Baldersby-St-James, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7

A Grade II* period residence situated in private setting with former coach house and range of outbuildings all in just over two acres of mature gardens.

Description

The Old Parsonage occupies a discreet and private position behind St James’ Church and represents a superb example of an early Victorian family home of outstanding architectural merit. Believed to date from 1854, the property was designed by the highly regarded architect William Butterfield for the Viscount Downe of Baldersby Park, and retains an exceptional wealth of original period features throughout.

Characterised by its steeply pitched roof, decorative detailing and striking mock Tudor gables, the house enjoys particularly fine views across its gardens and the surrounding open countryside an aspect that can be appreciated from virtually every room. Over the past four years, the current owner has undertaken a series of sensitive improvements, including restoration of the timberwork to both mock Tudor gable windows, roof works to the outbuildings, and overall cosmetic refurbishment, ensuring the property is presented to an excellent standard while preserving its historic integrity.

Extending to over 5,150 sq ft, the accommodation is both generous and well proportioned. The house is entered via an impressive entrance hall, from which the principal reception rooms are arranged to take advantage of their south westerly aspect. These elegant spaces benefit from deep windows overlooking the gardens and are each centred around individual open fireplaces, providing attractive focal points.
The kitchen is fitted with well appointed oak cabinetry and is equipped with an Ever hot electric range cooker, a refurbished Lacanche electric range cooker, and an array of high quality appliances. Adjacent lies a spacious laundry room, featuring the original water pump and offering separate access to the courtyard.

Additional ground floor accommodation includes a generous study, pantry, boiler room, store and a particularly noteworthy WC, distinguished by its remarkable historic features.

The first floor provides seven spacious double bedrooms, all enjoying excellent views over the grounds and an abundance of natural light. Bedroom six benefits from an en suite shower room with underfloor heating, while bedrooms three, five and seven are served by a beautifully appointed family bathroom featuring a plunge roll top bath. The principal bedroom is enhanced by an attractive bay window with built in window seating, and there is a further bathroom fitted with a shower.
A secondary staircase, which once served the former servants’ quarters, offers exciting potential for conversion into a self contained annexe, subject to the necessary consents.

Externally, the property benefits from a range of outbuildings, including a heated indoor swimming pool (currently empty). The former coach house extends to approximately 1,893 sq ft and offers excellent potential for conversion into separate ancillary accommodation, subject to careful design and the necessary consents. In addition, there are further insulated double garages providing ample storage and parking.

Outside, a discreet gravel driveway leads to a generous parking and turning area in front of the house, with the grounds enclosed by wrought iron gates, mature hedging and a brick perimeter wall. Open farmland lies to the north and west, while the surrounding mature gardens feature established specimen trees, an attractive pond and water feature, and a pergola lined walkway connecting different areas of the garden.

Location

Baldersby St James is an attractive village with several notable buildings designed by William Butterfield in the mid-1850s, along with The Old Parsonage, there is the Grade I listed church and a Grade II* listed Church of England primary school. In the nearby village of Baldersby is a range of facilities including a mobile post office, farm shop and cricket ground with children’s play area. The acclaimed Crab & Lobster restaurant lies only 3 miles away. Baldersby St James is conveniently situated between Thirsk and Ripon and close to Boroughbridge, Bedale and Northallerton. The village is ideal for commuters being ½ a mile from the A61, just over 1 mile from the A1(M), and 11 miles to the A19 connecting to York. Mainline rail connections are available in Thirsk, Northallerton and York.

Square Footage: 5,153 sq ft


Acreage: 2.05 Acres