Historic Potto Hall for sale

Nestled in a prime spot with views over the North York Moors, Potto Hall, near Stokesley and Yarm, is one of the area’s finest properties.

It dates back to 1850 and for over 40 years it was home to Joseph Richardson, a Victorian shipbuilding magnate and MP.

His great wealth, also fuelled by interests in steel works and collieries, helped keep the property and its period features in the very best condition

The hall was requisitioned as a convalescent home for soldiers injured in the First World War and later became a hotel, restaurant and wedding venue.

Today, it is an elegant private home that has been lovingly restored by its owners.

Steve Crosbie and his family bought it nine years ago as they were keen to be close to Yarm School, one of the best independent schools in the area.

“It wasn’t on the market and someone bet me that I wouldn’t be able to buy it. I won the bet because I asked the owners if they would be willing to sell and they agreed,” Mr Crosbie.

The property’s outbuildings have been converted into dwellings and now have a separate access. The main hall has its own gated entrance.

Mr Crosbie describes the six-bedroom house and its interior as having “compact grandness” after a major renovation project that includes a biomass heating system and newly-restored and reinstated period features

“We have done everything from the floors to a new roof.

“Our aim was to return the house to how it was when the Richardson family owned it, while adding modern amenities, such as underfloor heating.

“The free-standing kitchen units were made to look Victorian but they hide modern appliances. We also redid the bathroom in Victorian style and we hunted all over Europe to find Victorian chandeliers to replace those that were once there ,” says Mr Crosbie, who is downsizing now that his children have flown the nest.

Potto Hall has 13.5 acres of woodland, landscaped garden and grazing land.

Inside, the three reception rooms are all accessed from the hall, which has a sweeping staircase. The kitchen has an electric AGA, a dining area and double doors leading to the spacious sitting room.

There is a separate cloakroom, a utility room, a second kitchen and a boiler room. Upstairs, there are six bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Contact: Liz Dennison Property, tel: 01609 748114, www.lizdproperty.co.uk