasing age and energies - we've now switched to longer lets. Generally these are for a minimum of 12 weeks and aimed at people who live elsewhere, but need accommodation here in Ilkley for a few months. Examples include people moving house, carrying out major home refurbishment or needing to be here because of work or the needs of elderly relatives. 

Rest assured, we're not going anywhere! Whilst we're sorry that our regular holiday cottage guests - many we regard as good friends - have had to find alternatives, we are pleased to continue to operate and to invest in the fine Grade II Historic Listed Buildings, that are the wonderful Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor.

Ilkley Civic Society Award for Conservation

We're delighted to have won another award for our conservation work to the Grade II Listed Historic Westwood Lodge.  This was for our cottage re-roofing last year which was "handled sympathetically with a view to meeting modern insulation standards whilst keeping the historic cottages as an important Ilkley asset". Nick Phillips was our lead contractor.

2018 Winter/Spring Refurbishment Complete!

We've had a hectic time since New Year!  Our major project has been the complete stripping of the roofs of Coach House, Applebarn and part of Orchard Cottages.  These were built in 1890 and have NEVER had any insulation or major work.  The original slates were all taken down row-by-row, timbers treated (little was needed) and new Gold Insulation installed.  The original slates were then all relaid using modern rust-proof nails to replicate exactly how it was before.  However, at the same time, the leaning Victorian chimney was taken down and rebuilt using modern mortar and without the lean!

 The leadwork is very impressive

The finished dormers are very much late-Victorian

 The fretwork at the gable ends has all been restored including the finials

 The chimney has been rebuilt to how it was in about 1901

Various modern windows had been inserted over the years and these were all removed.  Handbuilt, hardwood double glazed windows have been used, replicating the original style and finish, by local craftsmen.  The lead finish on the dormers is particularly commendable.  A full redecoration, new boilers etc completed the work just in time for Easter. 

Open Day at Westwood Lodge!

Stop Press! Thanks to everyone who called in to say hello this afternoon! We were amazed how many came, toured Westwood, sampled Paula's homemade cakes, sipped Yorkshire Tea and helped fund raising for Macmillan Cancer Care.  We'll hold another Open Day soon, so watch this space !

This Saturday - 16th March 2013! We're opening our doors to offer a glimpse inside The Main House at Westwood Lodge.  Sympathetically restored and refurbished, The Main House has recently been added to our Five Star and Four Star Gold Award self-catering holiday cottages and apartments.  It's a Grade II Listed building usually only available for our overnight guests to see inside!

The Main House has been added in response to people seeking accommodation for larger groups of family and friends.  It’s already proving popular locally for extended family get-togethers, wedding anniversaries, and even funeral gatherings.  The Main House has now received the coveted 4 Star GOLD award from Visit England. It has 2 large reception rooms and 7 bedrooms, sleeping 20 guests, all of whom can dine together in comfort and privacy.

"Guests come from around the world to stay in our cottages, but some Ilkley residents seem to be unaware of our existence.  We want Ilkley folk to see inside at what we have to offer"

"It's a perfect place for a celebration weekend, if you don't have room to accommodate everyone in your own home. The Main House is so spacious that organising a big family birthday weekend, christening or even a college reunion becomes not just feasible, but enjoyable.  We offer a welcome touch of luxury in an incredibly homely setting ".

So, when is it again?  Saturday March 16th from 2pm until 4pm.  Everyone is welcome to drop in, whether or not there's a special occasion in mind.  Coffees, teas and cake will be available with donations to Macmillan Cancer Care.

Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor, Wells Road, Ilkley LS29 9JF welcome@westwoodlodge.co.uk

Autumn/ Winter Works 2011/12 - Latest news

Westwood Lodge is a Listed historic building and we carry out ongoing refurbishment and new work during the quieter winter months. This year, work has started early as we also have planning permission to build an additional cottage on the Victorian building plot to the north of Westwood Lodge. We need to get well advanced before the bad weather sets in! This will temporarily affect The Glenmoor and The Scullery Garden Apartments and noise may, at times, affect other accommodation until February (ish). We will make every effort to keep any disturbance to a minimum. Depending on the work, we may need to allocate some guests another cottage (or apartment) on arrival. We aim to run as near normally as possible with all facilities - except the football nets and upper terrace - open as usual. Cottage gardens and the roof garden will not be affected. Work will only take place between 8am and 4pm (approx) Mondays to Fridays (and possibly Saturday mornings if there have been delays midweek). No work will take place on Saturday afternoons, Sundays or during the Christmas/ New Year period, although it is likely that some materials and equipment will be stored here. The worksite will be fenced and secured at all times with no access. For details of the planned works schedule (which may change depending on weather and other factors), please email us.

2012 Going Live!

Bookings for 2012 are now open. Popular dates such as The Old Gallery at Christmas and New Year may get taken quickly, so now is the time to book ahead!

Winter 2011/12 will see more refurbishment and upgrades as well as our proposed grass roofed cottage on the adjoining plot (see separate post). We're hoping to get permission for a new games room that will feature table football, pool and a "chillout" zone. Weather (and funds!) permitting, will see re-roofing, using the original slates new cast guttering and replacement of the last of the 1960's windows with original Victorian style ones. We especially want to get the windows in the original writing room - now The Moorview - replaced as quickly as we can. We've also got plans for other parts of the main house so, watch this space!

More Restoration Work to Westwood Lodge - Listed Building Consent application submitted

Tim and Paula have submitted an application to further restore Westwood Lodge to her former glory. Out will go all the remaining 1960's and 70's modern softwood windows to be replaced by proper Victorian style mock sashes. Modern Velux windows will go too, to be replaced by conservation style windows or proper slate dormers in the style of the originals that still exist. The courtyard cottages will be re-roofed using the original slates that will be carefully removed and relaid with galvanised nails after insulation has been installed and any rotten timbers replaced. Rusting guttering will be renewed with aluminium retro style in keeping with the originals. The biggest change will see the original double-hipped roof and glazing to the Victorian writing room (now The Moorview) reinstated to replace the ugly, flat roofed modern monstrosity. A separate planning application regarding Tim and Paula's domestic living arrangements will be made later in the year.

We've been here for over 12 years and are as determined as ever to fully restore the Westwood Lodge buildings to their former glory for us, our holiday guests, town residents and future generations to enjoy, without the fear of falling back into disrepair through neglect said Tim

Click here to see how Westwood Lodge will look after completion of the work

LATEST - Listing Building Consent was granted on 19th November 2010. A date has yet to be set for when the work will take place.