Unusual York ‘alleyway home’ goes on sale for £200K

This unusual York home has just gone on the market.

The house, built in an alleyway in the Groves, is up for sale for £200,000.

But if you buy it, be warned – you can’t use it as a glass works, run a steam engine inside or turn it into a pub.

The home is found on Earle Street, and comes with one bedroom, a bathroom and central heating.

Its shape is one of the most unique features. Almost triangular, it narrows to the size of a single window at the rear, where there is a small yard.

The total floor area is 362 sq ft, or 33.6 sq m.

The estate agent’s particulars read: “A fantastic one bedroom detached property offering a well-proportioned lounge, a separate fitted kitchen and a first floor bathroom.

“Ideal as a home close to the city, the property would also make an excellent investment opportunity.”

The property was bought in June 2019 for £154,000 by Skwire Holdco I Ltd, a ‘tech-first’ property company which “helps investors outperform the property market”.

If it now sells for £200K, that means it has increased in value by nearly 30% in less than three years.

It has been rented out as a holiday home in the past.

Interestingly, the land on which it is built comes with an unusual covenant, dating from 1899:

“That no house or building then erected or to be erected on the said piece of land should be use as or for any Glass Works Pot Manufactory Forge Smith’s Shop or any noisy noisome or offensive trade or manufacture.

“And that no Steam Engine should be used should be used in any such house or building nor should any such house or building be used as an Inn or Public House or for the sale of any intoxicating liquors.”

You can find the full details of the house here.