Cliff Oaks Leeds: Latest phase of new £8million gated development complete on site of derelict former mansion in Wortley

Cliff Oaks, perched on a Wortley hillside with views overlooking the city centre, is an ambitious project by Leeds-based developer Priestley Homes to restore a previously derelict site.

The former Cliff House mansion site, in Fawcett Lane, was first constructed as the family home of Joseph Cliff, a noted businessman, in 1843.

It is noted for its staircase and mosaic floor, where it is said a famous racehorse is buried.

From the 1930’s the Grade II listed building was occupied as a residential boys school, Newcliffe House School, and remand home which ceased use in the 1990s.

It began being restored in 2006 after the land was sold, but sadly suffered suffered fire damage which gutted the inside of the building and roof in 2017.

The fire was brought under control before any serious damage to the external façade could be done.

The building, which stands in large grounds, was then placed on Leeds City Council and SAVE Britain's Heritage's at risk register.

Priestley Homes began construction and redevelopment on the site to create the Cliff Oaks development.

Phase one saw the completion of seven bespoke, new-build townhouses adjacent to Cliff House.

Priestley Homes then progressed to renovating the mansion into eight luxury apartments.

In total, there are seven two and three-bedrooms, and a stunning four-bedroom penthouse, complete with a roof terrace.

The converted apartments maintain many original heritage details and are finalised to the highest specification.

Each apartment includes; integrated appliances, including a fridge-freezer and dishwasher, shaker style kitchen with high-quality wall and island units and soft-close cabinets and carpet and luxury wood effect floors throughout.

The high-end finishes also include an integrated music system that you can control from your phone.

The first release of the development sold out in two weeks.

Head of construction for main contractor Priestley Construction, Bob Priestley, said: “Regenerating heritage buildings takes time to do well and is one reason why we divided the scheme into four phases.

"It allows us to build out each stage meticulously, yet quickly, while showcasing our restoration expertise at its very best.”

The site is situated on a hillside location with views over Leeds and excellent connectivity into the city. Cliff Oaks is also surrounded by 14 hectare of park land, Cliff Park, offering a blend of city and rural living, with the centre just five minutes away.

Chief executive officer of Priestley Homes, Nathan Priestley, said: “As a Leeds-based business, we’re passionate about investing back into the city and contributing to the regeneration of areas, such as Wortley.

"Leeds is an increasingly sought-after place to live and work, and Cliff Oaks meets the demand for luxury housing.

"We have seen a great deal of interest throughout construction, and we’ve definitely saved the best until last with the stables conversion and the remaining mansion house apartments – they’re something special that adds to the wider landscape of Leeds.”

Russell Midgley, Director at Aspen Woolf, said: “This is a rare opportunity for people to secure a home with local heritage buildings. We are truly resurrecting a piece of history. The new apartment in a listed private mansion offers a once in a lifetime opportunity, offering the top interiors.”

“Perched on a secluded hillside, and in extensive landscaped grounds, this exclusive gated community will afford residents the dual benefit of proximity to both the city centre of Leeds and rolling countryside in less than 10 minutes.

The next phase of the development, due to complete construction in Spring 2022, involves the conversion of the estates’ stables into four three-bedroom, semi-detached duplex-stye houses with private gardens and a central courtyard.

Private parking is also available.

In total, the development will comprise of 25 new homes.

Prospective buyers can register now to be the first to get details and the ability to reserve.

Prices start from £170,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, up to £500,000 for the four-bedroom penthouse apartment.

Other West Yorkshire developments being built by Priestly include Conditioning House and James St Apartments in Bradford as well as Green Lane Mill in Holmfirth.

Conditioning House is in phase 2 of its development after phase one sold out. There are only seven units left in the development, which comprises of 152 luxurious ‘New York Loft’ style apartments including grade A office space, gymnasium and café, all housed within a truly landmark Victorian woollen mill.

Green Lane Mill is a new conversion of a former watermill in the Holme Valley. There will be 11 two-bedroom apartments, in a rural setting with views of the rolling hills of the countryside.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United. With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.