9 bed detached house for sale

Cleatham, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21

Cleatham Hall is, at its heart, a magnificent family home, steeped in history and set within approximately 9 acres of serene North Lincolnshire countryside. This striking Grade II listed country house dates back in part to the 18th century, with substantial Classical Revival-style additions made in 1855. Once a modest Georgian residence, it was transformed into an elegant Palladian hall that remains a testament to refined family living.

The Hall holds notable historic interest as the ancestral estate of Charles Darwin, whose forebears owned Cleatham in the early 17th century. Darwin himself wrote of his great-great-grandfather William Darwin, who held the estate under James I and Charles I as Yeoman of the Armoury at Greenwich. The house later passed through successive generations of the Darwin family before being sold in 1760.

Now enjoyed as a boutique hotel, Cleatham Hall’s scale and layout lend themselves beautifully to reinstatement as a grand and welcoming private residence. The house is ideally located within easy reach of the villages of Scotter and Messingham, with excellent road links via the A15 and M180 - perfect for families seeking both seclusion and accessibility.

Internally, the ground floor is tailored for both elegant entertaining and comfortable family life. A generous reception hall leads to a series of reception rooms, including a cosy sitting room, dining room, bar, and an impressive orangery, offering a tranquil space for year-round relaxation. Both winter and commercial kitchens provide flexibility for everyday use or large-scale gatherings.
Upstairs, the main house provides a luxurious principal suite alongside five further ensuite bedrooms—ideal for children, extended family, or guests. The North Wing adds further versatility, with three ensuite bedrooms and a spacious reception room—perfect for multigenerational living, independent guest accommodation, or staff use.

Externally, Cleatham Hall continues to impress. A sweeping driveway leads to landscaped lawns on three sides, flanked by mature trees and open views across surrounding farmland. In addition, there are approximately 6 acres of paddock land, making it particularly appealing to equestrian buyers, with ample space to develop stabling and other facilities, subject to consents. A double garage and separate laundry room enhance practicality.

While currently operating as a boutique hotel, a return to full residential use would be straightforward, as the existing residential status is already in place. Cleatham Hall is a rare opportunity to acquire an architecturally significant country estate with a rich historic legacy—and the flexibility to create a truly outstanding family home.