Bored of staring at the same four walls? Fancy a bit more space to stretch your legs? Then we might have found just the place for you. One of York’s swishest houses has just gone up for sale.
To call Middlethorpe Manor a des res doesn’t do the place justice: it’s more of a mag man (that’s magnificent mansion to you squire.)
The palatial private home comes complete with eight bedrooms, six reception rooms, six bathrooms, six acres of grounds but only one swimming pool. And it’s yours for just £4 million.
Which we reckon makes it easily the most expensive house on the market in York.
The property is inextricably linked with the Terrys dynasty. Once home to Sir Frances Terry, the chocolate factory he helped to turn into a global force is less than a mile away, door to door.
Today Middlethorpe Manor belongs to Steve Davis, boss of York property development company Grantside Limited. Grantside planned a multi-million redevelopment of the Terrys factory and associated buildings but put much of the land up for sale in March. Steve is looking to relocate.
In 2000 the manor house went on the market for £2.5 million, so according to the current value placed on Middlethorpe Manor by property consultancy DHP Croft, it has increased in value by £1.5 million in 12 years.
So what do you get for your money? “A dream home,” according to Toby Cockcroft of DHP Croft, based in Bootham, York.
“It is one of the most beautiful houses within the city of York. It is a Grade II listed house built at the end of the 18th century, and is steeped in history.
“It has also been lovingly adapted for the 21st Century making it the most wonderful family home. It is a brilliant mixture of old and new, the historic and the modern set in its beautiful gardens and grounds.”
Close to luxury hotel Middlethorpe Hall and only two miles from the city centre, Middlethorpe Manor has plenty going for it. The ground floor alone boasts a reception hall, drawing room, morning room, dining room, billiard room, bar, living kitchen, playroom, utility room and two cloakrooms.
There’s also a vaulted wine cellar and leisure complex with indoor swimming pool. Within the large grounds are a walled garden, boat house, orchard, stable and tennis court.
Toby is expecting a lot of interest, despite the price tag. “Significantly, although York is a historic city with a population of nearly 200,000, there are remarkably few bigger houses. Many of them are now schools or offices.
“We are expecting enquiries from right across the United Kingdom and possibly beyond. These are challenging economic times but there is still a good deal of money around in certain social and financial spheres.”
This glimpse inside Middlethorpe Manor makes for an interesting comparison with another house which was formerly owned by a leading Terry. In the summer, the National Trust opened Goddards to the public. Found off Tadcaster Road, it was once home to Sir Noel Terry and his family.
Toby described the sale as “one of the most prestigious instructions we have had at DHP Croft since we launched a year ago”. If you’re ready to make an offer, contact him on 01904 238222 or visit the DHP Croft website.
