Low Hall, Main Street, Askham Bryan, York

Appealingly tucked away in the sought after village of Askham Bryan, Low Hall is a house of real soul -the kind of home that stirs the imagination from the moment you arrive.

If your childhood imagination was filled with tree climbing, secret gardens and long summer adventures - think Swallows and Amazons or The Famous Five -you will understand the magic of this house. This is an extraordinary old family home, quietly waiting for its next chapter.

Believed to date from the late eighteenth century, Low Hall has been lovingly owned by the same family for nearly fifty years and thoughtfully extended over time. The additions have been carefully designed to complement the original building, creating a home that feels both substantial and wonderfully flexible.

The drive leading to the house is delightful, particularly in spring when seasonal carpets of flowers line the approach and create a beautiful sense of arrival.

Inside, the kitchen/breakfast room is full of country house charm, complete with a walk-in pantry, wood-burning stove and views across the gardens. I imagine many buyers will want to open up the kitchen space to create a more contemporary open-plan family kitchen living area. Fortunately, there is plenty of space here and a number of possible ways to achieve this, allowing the next owners to shape the house around modern family life while still respecting its wonderful character.

The dining room sits just off the kitchen and flows through to the large reception room with an open fire - a warm and welcoming space ideal for both everyday family life and entertaining. A beautiful conservatory provides yet another place to sit and enjoy the gardens throughout the seasons.

One of the most striking rooms is the study, a light-filled space with windows on all four sides, offering wonderful views across the gardens. This beautiful room would also make a stunning reception room or cosy snug, perfectly positioned to enjoy the surrounding greenery.

The entrance hall is particularly impressive and creates a wonderful first impression -the sort of space where you can easily imagine greeting guests before a drinks party or family gathering.

At the far end of the house is the most recent addition, offering two further bedrooms, two bathrooms and an additional reception room, giving the house excellent flexibility as family life evolves.

Upstairs in the original part of the house, the principal bedroom benefits from an ensuite. There are also two interconnecting bedrooms, a further generous double bedroom and a family bathroom.

Outside is where Low Hall becomes truly magical. The gardens wrap around the house on three sides and are completely private, creating a peaceful setting that feels hidden away from the world. Sweeping lawns, mature trees, fruit trees, a wildlife pond and a sunken garden create a landscape that feels both expansive and wonderfully natural. On a clear day the views stretch as far as York Minster.

A collection of traditional outbuildings sits around a cobbled courtyard and includes a double garage, workshop, wood store, summer house with barbeque fireplace and a hobby or games room with York stone flooring and wood-burning stove.

Low Hall sits in the heart of Askham Bryan, one of the most sought-after villages on the western side of York. Despite its rural charm, York city centre is only around five miles away, with easy access to the A1(M), Leeds and beyond.

Homes like this rarely come to the market. Low Hall is not simply a beautiful house — it is a home designed to grow with a family and be enjoyed for generations.

Askham Bryan is one of the most desirable villages on the western side of York, combining a peaceful rural setting with excellent access to the city. The village has a wonderful sense of community and is centred around its historic church and village pond. The excellent local pub offers good food and is a popular meeting place for residents, while the surrounding countryside provides beautiful walks right from the doorstep. Despite its tranquil feel, York city centre is only around five miles away, with easy access to the railway station, the A64, the A1(M) and Leeds, making it an ideal location for those wanting village life without sacrificing connectivity.