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This remarkable four-storey property dates from the late seventeenth century and was re-fronted and re-modelled in the 1840s. In recent years the current owners have carried out painstaking renovation works as well as creating ancillary accommodation in the form of a garden annexe. Original features have been restored and, at the heart of the house, is the magnificent close string staircase that dates from around 1700 with bulbous balusters, square newels and a moulded handrail. There are exposed beams and trusses, multi-pane sash windows, a range of fireplaces, original lime plaster walls, hidden corner cupboards and traditional doors with ironmongery. The owners have substituted unsuitable fittings from later renovations with those that work aesthetically or are true to the Georgian and early Victorian periods, examples being the naturally aged oak floorboards on the first floor, cast iron column radiators, bespoke wooden shutters and wall panelling.

A pair of 16-pane sash windows and a glazed door lend swathes of natural, south facing light to the kitchen/dining/living room. There is a cast iron fireplace and ample space for a small sofa and family-sized dining table, and the handmade kitchen includes a double butler sink, granite worktops and a gas Aga. Unusually for a York townhouse is the separate utility/laundry room, it has a roof lantern and is big enough for bicycle storage. The cellar rooms all have a good ceiling height and are ideally purposed for wine storage.

The three bathrooms on the upper floors are all fitted with high specification fixtures and fittings, and the house bathroom has a freestanding bath tub and separate rainwater shower. From the windows are superb views across St Wilfred’s Rectory Garden and the unspoilt roofscape to York Art Gallery and the medieval King’s Manor. Every floor has the benefit of high ceilings, which rise into the vaulted roof space on the third floor.

Maisonette

The maisonette lies at the front of the property with an independent entrance on High Petergate. It has been stylishly renovated and successfully run as a premium holiday let business having an extraordinary outlook over York Minster from both floors. The apartment comprises a living area with picture window, moulded cornice, original inglenook fireplace with timber lintel and compact kitchen concealed in a bespoke cabinet. On the first floor is a bedroom, and bathroom. There is underfloor heating on the ground floor, zoned heating and a separate water and electricity meter from the main house. Concealed doors connect the apartment to the main house enabling the flat to become integrated into the primary accommodation if preferred.

Garden

At the front, stone steps ascend to a recessed, panelled front door.

The rear garden is southwest facing and very private surrounded by high mellow walls lined with espalier fruit trees. From here, the double-fronted rear elevation of the property can be enjoyed along with an outlook over the fifteenth century twin towers of York Minster. The garden backs onto St Wilfred’s Church at the rear and makes a delightful, sheltered outside space, ideally orientated and landscaped for sitting out in the sunshine. There is exterior lighting and an outdoor tap.

Guest Annexe

The detached annexe lies on the rear boundary of the property with sole access through the house and garden. It comprises self-contained guest accommodation with a hobbies room and kitchenette, mezzanine bedroom and bathroom. Alongside is an office that is separate but connected. Every Velux window is positioned to deliver outstanding views of the towers of York Minster.

Environs

High Petergate begins at Bootham Bar on York city walls where tree-lined Bootham terminates. It is an ancient street that runs south-east towards York Minster following the course of a Roman road and it was a key street in medieval York. High Petergate has retained its prestigious status being in the heart of the city centre and the link road to York Minster. Just a few minutes’ stroll away are acres of parkland to be enjoyed at neighbouring Dean’s Park, the botanical Museum Gardens and the riverside pathway.

General

Tenure: Freehold. Flying freehold.

EPC Rating: Exempt – Listed Grade II

Services & Systems: All mains services. Gas central heating. Zoned heating. Pressurized water tank. Automatic fire prevention system for top floor.

Fixtures & Fittings: Only those mentioned in these sales particulars are included in the sale. All others, such as fitted carpets, curtains, light fittings, garden ornaments etc., are specifically excluded but may be made available by separate negotiation.

Viewing: Strictly by appointment

Local Authority: City of York council www.york.gov.uk

Directions: From Bootham head directly into High Petergate and No. 17 can be found on the right hand side opposite the ‘Handmade Rug Company’.

Photographs, particulars and showreel: exterior photos summer 2022, interiors January 2023

NB: Google map images may neither be current nor a true representation.