* Freehold
This picture - perfect four - bedroom house is in the heart of Ampleforth, in
North Yorkshire. Constructed from buttery yellow brick, the double - fronted
house was built in 1820 and has been painstakingly restored as part of an
extensive conservation project. Externally, a pretty wildflower garden runs
alongside the house, which has the convenience of a private driveway and
double garage. Ampleforth is a charming village located on the edge of the
bucolic North York Moors National Park, with a host of fantastic shops, gastro
pubs, eateries and schooling; the village is a 20 - minute drive from Thirsk
Station and a 35 - minute drive from York City.
Setting the Scene
Wonderfully proportioned, the house is a handsome example of vernacular
Regency architecture. Built from hardy, local brick, the façade's double
frontage is a testament to the symmetry and classicism favoured at the time.
Simple yet elegant in its manner, the frontage had a later addition of a
gabled porch - likely Victorian - which sits sympathetically with the overall
aesthetic. For more information, please see the History section below.
The Grand Tour
Entry to the home is via its gabled entrance porch, surrounded by fragrant
climbing roses. The porch doubles as a handy boot room and wind - break and is
glazed on each side by awning windows. From the porch, an elegant staircase
hall unfolds. Handsome, locally reclaimed parquet runs underfoot, here, and
throughout the ground floor. Walls have been restored with sympathetic lime
plaster to aid breathability; this has been paired with chalky Bauwerk lime
paint finishes, adding a dash of texture throughout.
To the left of the plan, on the ground floor, is a large, dual - aspect drawing
room. Bathed in natural light from two sash windows overlooking the front and
rear of the house, the airy atmosphere in the room is elevated by its neutral,
lime - washed walls. Shelving has been built into the alcoves on either side of
an open fireplace with a working wood - burning stove. Classic antique radiators
are found here and throughout the ground floor.
Adjacent to the drawing room is a large dining room, where a Yorkshire stone
fireplace grounds the space and a vast sash window has its original working
shutters. A private study is next to the dining room, currently used as a
music room. This versatile space is defined by its peaceful atmosphere, ideal
for focusing on work or creative pursuits. With its tranquil aspect, the study
has a lovely view overlooking the side return of the house.
At the rear of the house is an elegant kitchen. The bespoke DeVol kitchen
cabinetry, crafted from birch ply, has been painted in 'Mud Lark' by Dulux
Heritage. Tiles by Original Style form a handsome splashback, complementing
the Silestone worktop—a practical run of shelving lines the main wall near the
stove, creating plenty of storage. The walls have been finished in Venetian
plaster, and the current owner has incorporated hardy tiled flooring, which
pays homage to the home's Georgian origins. Adjacent to the kitchen is a
convenient rear entrance leading to a useful boot room, which further connects
to a WC featuring a vanity.
On the first floor, the dedication to the meticulous restoration of the house
is immediately obvious. The original timber staircase has been enhanced with
handcrafted iron spindles, seamlessly blending modern elements with the home's
historic character, while walls have been stripped back to their original,
lime plaster.
At the front of the plan is the primary bedroom, where shelving has been added
to the arched alcoves complementing plaster cornicing. In its large en suite
bathroom, walls are covered in off - white tadelakt plaster and dove grey tiles,
offset by traditional fittings, including an elevated cistern toilet, vanity,
and shower unit.
There are three more generously proportioned bedrooms on this floor, each with
individual views of the front, rear, or side of the house, and a large family
bathroom is complete with a vanity and bath. Next door, a separate WC has
'Obsidian Green' tiles and is adorned with a pretty botanic wallpaper by
William Morris.
The Great Outdoors
A pretty front garden is bordered by a row of elegant cast - iron railings.
Well - established roses, ferns and camellia line the borders, enhancing the
natural beauty of the surroundings. The front entrance porch is enveloped by
the sweet fragrance of climbing roses, creating a lovely welcome.
On the side return, a picturesque wildflower garden has been carefully
cultivated and is a haven for local wildlife. This enchanting space introduces
vibrant splashes of colour, beautifully contrasting against the surrounding
privet hedge. A large driveway provides convenient off - street parking for two
to three cars, while a two - car garage adjoins the house.
Out and About
Ampleforth is a village that offers a wide range of services and amenities.
Despite its small size, it has two pubs, namely The White Horse Inn and White
Swan, and a tea room and restaurant. Other conveniences include a post office,
village shop, gp surgery, and a highly regarded primary and secondary school.
The village is also home to Ampleforth Abbey, which is on the doorstep. The
abbey operates one of the largest commercial orchards in Northern England,
cultivating over 50 apple varieties for their own fresh juice and cider
production.
A little further afield, the beautiful market town of Helmsley is a short
drive away for extra amenities. It has a variety of independent shops,
restaurants, tea rooms, and a medieval castle. Every Friday, a weekly market
takes place in Helmsley. Additionally, Malton, known as Yorkshire's food
capital, is a 20 - minute drive away. It has artisan food shops and highly
regarded restaurants, making it a haven for foodies. Notably, The Black Swan
in Oldstead is a Michelin - starred restaurant and inn located near the
beautiful ruins of Byland Abbey.
The wider area surrounding Ampleforth is awash with historical attractions,
with notable sites including Nunnington Hall and Rievaulx Abbey, which are
managed by the National Trust and English Heritage, respectively. Nature
enthusiasts and hikers can explore the vibrant heather landscape in nearby
areas like Goathland, Hutton - le - Hole, and Whitby, the inspiration for Bram
Stoker's 'Dracula'.
Castle Howard, an expansive Baroque estate, is famous as the filming location
for Brideshead Revisited. It hosts a variety of events throughout the year,
ranging from open - air cinema screenings to festive experiences such as
'Christmas with Father Christmas', where the rooms of the main house are
adorned with theatrical installations.
With a 35 - minute drive to York, residents of Ampleforth enjoy easy access to
the city. From York, fast and convenient travel to London is possible, with a
journey to Kings Cross taking under two hours. This accessibility allows for
seamless connections to the capital and beyond.
Council Tax Band: F

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