A PROPERTY that has it all may be a well worn phrase, but in the case of Swathgill, a country estate within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there is none other that fits the bill so precisely.
What do you call a home that enjoys a stunning location and has a wealth of magnificent accommodation, a leisure complex, farm buildings, stables, land and woodland?
Perfect perhaps.
In 1926 the Georgian farmhouse itself – parts of which are believed to date back to the early 1600s – was extended and substantially remodelled in the Arts and Crafts style for Hugh Fairfax-Cholmeley, often referred to as the last Squire of Brandsby, when he moved out of Brandsby Hall.
A particular highlight of the house was an ornamental fireplace designed and built by Alfred Powell, the Arts and Crafts architect and celebrated designer and painter of pottery. Sadly, it was dismantled by a previous owner, but the tiles survive for a future occupant.
In more recent times Swathgill has been subject to an ongoing maintenance and improvement programme to create a stylish family home that retains many period features which blend together seamlessly with more modern additions including underfloor heating to the ground floor and double-glazed windows.
Its accommodation extends to approximately 6,062sq.ft and includes, on the ground floor, a large reception hall with stone flagged floor; sitting room with built-in display alcoves to each side of a carved stone fireplace plus a door that leads onto an outdoor terrace; library with built-in shelves to three sides and a Victoria basket grate fireplace set within a timber surround; dining room with painted wooden floor and wood-burning stoves set within stone surrounds; a large family kitchen incorporating a breakfast room with doors to the outside terrace and a walk-in pantry, a large central island and a Lacanche range electric cooker with seven ring gas hob; two cloakrooms; a utility room with sink and old feature range and a boot room.
Two staircases lead up to the first floor which is home to a study plus a total of seven double bedrooms – the master with a Victorian fireplace – serviced by two bathrooms plus a shower room.
A particular feature of the main house is its full length covered veranda.
Swathgill Cottage, a detached stone-built cottage to the north of the main house, is ideal for guests, independent family members, staff or potentially to let out. It comprises a farmhouse kitchen and large sitting room with doors opening onto a private rear terraced area, rear entrance hall and cloakroom together with two first floor bedrooms and a bathroom. Attached to the cottage are two stores offering potential for extending the accommodation if required.
An range of traditional brick and stone buildings have been cleverly converted to provide an award-winning indoor swimming pool with part glazed roof and exposed oak frame roof trusses and tiled surround, changing rooms and showers plus plant room. A range of stores offers potential for further conversion but currently includes two garages, stores with cinema room above, a gym and further storage buildings. An outside terrace and barbecue area further enhance the leisure aspects.
Located away from the house and with direct access off the driveway is a set of livestock and storage buildings which could be adapted for equestrian use to take advantage of the large hardcore yard area.
Across the road from the main farm buildings are the brick-built stables comprising two loose boxes and a store with hard standing to the front.
The vendors have taken opportunities to increase the size of the estate which now extends to approximately 211 acres and benefits from additional sporting rights.
Most read:
- Darlington drivers ‘boycotting’ supermarket's petrol stations over change
- New owner of North East landmark M&S building outlines ambition for town centre
- Call to force historic inn owner to restore pub that has served for 260 years
The land itself includes productive arable land, meadow and pasture running down to a stream on the southern boundary. Mature, mainly native woodlands add to the amenity and conservation value of the estate, as do three ponds.
Swathgill lies almost halfway between the villages of Hovingham and Brandsby, with both Helmsley and Easingwold around eight miles away and York 17 miles to the south. The estate is on the market at £7m.
For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Andrew Black in the York office of Savills on 01904 617800.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here