I am delighted to hear that Saintoft Lodge in Newton-on-Rawcliffe has been listed. This historic property, situated near Pickering, was built in 1888 for Bradford industrialist and philanthropist Frederick Priestman. I'm pleased it has been celebrated for its historic significance - it joins many other impressive historical sites in the Pickering area and I look forward to seeing it next time I am in the Pickering area.
The house is an early exemplar of the cottage-orné Arts and Crafts-style, characterised by its rustic appearance, use of local materials and high-quality craftmanship. It was designed by the Bradford architect WH Herbert Marten and achieved national recognition when it appeared in The Architect journal in 1888.
Whilst most buildings of this kind have only one or two well-designed public facing elevations, Saintoft Lodge boasts good-quality detailing from all sides with local leaded stained-glass panels, and a fish-scaled tiled roof covered in decorative ridge tiles and ornamental terracotta balls.
Saintoft Lodge is also unusually large with generously sized and well-proportioned rooms, which could be viewed as a physical reflection of Frederick Priestman’s progressive attitudes towards his employees and the working classes. A prosperous mill owner and Mayor of Bradford from 1882-1883, Priestman used his wealth for philanthropic purposes, promoting universal education and improved living conditions. His own workers were considered to have some of the best working conditions and benefits in Bradford.
Sarah Charlesworth, Listing Team Leader for the North at Historic England, said: “Saintoft Lodge is a beautifully designed house that wasn’t simply built to display the wealth of its owner but also to provide good quality and comfortable accommodation for the gatekeeper on the estate. The house is a testament to the fact that Priestman cared about the wellbeing of all his employees, not just those working in his mills.”
Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: "The lodge serves as a reminder of the generosity of Frederick Priestman towards his employees and his commitment to using his wealth to improve their lives. I am delighted that, thanks to this listing, it will be well preserved for future generations to enjoy."
