'Landmark' Grade II listed building on the market with plans for five homes
The Old Vicarage on Bondgate in Helmsley has been described by Cundalls estate and land agents as a "landmark building" with "notable architectural character" and "historical significance." (Image: Matt Hillier Photographer)
A Grade II listed building is on the market with planning permission to be turned into five homes.
The Old Vicarage on Bondgate in Helmsley has been described by Cundalls estate and land agents as a "landmark building" with "notable architectural character" and "historical significance."
It was originally built for Reverend Charles Norris Gray and was later used as the headquarters for the North York Moors National Park Authority.
Now, planning permission has been granted to transform the property into five homes.
Cundalls said: "The sale of the Old Vicarage is a genuinely rare residential development opportunity in a landmark building within the centre of the sought-after market town of Helmsley.
"Rich in period character and architectural presence, this substantial landmark property offers a development opportunity with the benefit of full planning consent secured for the building's sensitive conversion and reconfiguration into five individual residences, providing a valuable platform from which to deliver an exclusive development of enduring quality and appeal."
The Old Vicarage dates back to 1890 to 1910, and was designed for Reverend Charles Norris Gray.
The property was not just a vicarage but a busy domestic home.
It had a two-storey kitchen, service bells, a food lift, a laundry room, a butler's pantry, and a cellar.
During the Second World War, the Barclay family rented the house to escape the London Blitz.
Ownership was transferred to North Yorkshire County Council in 1974, and the building was used by the Forestry Commission and the police before becoming the headquarters of the North York Moors National Park Authority.
The Old Vicarage is described as an "accomplished Queen Anne-style building" with a "blend of architectural detailing and balanced period proportions."
It is set in extensive private gardens and grounds, approached by a tarmac driveway.
There are seven parking spaces to the side of the property and a further nine spaces to the rear.
The approved plans will see the original building separated into three apartments.
There will be a three-bedroom apartment on the ground floor, a three-bedroom apartment on the first floor, and a three-bedroom apartment on the second floor.
The ground floor apartment will be around 1,926 sq ft, and the first floor apartment will be around 1,657 sq ft.
These will both have the potential for "impressive principal living spaces" and "generous bedroom accommodation."
The second-floor apartment will be around 936 sq ft, and will have "excellent views."
The plans also include a new mews building replacing the existing rear extension.
This will provide a thoughtfully planned 2 bedroom mews-style house extending to approximately 818 sq ft, and a complementary 2 bedroom mews-style house extending to approximately 775 sq ft.
There is also a former outbuilding/coach house, traditionally constructed in stone beneath a pitched pantile roof and currently arranged as single-storey office accommodation.
The estate agents said that subject to the necessary consents, this could be adapted into an attractive two-bedroom house or a high-quality holiday cottage, providing additional accommodation.
The estate agents said: "In our opinion, The Old Vicarage represents an outstanding opportunity to create an exclusive residential development within one of Helmsley's most imposing period buildings.
"The combination of architectural distinction, substantial internal proportions, mature grounds and a central yet private setting provides the foundations for a scheme of exceptional quality.
"A design-led specification that respects the building's heritage while introducing contemporary comfort should allow the completed homes to occupy a highly desirable position within the local market and command values reflective of their rarity.
"Ultimately, The Old Vicarage is a landmark building presenting an exciting development opportunity with all the essential ingredients to create an exceptional collection of luxury apartments and mews-style houses.
"Its distinguished architecture, mature setting, generous off-street parking and enviable position in the heart of Helmsley provide a compelling point of difference.
"The scheme has the potential to become one of the town's most desirable residential offerings in Helmsley."