An extract from my book, “The History of Crossbasket Castle” by Paul Veverka (c) 2015 approaching the end of my recording of recent history for this building.
The Crossbasket Tower is now an opulent, luxurious five star, 4 storey honeymoon wedding suite. It incorporates wedding accommodation for the bride and groom andfeatures a penthouse viewing lounge to make the most of its prominent views over the grounds and a magnificent honeymoon bedroom suite on the first floor. A large bathroom with luxurious roll top bath is located on the entire second floor! Culminating in a luxuriously appointed and easily accessible “brides” dressing room, formerly the vaulted cellar! I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to spend an exclusive “night in the tower”, but already married, I think my chance for this has passed.
The stone spiral staircase leading to each floor has been fully renovated and trees cut back outside the western side of the tower to maximise the views. It is a most magnificent place for any couple to start their married lives.
The 5th Extension of Crossbasket Castle
As well as this stunning renovation, Steve and Alison were also responsible for Crossbasket Castle’s fifth incredible extension, again, adding massively to the overall footprint of the building. The extension takes the form of the newly constructed Grand Ballroom, which was delayed during construction whilst utility companies removed an existing electrical pole at the rear of the Castle.
This grand ballroom opened for its first proper wedding on 19th December 2015 and accommodates 250 wedding guests. A trial wedding had taken place earlier in the year in May. The portal steel framed building features a stone facade and a cantilevered dramatic viewing balcony on the west wing overlooking stunning waterfalls on the river Calder.
It provides a fully air conditioned space for entertaining. Ideal for the larger wedding or celebration but can be modified to accommodate smaller groups by creating a meeting lounge within the large space. It features outstanding audio / visual, stunning lighting for theming and dancing with a large stage area and brand new bar. The highlight is the grand entrance staircase for those dramatic moments when the bride and groom emerge from the castle to greet their waiting guests. The ballroom is finished beautifully with wood paneling and large glass windows on the pitched roof. Ornate cladded beams decorate and hide the steel and give the whole new building an old look and feel, sympathetic to the overall style of the castle.
On the walls features sepia artwork taken by my wife (and a couple by myself!)
An opening was created in the rear of the castle providing a seamless link spanning from the old building to the new. The outside of the ballroom also has feature wood paneling and a fantastic new terrace was constructed in 2015, overlooking the River Calder below, a site very suited to drinks outside.
Additional external works included extensive landscaping which commenced in November 2015.
In October 2014, the grand drawing room was completed, a room on the ground floor, facing out to the gardens. The public were given a glimpse and taste of the splendor that was going to be common throughout the building. This “first look”, coincided with the official opening of Crossbasket Nursery in the Castle grounds. It also gave a flavor of atmosphere and the “hustle and bustle” of guests and families (rather than workmen) again in the Castle. However, as will be read shortly, this room was soon to have another function.
2015– “The vision has always been to create an authentic interior with the feeling that it has always been that way rather than a ’boutique’ style. Working with our contacts and trades on site, we have been able to bring a fabulous old castle back to life, preserving it for future generations,” said Alison Reid-Timoney in January 2015.
Speaking to Steve in March 2015, I know also he was incredibly proud that future generations of the Timoneys will be able to enjoy this legacy.
In February and March 2015, carpets of the utmost quality started going down in the building, some of which contain the new Crossbasket logo, alongside wooden floors. At the end of March 2015, I visited the Castle whilst editing this book and was kindly given a tour around by Suzanne. I was simply bowled over by the craftsmanship and detailing, perhaps even more so because of my normal day job, as a construction manager. The place was a hive of activity. Painters, joiners, electricians all working together (in apparent harmony). Speaking to a few of the workmen, I got an immediate impression they were immensely proud of the work they were doing, something I think Steve and Alison will be aware of.
The bedrooms are adorned with furnishings that compliment the whole look and feel of the castle and with incredible opulence. I have to say Alison, who has been responsible for this detailing, has an exceptional eye for interior design and a distinct ability to ensure a room offers opulence.
On 21st December 2015, a ‘doors open’ day was held, where the general public were invited along to see the Castle for themselves. The visit was very well received and a tremendous success with very positive feedback. I had the pleasure of being the tour guide on that day, where over 600 people saw firsthand the stunning renovation.
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said:
Dawn Hart I got married at crossbasket in June 16 and still so much has happened since then it’s just stunning!! This pic was from open day on Dec 15 I believe. I think it was to sample the new menu from michel roux
Elizabeth Grieve Not keen on the extensions. It’s not in keeping with the building
Blantyre Project not sure i agree with that. The stone matches colour, the windows are are same as in the tower and the theme of the gothic arches are repeated everywhere. As functional buildings with large open spaces, they were always going to look different from the traditional interior of the rooms. explored the great efforts designers and owners had gone to ensure that they matched within my book.
Jessie Caldow Absolutely stunning !