Embsay Kirk

£1,950,000

Embsay Kirk is an historic Dales property that sits beautifully in its landscape with the moorland of Embsay Crag rising behind. It enjoys an elevated position with exceptional views extending across the valley from the principal rooms. Designed in the eighteenth century to meet the needs of a large family and their staff, its room layout and fine proportions make it an eminently manageable and comfortable home to this day.

The house itself dates from the 1780s with nineteenth century additions including a Victorian billiards room, and is attributed to the internationally recognised Yorkshire architect, John Carr. It comes with an even richer history having been constructed on the site of a monastic building. The existing cellars are believed to have formed the crypt of the Augustinian Priory of Saint Cuthbert that existed from 1120 until moved to Bolton Abbey. The current Georgian house replaced an earlier Tudor hall house.

Embsay Kirk has a fascinating literary connection with Charlotte Brontë. Charlotte was governess at nearby Stone Gappe Hall, owned by John Sidgwick who is believed to have been the model for Mr Rochester of the classic novel ‘Jane Eyre’. In 1847, John Sidgwick moved with his family to Embsay Kirk.

The property has been within the same family since 1975 and is in the process of a rigorous and sympathetic programme of restoration and renovation.