For sale: Oliver Cromwell's battle HQ now the perfect family home

This grade II*listed, 17th century house comes with an impressive history, period features and beautiful interiors.

Oliver Cromwell and his Roundhead generals are said to have used the imposing property as their military headquarters in July 1644. They subsequently defeated the Royalists troops at the Battle of Marston Moor, the largest battle ever fought on English soil.

Gary and Gillian White bought the historic hall in 2009 after deciding to leave London and return to their northern roots.

“We knew immediately it was exactly what we were looking for,” says Gary. “It’s so spectacular and, because we have always shared an interest in period properties, the fact that it has a unique historical significance to the local area was a real bonus.”

Long Marston Hall has been extended over the centuries but retains extensive oak panelling, a Jacobean staircase and a wig room, concealed behind a panelled wall. Full-length windows in the kitchen are a relic of the room’s former use as a wine shop, when it was owned by a 17th century Lord Mayor of York.

Gary and Gillian have brought their own style to the house and also converted two interconnecting bedrooms into a self-contained suite. The hall now has five reception rooms, six bedrooms and four bathrooms.

“We’ve introduced a contemporary design throughout the house but one which complements the history of Long Marston Hall,” says Gary, who owns a local soft furnishings business.

The couple have also worked hard to create impressive formal gardens, a summerhouse and entertaining area. They are selling so their children can experience city living in York.

“Long Marston has been the perfect family home for us,” says Gary, “We have pondered long and hard but reluctantly decided to pass the property on to new owners who I’m sure will treasure it as much as we have done.”

Toby Cockcroft, director of Croft Residential, the York-based agent marketing Long Marston Hall, adds: “It goes without saying that this is a truly unique property. Its place in England’s history is so significant that the Sealed Knot society of Civil War reenactment enthusiasts marches past the hall every July on the anniversary of the Battle of Marston Moor.

“The house has been decorated exceptionally stylishly and with the fantastic gardens and a paddock for ponies, it really is a sumptuous family home. All this is in the depths of the North Yorkshire countryside and yet just a stone’s throw from York.”

*Contact Croft Residential, tel; 01904 238222, www.croftresidential.co.uk