Whenby, York, North Yorkshire, YO61

An exceptional contemporary country house set within approximately 4.5 acres, surrounded by glorious countryside.

Description

The Lime House is a particularly handsome, classically designed contemporary home built using straw bale construction, offering outstanding environmental credentials. This renewable building method utilises abundant agricultural by-products to create a super-insulated, highly sustainable and breathable home. With a commitment to sourcing materials locally wherever possible, including bricks from the Yorkshire Handmade Brick Company and stonework crafted by a York Minster mason, every effort has been made to create an eco-friendly home without compromising on style, quality or luxury.

This unique property has been recognised in the latest Pevsner guide, having been thoughtfully designed in partnership with Native Architects, to create a property which stands particularly well in its surroundings and provides wonderful open plan space for family life and entertaining. The principal living space is centred around a stunning galleried entrance hall featuring elegant panelling, a beautiful stone fireplace and a hand crafted curved stone staircase. Beyond lies the impressive open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, fitted with bespoke cabinetry from Hovingham Interiors, timber and leathered granite worktops, a generous central island and an electric Aga range cooker. The bright spacious sitting area that has doors open directly onto the south-facing courtyard, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. A separate sitting room provides a more private retreat, ideal for reading, relaxing or enjoying the surrounding views.

The principal bedroom suite is situated on the ground floor and is complemented by a striking curved bathroom featuring a freestanding bath and twin vanity units. A practical boot room, utility room, guest WC and study cater to the demands of modern living. An interconnecting passageway links the generous double height barn, store and studio/workshop. As both buildings are fully insulated with straw bales and have access to all of the services, there is potential for conversion into a self-contained annexe, subject to the necessary planning consents.

The first floor hosts three excellent double bedrooms, all benefiting from en-suite facilities, ensuring privacy and convenience for family members and guests alike. A staircase from Bedroom Three provides access to a useful mezzanine storage area.

The house embraces modern technology throughout, including a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system, which efficiently circulates and redistributes warmth around the home. Most of the property is triple-glazed, complemented by double-glazed pocket windows. Jerusalem limestone, timber and tiled flooring extend throughout much of the house and benefit from underfloor heating. Additional sustainable features include PIR lighting, a rainwater harvesting system, water softening equipment and an installed biodigester, all helping to reduce the environmental impact of this truly unique property.

Surrounded by rolling countryside and farmland, the grounds extend to approximately 4.5 acres. The owners have also created a natural pond, which captures rainwater from the house, that supports a rich variety of wildlife. Beautifully maintained, the gardens blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, embracing and enhancing the property's idyllic rural setting.

Location

The Lime House stands in a commanding position on the edge of the Howardian Hills AONB, surrounded by beautiful countryside which offers excellent walking and cycling opportunities from the door step.

There are many attractions in the near vicinity, including Castle Howard, Byland Abbey, Newburgh Hall and the former home of Laurence Sterne at Shandy Hall in nearby Coxwold.

Stillington (6 miles) is a popular and well served village about eleven miles north of York, on the edge of the Howardian Hills. Local facilities include a community owned post office, two pubs, a primary school, doctors surgery, Indian restaurant and sport fields. There are regular bus services to both York and the nearby market town of Easingwold.

There are several local independent schools nearby including Ampleforth College, Terrington School, Cundall Manor and Queen Ethelburga's College. There are further independent schools in York: The Mount, Bootham and St Peters.

Easingwold is the nearest market town (8 miles) and has good local amenities including a secondary school and supermarket. Malton is just 12.8 miles to the North, providing an excellent range of independent shops, restaurants and a train link to York, which is about 13 miles to the south and has extensive facilities including its historic minster, train station with a direct service to London Kings Cross and racecourse. Some train services from York make the journey to London in under two hours.

There are the Michelin starred restaurants The Star at Harome (13 miles) and The Black Swan at Oldstead (11.8 miles). York boasts excellent restaurants including the award winning The Star Inn the City by Andrew Pern and the Michelin-starred restaurant, Roots, by Tommy Banks. In addition, there is Skosh by Neil Bentinck which also boasts a Michelin-star, positioned on popular Micklegate. There are a number of supermarkets in and around the city, including a Waitrose at Foss Islands Road and a large Marks and Spencer at the Vanguard Shopping Park.

Please note all distances and travel times are approximate.

Square Footage: 4,338 sq ft



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