Property and Interiors Editor

Published 16th Oct 2024, 04:00 BST

Robert Beaumont says: “He is greatly misunderstood. Whilst his financial practices were dubious, his legacy was Britain’s great rail network, which he almost single-handedly created in ten absolutely fantastic years. He had amazing energy and vision. At his height, he was the richest man in England, and the Times estimated that thousands upon thousands of jobs were dependent on him.”

While many of the railway lines he created are long gone thanks to Beeching, a good number of the station buildings that remain stand as an impressive legacy.

One of the loveliest and most impressive is Station House in the market town of Richmond. It dates from 1846.

Now Grade II-listed, it was constructed as the station master’s house to serve Hudson’s North of England Railway.

Many of the property’s historic features remain including period fireplaces, timber shutters, alcoves, quoined surrounds to the mullion windows, original doors, and sash windows to name just a few.

The most recent owners have played their part in ensuring its longevity. Jean Whaley and her husband bought the property in 2016 so they could relocate from Oxford to Yorkshire.

“This house fitted the bill as it is the perfect location. It is in a beautiful area and it’s rural but you are five minutes from the centre of Richmond,” says Jean.

During the Whaleys’ tenure, the house, which has a self-contained annexe, has been comprehensively updated and that includes a new roof and plumbing.

Selling Station House will be a wrench but the time has come to downsize. For anyone who doesn’t know Richmond, Jean can vouch for it and its many charms and says: “We moved here from a city to this delightful property and never regretted it. There are riverside walks, lots going on and a lovely community.”

Lizzie Tate of GSC Grays estate agents, which is marketing the property says: “Station House occupies a prime position in Richmond and has been beautifully enhanced by the current vendor.

“The house blends historic charm with modern living while retaining many original features. The annexe adds flexibility, while the well maintained gardens create a great outdoor space."

Station House has an entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, breakfast kitchen, sitting room, a ground floor shower room, three double bedrooms, one with an ensuite, a bathroom and a single bedroom/study.

There is also a self-contained annexe with a bedroom, kitchen and shower room. Outside is a triple garage, parking and a well stocked garden

Station House is on the market with GSC Grays Richmond office with a

guide price of £995,000. Tel 01748 897630.

For sale: fabulous former railway station house in a sought after Yorkshire town