Grange Hall, Kildwick, BD20

Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire’s picturesque countryside, being so close to Skipton (Gateway to The Dales), recently named one of the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live in the North and North-East, and with Ilkley (Best Place to Live in UK 2022!) just five miles away, this once-in-a-lifetime property offers the chance to enjoy a blend of rural charm and urban convenience. Everyday amenities are at your doorstep, while excellent rail links to Leeds and easy access to major motorways make commuting a breeze. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of history in such a coveted location.

Few properties can claim histories that span centuries, have played host to 14th century monks and 17th century Puritans, and boast features so exceptional that they appear in Pevsner’s acclaimed Architectural Guides, which is why the sale of what were formally Grange Hall & Grange Hall Cottage, reunited as one property for the first time in over 150 years, is genuinely a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The Grade II-listed Grange Hall stands proudly on the rolling hillsides of North Yorkshire, just outside the idyllic village of Kildwick, complete with its quaint country pub, Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ primary school and the picture-perfect St Andrew’s Church. And just like the village itself, this remarkable property oozes character from each and every one of its uniquely charming nooks and crannies.

Beginning life as a monastic grange for the monks of nearby Bolton Abbey in the mid-1300s, the property has since passed through the hands of Reformation property developers, Cromwellian parliamentary officials and local farmers, until more recently when the current owners took over its reins and lovingly restored each of its rooms with exquisite taste and the utmost respect to its origins.

You are welcomed through electric gates and, as you head up the sweeping driveway, the architectural beauty of Grange Hall is instantly apparent. It is a home unlike any other.
The current owners carried out comprehensive renovations to their special home, which is divided into three individual but interconnected residences and offers a fantastic investment opportunity that has a combined square footage of close to 4,700 square feet.

The property reveals historic details that need to be seen to be believed. Alongside the brightly lit marble-topped modern kitchen in the four-bedroomed and oldest section within the property, formally known as Grange Hall Cottage, stands a useful pantry that once served as the buttery, complete with original window and fixing holes for window coverings pre-dating glazing. Following through into the living quarters of the original building, low doorways and thick walls lead you to the beautifully restored oak wall panelling, beams and balustrades of the dining room, which is fit for the most traditional of family Christmases.

Further examples of such attention to detail in this section of the property can be seen in the first-floor bedrooms, one of which features geometric, deeply moulded strapwork to the ceiling, alongside a vine-clad wall frieze from the early 17th century, the former of which is noted as an item of importance in Pevsner’s Architectural Guides. Grand four-poster beds, one thought to be from the same workshop that designed Henry VII’s bed and featuring the Tudor rose, combining the houses of York and Lancaster, sit centrally in two of the bedrooms, with the master even boasting a private stone balcony overlooking the Aire Valley.

NB The 17th Century, four-poster tester bed in the master bedroom is included in the sale. Other furniture is available subject to separate negotiation.

Whilst the maintenance and care of these irreplaceable features was obviously a priority during the recent restorations, it is also clear that the current owners considered the needs of modern life. As well as the aforementioned contemporary kitchen, the oldest section of the house also features a four-piece, newly fitted family bathroom, an en-suite bathroom to the master with movement-sensor lighting, a hidden walk-in closet and a recently installed hot water system.

An adjoining door from the Great Room leads to a separate four-bedroomed home that was developed in the 17th century and which was originally known as Grange Hall. It is here where the potential to create a revenue stream from the property becomes apparent.

This section of the property has been sub-divided by the current owners, and forms two separate 2 bedroom properties, with the left portion having been run as a successful holiday let for 5 years. Known as “T’Lasses Cottage”, it has its own access, parking and two en-suite double bedrooms. The other section is occupied by the owners’ family. The scope to rent out the whole of the original Grange Hall, convert it to a bed and breakfast or provide an annexe for dependant relatives, ensures that future owners have the opportunity to enhance and create a lucrative revenue stream almost immediately after moving in. *Subject to any necessary planning consents.

When entering the property via the original and commanding restored front door – complete with the creak and unusually lengthy key you’d hope to expect – you are met with the impressive Great Room with access through to the original “Grange Hall”. The section that the owner’s family resides in is spacious and perfectly proportioned for family life. There’s a cosy log fire in the large living room, an L-shaped kitchen and utility room offering all the mod-cons, a contemporary family bathroom and two airy bedrooms, the larger of which features a generous mezzanine and en-suite bathroom – and yet the property’s unique history continues to radiate from its many ancient features, from the property’s oldest example of wood panelling to its original internal doors and knockers.

The love that the owner has for Grange Hall is obvious, but who does she envisage purchasing her home?

“There are old and grander properties all around this area, but Grange Hall is unlike any other of these in its modesty – the new owners will need to appreciate both its uniqueness , as well as the privilege of being the caretaker of this beautiful Grade II listed home, when they become its occupiers. At the same time, they will be in the position of taking over a historic property where almost all of the difficult, technical work has already been completed (although there is always more that can be done!), which means that they can start enjoying their life here immediately as well as achieving an income almost instantly if that is their wish”.

Grange Hall is a piece of local history, a true Yorkshire gem, an exceptional home and an excellent investment opportunity. If this unique three-residence property captures your interest, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask any questions and to arrange a private viewing.