The Georgian Townhouse, Walmgate, York

Historic York town house within the city walls, beautifully restored and renovated for modern living. Makes an ideal city home, lock up & leave or holiday let.

This double fronted, York city townhouse, constructed circa 1700, has undergone a programme of meticulous restoration and renovation. The current owner has transformed the entire property, reinstating its position as a high-status house. Original, historic features, including panelling, fireplaces and staircases, have been lovingly restored including the rediscovery of the servants staircase which were found in situ. Where original fittings were absent, authentic replacements have been sourced and fitted in a determination by the owner to be as faithful as possible to the original building. Alongside the building’s historic interest, the property has been comprehensively upgraded and modernised to create a luxurious and elegant home, with underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and to all bathrooms. The Georgian Townhouse is located in a bustling street with access by foot to all city amenities.

Kitchen and dining room, pantry, utility room, sitting room, snug/bedroom 5, ground floor cloakroom/shower room, cellar
Staircase hall, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (1 en suite)
Courtyard garden

More Details - 70 Walmgate has retained an abundance of period features that reveal its heritage and historic character: there is a glorious archway with pilasters, mouldings around panels and doors, ornate cornicing - some of a design rarely seen - and a number of magnificent working fireplaces on all floors. At the heart of the house, the outstanding Georgian staircase has pitch pine spindles and a finely-turned oak handrail. There is original wall panelling alongside authentically reproduced panelling as well as cast iron column radiators and roll top baths. On the top floor some of the original brickwork, beams and trusses are visible, and a section timber framed partition suggests a medieval history. All three floors have good ceiling heights, and the second floor rises into the vaulted roof space where a glimpse of York Minster can be viewed. There are also views of St Lawrence’s Church spire and the tower at Rowntree Wharf. New timber sash windows have been installed throughout, those to the side and rear being predominantly double glazed and there are window seats.

The kitchen/dining room is a glorious, 30 ft room with wall panelling in the dining area and ample space for a family-sized table. The newly installed kitchen is bespoke and fitted with base units, has marble countertops, an island unit with breakfast bar and integrated Belfast sink with deVol taps, integrated appliances and a Rangemaster with an induction hob. Alongside is a pantry where the bespoke kitchen cupboards continue, providing extra storage and freezer space. In addition, there is a utility/laundry room and plant room at the rear of the house. The sitting room is an appealing and tranquil space; it has a large lantern window and is glazed to full-height on one side with bifold doors opening west onto the courtyard. The courtyard is paved with a climbing hydrangea and has a secure door to adjacent Melrose’s Yard, with ramp access. The additional ground floor room, formerly a kitchen, has a window overlooking the courtyard and has retained a useful walk-in corner cupboard and charming fireplace. It would work equally well as a snug, office or fifth bedroom. The principal bedroom accommodation and four bathrooms are arranged over the two upper floors. It is worth noting that the magnificent principal bedroom with its three south facing, sash windows was originally a drawing room. It has a private staircase, formerly the back stairs, which connect it to the large bathroom as well as the ground floor dining area.

Environs - York Railway Station ½ mile

Lively independent businesses line this attractive street of medieval origins that links Fossgate with Walmgate Bar on the city walls. It lies within easy strolling distance of all city centre amenities including the mainline railway station some ten minutes’ on foot.

General - Tenure: Freehold
EPC Rating: Exempt as Grade II* listed but recently assessed as ‘C’.
Services & Systems: All mains services. Gas central heating. New boilers. Underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and bathrooms. Sprinkler fire safety system.
Fixtures & Fittings: Only those mentioned in these sales particulars are included in the sale. All others, such as fitted carpets, curtains, light fittings, garden ornaments etc., are specifically excluded but may be made available by separate negotiation.
Viewing: Strictly by appointment
Local Authority: City of York Council Conservation Area
Directions: Head through Fossgate and into Walmgate, the property can be seen on the left-hand side just beyond St Deny’s Road on the right and Melrose’s Yard on the left.