A GRADE I listed house which is undergoing vital building work to protect its historic value has gone up for rent – and the new tenant will get to shape its restoration.

Ongoing work to the structure and exterior of Gainford Hall, in Gainford village, will remove it from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register, said owner Raby Estate.

The Jacobean manor is part of Raby's multi-million-pound redevelopment plan, The Rising, which aims to breathe new life into several historic buildings including some within the grounds of Raby Castle.

National agents Savills has been retained to market the hall, which has the potential to include eight bedrooms, two large reception rooms, kitchen, pantry, attic, and basement space, with a guide price of £3,500 a month.

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Gainford Hall was built in the early 17th Century for John Cradock, Vicar of Gainford, and retains many of its original features, including a full height porch, split-level interior, original fireplaces, central chimney stacks and plasterwork.

Raby Estate’s CEO, Duncan Peake, said: “Our plans for Gainford Hall represent a number of significant improvements across the Estate which will help to stimulate economic regeneration and new employment throughout the local area.

“The hall hasn’t been touched for well over 100 years, so the current project will play an important part in its history.

“There is huge scope for the right tenant to take Gainford Hall and work with us to create a bespoke space that is tailored to their needs. Key renovations to the hall are well underway but we have kept the internal space flexible, in order for the new tenant to make their own mark.”

Working with historical buildings architects Donald Insall, renovation work is due to be completed by the end of this year and includes extensive restoration of external features such as the lead windows and repairs to the stonework, as well as several outbuildings which served the hall in the 18th and 19th centuries and are now being repurposed for modern day use.

These buildings, together with an area of land adjacent to the site could also be available to interested tenants.

The outbuildings at Gainford Hall

The outbuildings at Gainford Hall

Mr Peake added: “Gainford Hall presents a unique opportunity to live within a piece of local history, but also to redefine the building for the modern age. There is so much scope for this site – I am very excited to work with its eventual tenant to realise its full potential.”

Matthew Watson, director of Savills York, said: “The Raby Estate is currently undergoing a renaissance, so this presents a unique opportunity for the future long-term tenant to work alongside the estate to create a bespoke home, to fulfil their needs.

“As part of the estate’s renovation work, there will also be scope for a multitude of businesses to be located on the site which we anticipate will generate wide-ranging interest amongst those looking to redress their work-life balance.”

For further details visit search.savills.com

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