The 12th century Cistercian nunnery which once occupied the site Keldholme Priory now sits on may be vanquished to history books, with one of few records about it showing that the Archbishop of York was repeatedly forced to intervene during the 14th century to discipline rebellious nuns.

But that certainly does not mean the home is lacking in history. Quite the contrary.

In 1538, at the dissolution of the monasteries, the lands went to the Earl of Westmorland, who at the time was also lord of Kirkbymoorside, and by the end of the 17th century a large house stood in pride of place on the estate. It is this, in part, and with further additions from both the early 19th century and in more modern times, that makes up the stunning family home we see today.

The Northern Echo: Keldholme Priory - Blenkin

Comprehensively renovated and restored in recent years, Keldolme Priory's 6400sq.ft of accommodation includes new timber windows throughout, a kitchen fitted by The Handmade Kitchen Company in autumn 2022, a superb orangery, an updated heating system and external landscaping which blend seamlessly with the including deep sills, fireplaces, antique pine panelled doors, exposed beamed ceilings and heavy timbers which give it so much character.

Briefly, the accommodation is accessed via a grand entrance and staircase hall which offers the most magnificent of first impressions. From here the ground floor accommodation of a cloakroom; drawing room and sitting room, both with feature fireplaces, one home to a wood-burning stove; utility room; kitchen with a range cooker set into an alcove, large central island unit, Belfast sink and stone flagged flooring; adjoining breakfast room; utility room; pantry; gym and study are accessed.

The Northern Echo: Keldholme Priory - Blenkin

A particular highlight of the ground floor is the spacious orangery, with floor-to-ceiling windows to two sized, a large syklight and double French doors to the gardens, all of which make this the perfect light-filled space to relax in.

Upstairs are the master bedroom suite with an en-suite bathroom and dressing room, five further bedrooms, two further bathrooms, a shower room and a bedroom or attic room on the second floor.

Keldolme Priory sits in around four acres of glorious gardens and grounds and enjoys a tranquil riverside setting with riparian rights.

The property is accessed through a gate set on stone pillars via a shared driveway lined with paddocks either side. It continues to a large turning circle at the centre of which is The Waterloo Tree, a sycamore tree believed to have been planted in 1815 to celebrate the victory at Waterloo.

The Northern Echo: Keldholme Priory - Blenkin

A further set of stone pillars leads to the inner driveway in front of the house, with additional parking and access to the integral double garage with electric doors.

At the front a stone flagged terrace and pergola face south across the magnificent lawns that sweep down to the riverside and small jetty. A winding gravel path passes the parterre garden and well-stocked fruit cage to a further riverside garden accessed through two doors in a high mellow wall. Here is an avenue of trees, an orchard, an expanse of lawn with a specimen Ginkgo tree and riverbank woodland.

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The property also has a landscaped courtyard at the rear and two paddocks flanking the driveway with part post and rail fencing and part walled boundaries.

Keldolme Priory is situated in the hamlet of Keldholme, within walking distance of the thriving market town of Kirkbymoorside and an easy drive to Helmsley and Pickering.

It is on the market at offers in excess of £1.5m.

For more infromation or to arrange a viewing, please contact Blenkin & Co's York office on 01904 671672.