The Old Vicarage, Howroyd Lane, Whitley, WF12

Built in 1847 as the former vicarage to nearby Whitley Lower Parish Church, this handsome stone residence rests peacefully within a quiet cul de sac, its south-facing aspect opening to wide valley views and open countryside. The setting feels both secluded and connected to the surrounding landscape, with mature trees and rolling fields forming a timeless backdrop.

Age has only deepened the character of this home. The stone façade carries the calm confidence of a building that has settled into its surroundings, while subtle architectural details reveal the craftsmanship of its era. Above the entrance, a carved stone lintel bears a Latin inscription: Nisi Dominus ædificaverit domum, In vanum laboraverunt qui ædificant eam. Translated, it reads “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it,” a quiet reminder of the building’s ecclesiastical past.

Inside, a spacious entrance hall introduces the home with understated elegance. The proportions allow light to travel easily through the ground floor, while a graceful staircase rises to the floors above. Chamfered detailing on each internal door forms a subtle thread that runs throughout the home, quietly linking the rooms together. A cloakroom and WC sit neatly within the hall.

A Place For Thought
The study looks out across the south-facing garden and valley beyond, where sash windows frame a view that shifts with the seasons. Fitted bookcases line the walls and an original fireplace now houses a log burner, bringing warmth and quiet comfort during the colder months.

The room carries a sense of calm that makes it equally suited to work or reflection.

“This room has always been my retreat. I can sit here with the fire on, look out across the valley, and the whole day seems to slow down.”

The Parish Room
Across the hallway sits the sitting room, historically known as the Parish Room. In earlier years parishioners would enter through the rear hallway to meet with the vicar here, and that quiet sense of history still lingers.

An ornate black and white marble fireplace with open fire forms a striking focal point while a window looks across the driveway. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, a space that easily becomes the natural gathering place within the home.

“It has always been the room where people settle without thinking about it. Friends arrive, the fire is lit, and suddenly an evening has passed.”

Rooms Made For Gathering
The dining room is filled with natural light from full-height sash windows that look out across the garden and distant countryside. An original white marble fireplace sits at its centre, while double doors on either side open into the drawing room, creating a graceful connection between the two spaces.

The drawing room offers a more relaxed setting, its own marble fireplace with open fire adding warmth and character. French windows open directly onto the south-facing stone terrace that wraps gently around the home. In warmer months the doors remain open, allowing conversation and laughter to drift easily between inside and out.

“Family dinners have always been special here. The rooms open into one another and everyone seems to move naturally between them.”

The Heart Of Daily Life
The breakfast kitchen is a room that balances heritage with everyday comfort. Stone flags run underfoot and a gas and electric AGA sits proudly within a range of handmade Treske units in pippy oak. Their chamfered panels echo the detailing found throughout the home, while black granite worktops add a sense of quiet refinement.

A log burner style gas fire adds another layer of warmth, making the kitchen as welcoming on winter mornings as it is during lively family weekends. Integrated appliances maintain the traditional character of the space.

Adjoining the kitchen, a practical utility room provides further cabinetry and space for laundry appliances.

Below, full-height cellars with beautiful barrelled ceilings extend beneath the house. Cool and atmospheric, they offer exceptional storage while naturally lending themselves to wine keeping. Shelves and bottles sit comfortably within the stone-vaulted space, a quiet reminder of the home’s long history.

From the kitchen, French doors lead into a striking orangery painted in Farrow and Ball Green Smoke. Underfloor heating warms the stone floor and wide glazing brings the garden close at hand. French doors open onto a broad patio where morning coffee or evening meals often linger a little longer than planned.

“There’s space for everyone here. We can cook, talk and look out over the garden all at once and it never feels crowded.”

A Restful Upper Floor
The galleried landing on the first floor introduces the sleeping accommodation with the same quiet elegance found below.

The principal suite overlooks the garden through traditional sash windows, filling the room with natural light. Fitted wardrobes provide generous storage and the adjoining en-suite includes a shower, wash basin and WC.

Three further double bedrooms sit on this floor, each with its own outlook across the surrounding landscape. One retains a charming fireplace, while another includes cupboards that could easily serve as a walk-in wardrobe. A family bathroom with corner bath completes the level.

A second staircase rises quietly from the rear of the home, once used by servants and still connecting directly to the kitchen and rear hallway. At the top sits a further double bedroom tucked within the eaves, its exposed beams adding warmth and character. A spacious bathroom accompanies the room, complete with roll top bath, shower, bidet and underfloor heating.

“We raised our children here and now the rooms fill again when everyone comes back to visit. The house seems happiest when it is full.”

A Garden That Opens To The Valley
The generous south-facing garden unfolds gently beyond the house, offering a setting that feels both private and expansive. Sweeping lawns stretch towards the valley, threaded with winding paths that move through mature planting and established trees.

From the drawing room, a paved terrace wraps around the house towards the orangery, creating a natural setting for long outdoor lunches and relaxed evenings beneath the open sky.

To one side lies a working garden where a greenhouse and vegetable beds continue a long tradition of practical gardening. An outbuilding provides further storage alongside an outdoor WC, while a rear courtyard connects discreetly back to the service entrance.

“In summer we spend more time outside than in. The garden feels wonderfully private yet the view reminds you how open the countryside really is.”

A gated driveway provides parking for several vehicles and leads to a double garage and car port, ensuring the practical needs of modern living sit comfortably alongside the home’s enduring character.

The Old Vicarage remains a place shaped by time, family and quiet continuity. Nearly two centuries after it was built, it still offers the same sense of warmth and belonging that has defined it from the beginning.

“The saddest day of my life will be the last time I walk down the drive.”

Note: If you proceed with an offer on this property we are obliged to undertake Anti Money Laundering checks on behalf of HMRC. All estate agents have to do this by law. We outsource this process to our compliance partners, Coadjute, who charge a fee for this service.