One of the finest homes in Middleham is on the market and offers an income stream and scope for multi-generational living

On the market for the first time in over 100 years, Grove House ticks all the above boxes and many more for those who want a substantial home in one of Yorkshire’s most sought-after locations.

The period property sits in a private spot in grounds of approximately half an acre and has exceptional rural views while being just a short stroll from the main street, where strings of racehorses regularly clip clop from the racing yards up to the gallops on the edge of the town, which are surrounded by glorious Wensleydale countryside.

Along with the main house, which has eight bedrooms, including a top floor, two-bedroom apartment, the property has two holiday cottages that generate a good income and could be used to accommodate a multi-generational family.

Standout features of the house include the beautiful cantilevered staircase, a stained glass arched window, along with detailed cornicing and picture rails, traditional cast iron radiators and stone flagged flooring.

Selling to downsize now that their children have flown the nest was a pragmatic decision by Rodger Murray who, like his parents, grandparents and great grandparents, has enjoyed living there.

Edward Vivian Rayner, his great grandfather on his mother’s side, bought the house in 1919. Astute and athletic, he came from a wealthy shipping and stockbroking family in Liverpool and he loved the sporting life.

He was involved in the spearheading association football in Liverpool and in 1881, he played for Bootle Football Club when they took part in the first FA Cup tie on Merseyside. Greyhound coursing was another passion and he twice reached the semi-finals of the Waterloo Cup.

On buying a home in Middleham, Edward embraced the Sport of Kings wholeheartedly and enjoyed his finest moment in 1903 when his horse Kilbride won the Ayr Gold Cup.

After his passing in 1932, the house was owned by subsequent generations of the family, including Rodger’s mother and father, the late former stud groom and war hero Roger Murray and his wife Vyvian.

Rodger bought the property from his parents in 1994 and he and his wife and children have very much enjoyed living there. The couple have also ensured that the house is in good order and ready for its new owners to put their stamp on it.

A new kitchen has been installed and the general decor is largely neutral with the views over the gardens and beyond stars of the show.

The house has an entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, dining kitchen, snug, laundry room, butler’s kitchen/utility with W.C. and a cellar.

The upper floors house a principal bedroom suite, five further bedrooms, three bathrooms and the self-contained apartment, which has a living/dining/kitchen area, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

The Gate House cottage in the grounds has a sitting room, dining kitchen and two bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms and Beech Tree Cottage has an open plan living space, a bedroom and a shower room. Outside, Grove House has mature gardens and grounds set in half an acre with ample parking space.

Now selling to downsize, Rodger says: “I have loved the house and it’s been a wonderful place for us to bring up our three children. The views over parkland are spectacular, yet when you walk out of the front gate, you are in the town square.”

The Murrays plan to stay in Middleham and Rodger adds: “It’s a great place with real community spirit and good facilities.”

*Grove House, which has a price tag of £1.65m, is on the market with GSC Grays Leyburn office. Visit www.gscgrays.co.uk or call 01969 600120 for further details.

Middleham is just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park and it is two miles from Leyburn. It is famous for its medieval castle, which was the childhood home of Richard III, which is one of Wensleydale’s best known visitor attractions.

The town is also renowned for its impressive horse racing heritage and is home to stables and gallops for leading flat and National Hunt racehorses and trainers.

AP McCoy, the most successful jump jockey in the history of National Hunt racing, is a fan of the town and is quoted saying: “I've ridden many winners for Middleham trainers' throughout the years, and find it a fascinating place. A cross between Heartbeat and Newmarket, It's unique, beautiful and a must visit if you haven't been."

The centre of Middleham, with its Georgian and Victorian architecture, has a convenience store, pubs, a primary school and a community centre.

Nearby Leyburn has a variety of shops, a doctor’s surgery, dentist and primary and secondary schools. Middleham also has easy access to the A1, which is a 25 minute drive away and the train station at Northallerton is half an hour’s drive.