6 bedroom house

Outstanding family house privately situated and commanding spectacular views of the Ampleforth valley set in about 1.6 acres.

Unrivalled in its setting in the Howardian Hills with remarkable views from Yearsley Moor to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, High Lions Lodge has recently undergone an exhilarating programme of renovation; it stands apart literally and metaphorically. Formerly a hunting lodge on the old coach road and part of the Newburgh Priory Estate, it was developed into a family house in the late nineteenth century.

With the help of architect Simon Mitchell of Mitchell Design Consultancy, the house seamlessly blends its seventeenth century origins with a contemporary extension that connects the house, its lovely gardens and far-reaching views. This is a distinguished country house beautifully updated to meet the demands of modern family life.

Entrance and staircase hall, 2 reception rooms, open plan kitchen breakfast living room, utility room. Principal bedroom suite with bathroom and dressing area, 5 further bedrooms, 3 further bathrooms (2 en suite)
Double garage, formal gardens and woodland
About 1.6 acres

More Details
The house has an abundance of architectural and design detailing throughout much of which reflects its leonine identity as well as its former life as a hunting lodge. Traditional features include working fireplaces, exposed beams and stripped doors along with high ceilings and elegant proportions. Amongst the many details waiting to be discovered is a secret door to a drying room that is concealed within the panelled walls of the wc/cloakroom.

The superb open plan kitchen/dining/living room is swathed in natural light with picture windows, floor to ceiling sliding doors and French doors giving access to the gardens. The bespoke handmade kitchen includes an electric Aga and large freestanding island with double butler sink; there is a pantry alongside. Broad floorboards are engineered in oak and there is a high output, cast iron stove in the living area. The separate library is full of character with its working fireplace, exposed stonework, fitted bookshelves, bespoke corner bar and deep picture window facing Ampleforth Valley. The study/office is part of the original building and has deepset windows with wide sills and a working fireplace. The property has access to Beeline high speed broadband providing the real option of working from home.

A dramatic, turning staircase leads to a galleried landing where three of the five bedrooms have en suite bathrooms. The principal bedroom suite is a remarkable space with floor to ceiling picture windows to three elevations, each one with a window seat. There are glorious views to be enjoyed from the free-standing bath as well as a shower cubicle and enclosed wc with sink.

Planning consent has been given to create a self-contained one bedroom annexe in the garage and a porch to be built on the front elevation. An adjacent five acre field set down as permanent pasture is available to rent by separate arrangement with the Newburgh Priory Estate

Outside
The house is approached via a long private drive flagged by woodland, through a five-bar gate that leads past shrubs and trees including laurels, sorbus and birch to a broad sweep by the pillared front door. Tumbled granite sets protect the lawns on two sides, with honeysuckle, roses and herbaceous plants flanking a square of lawn to the south, and bounded by stone walling on three sides. There is a par terre garden outside the new extension and a lovely stone terrace that faces west, ideal for al fresco dining. The rear drive leads to the twin open-bay garages. Towering Scots pines are underplanted with wild garlic, bluebells and foxgloves. The whole is bounded by mixed hedging and fencing. Views can be enjoyed across the Ampleforth valley as well as to the White Horse, Fylingdales on the North York Moors and to the Yorkshire Dales in the west

Environs
Nearby Ampleforth village has a primary school, shops and pubs. Yearsley Woods in the Howardian Hills is an expanse of undulating woodland owned by Forestry England with mountain bike trails and a series of footpaths. Easily accessible are the market towns of Easingwold and Helmsley both of which provide a good range of facilities. York with its mainline railway station lies to the south, and Leeds Bradford Airport can be reached within the hour. Both private and state schooling abound, with Ampleforth College close by, Easingwold and Ryedale state schools within fifteen to twenty minutes’ drive and York schools within easy reach.

General
Tenure: Freehold
Services: Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. Oil-fired central heating.
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
Directions: From York drive past the Yearsley crossroads passing the Coxwold turn on your left and Yearsley Wood carpark on your right. Some 500 metres beyond you will see a drive also on your left, unmarked and flagged by woodland. High Lions is the second property on your right.
Local authority: Hambleton District Council 01609 779977

Photographs, particulars and showreel: Summer and Autumn 2021
NB: Google map images may neither be current nor a true representation.