We sat down to speak with the owners of The Old Police Station by Montgomery House.
If you’ve been walking down Headingley’s North Road recently, you may have noticed the building being renovated just across from Jino’s Thai Cafe. That’s because the old police station, which has sat empty for nearly 20 years, has been transformed into a beautiful aparthotel.
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“We used to walk past the building all the time, and it has been covered in graffiti with smashed-up windows for as long as I can remember,” owner Kat Doodson told us. “When it went on sale five-and-a-half years ago, we just thought we could really do something with this.”
You heard that right – it has taken five-and-a-half years to finally complete the project and completely transform the once-derelict building. Kat, her husband Alex Ball and their business partner Sue Michaels have had a hard time of jumping through hoops with planning works, only actually starting the build in September of 2023.
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So, what led them to embark on this journey? Well, Kat’s family were all hoteliers in the Lake District when she was growing up. When she realised there was a gap in the market for luxury aparthotels in Headingley, she immediately thought of the old police station. Its size, its location and its proximity to some of the best restaurants and bars in the area meant it was a no-brainer.
The five rooms/apartments are the definition of high-end. With super king beds throughout, Dyson hairdryers, Marshall speakers and toiletries from local Snug Aromatics, you’ve no reason to leave the room. That’s unless you want to venture down to the atrium, where you’ll find a luxury espresso machine, Kirkstall Brewery’s finest tipples and tasty snacks from Yorkshire Crisps.
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It isn’t just a hotel, though – it’s an art gallery too. That’s right, The Old Police Station by Montgomery House is now home to the official Tamara Lawson art gallery! With previous galleries in Ilkley, Harrogate and even St Tropez, guests can now enjoy her lovely artwork that’s showcased throughout the building.
If you’re still wondering whether you should book in for a night or two, let Kat tell you herself. “There’s nothing else like it in Headingley. It’s myself and Alex that run it instead of a corporation or chain, giving it that real personal touch. It’s a lot more intimate and luxurious than other places in the area.” We don’t know about you, but we’re sold.
The Old Police Station by Montgomery House, North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3HG. Opens to the public at the end of October.
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