For sale: one of the best period houses in the Harrogate area

The dining kitchen is a light, bright space thanks to an extension and glazed doors onto the garden.

This exceptional grade II* listed property features in Pevsner’s Buildings of England and dates back to the 14th century when it was a resting place for monks travelling between Kirkstall Abbey and Fountains Abbey.

It has been extended and altered over the years. The dining room, which boasts a huge inglenook fireplace, is the oldest part of the property, while the drawing room was added in 1908.

Nigel and Bryony Howes are the latest owners to make their mark on the historic building. They bought it 16 years ago and have carried out a sensitive and sensational modernisation.

Hill Top Hall, near Harrogate, dates to the 14th century but is perfect for 21st living thanks to a fabulous makeover.

“The house was brimming with character but it was in need of updating and so we employed interior architects to help us make the best of the space,” says Bryony.

With the blessing of English Heritage, the couple have combined three small rooms to create one large day room, while the kitchen has been extended. They also added three more bathrooms and transformed the decor.

“It has been the most glorious home for us and we are really sad to be leaving it but our children all now in the south of England so we are relocating there to be closer to them,” says Bryony.

Hill Top Hall is set in secluded grounds with magnificent views across open countryside. The interior extends to 5,000 sq ft and includes a reception hall, drawing room, a dining room, cloakroom, day room and a large living kitchen with French windows.

The day room, which was created from three separate rooms

The first floor has a stunning master suite with exposed beams, a large dressing room and a bathroom, along with three further double bedrooms, two of which have en suite facilities. There is also a house bathroom.

On the second floor, there is an open plan, loft-style bedroom with bathroom running the full width of the house.

Outside, Hill Top Hall stands in grounds of 10.4 acres with two acres of garden and terraced courtyards.

There is an outdoor swimming pool, a pavilion, which could be utilised as a home office and a three/four car garage with an adjoining greenhouse. For equestrian or amenity purposes there are 8.4 acres of grassland with road frontage and direct access

Tony Wright, of Carter Jonas, says: “This is an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire one of the best period houses in the Harrogate area. The property is beautifully presented in a contemporary style whilst retaining the character of the original building. It is an opportunity not to be missed.”

*For further details contact Carter Jonas, Harrogate, tel: 01423 523423. www.carterjonas.co.uk