Keepers Cottage, Islebeck, Near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7

The sale of Keepers Cottage offers a rare opportunity to acquire a lovely characterful country home perfect for those with equestrian interests and also offering a recently converted separate annexe suitable for a variety of uses including self-contained accommodation for a dependent relative, superb home office suite or deriving rental income or an Airbnb.

The property is situated at the end of a private lane shared only by two other properties and set in a completely private environment surrounded by open farmland some 4 miles south of Thirsk. This lovely market town offers a wide choice of shops, pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, leisure facilities and racecourse together with the added benefit of a mainline railway station with connection to London Kings Cross. Keepers Cottage sits on the outskirts of Sowerby and the surrounding countryside in the shadow of the Hambleton hills is perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding. The A1(M) and A19 motorways are within easy reach for those wishing to travel further afield.

The spacious and flexible family accommodation briefly comprises a glazed reception porch with fitted bench sitting, a light spacious living room with log burner and French doors opening out into the south facing rear garden, separate dining room with brick fireplace and log burner, study, fourth reception room/ ground floor bedroom with en suite wet room, farmhouse style breakfast kitchen with pine units and feature AGA in rustic brick recess, Neff integrated oven and grill and wide French doors opening out into the garden, walk in pantry, inner hall and lobby leading to a guest cloakroom and utility room.

At first floor level the principal bedroom is approached by a private staircase and has lovely full height oak fitted furniture, a balcony with extensive country views and en suite shower room. A second main staircase provides access to guest bedroom 2 with private en suite shower room, 3 additional bedrooms and a house bathroom.

The former 3 car garage has only recently been converted into a stunning 2 storey detached annexe with the whole of the ground floor providing a superb open plan living dining kitchen with 3 sets of folding doors facing south, private entrance lobby, cloakroom with WC and utility. At first floor level is a large principal bedroom with en suite bathroom and full width sun balcony and bedroom 2/ office. The annexe provides superb living accommodation for a dependent relative, holiday let/Airbnb or provide an exceptional home office suite if preferred.

Outside at the end of the lane a private driveway leads round to the rear of the property where there is parking for numerous vehicles adjacent to which is a Goodrick built stable block with 3 loose boxes, feed store, hay barn, tack room and large tractor shed/workshop.

There are lawned formal gardens to the south of the principle dwelling and adjoining fenced paddocks to the south and east in total equating to just over 7 acres.

Planning Comment

Hambleton District Council granted approval on the 19 November 2021, application number 21/02420/FUL, for a two storey rear extension to the principal dwelling. Furthermore, North Yorkshire Council granted consent on 19 May 2023, application number 23/00026/FUL, for proposed change of use to tourism and equestrian comprising the sighting of 3 holiday lodges, an outdoor riding arena and a horse walker, plus the erection of a new equestrian building to create combined equestrian and tourism facilities. Copies of both decision notices and the associated architects plans and drawings are available on request.