This luxurious townhouse turned holiday let in York has won two design awards and has views of Clifford’s Tower

It took over five and a half years in total but the rewards have been well worthwhile. The property on Tower Street, which has some of the best views of York’s famous landmark Clifford’s Tower, is now a luxury holiday let that gets rave reviews from those who stay there.

Even more impressive is that the house was one of the stars of the recent York Design Awards. Now named Clifford’s Townhouse, it won the commercial/community award and the People’s Choice Award. The latter was voted for by members of the public, which made the accolade even more special.

The long haul from wreck to beautiful period home began when Debra, Property Portfolio Director of Integra Property Management’s York operation, spotted the building for sale and flagged it up to the firm’s director. He too fell in love with the idea of converting the building back into a house.

Fortunately, he was also possessed of dogged determination and deep pockets. Plus he was prepared to fight for the conversion and to bust the budget to see that it was done to the highest standard.

“The property had been empty for ten years and was going to rack and ruin but it still had many original features, including the staircase, cornices, architraves and sash windows. Plus the location is fantastic. It’s right in the centre of York and the views of Clifford’s Tower are amazing. I could see it could make a brilliant holiday let but it was the hardest project we’ve ever done,” says Debra.

The biggest stumbling block was getting planning permission to change the building’s use from commercial use back to residential and to add an extension on land that had previously housed servants quarters. That took four-and-a-half years.

York City Council refused the applications so an appeal was lodged and eventually won. One of the reasons why the extension was granted was because of its modernity.

“We started off thinking it would be best to be sympathetic to the house,” says Debra. “However, we were told that we would stand a better chance of success if the extension was contemporary.”

One look was all it took for planners to say “yes” to the sensational design by York-based architects Fining Associates. Rather than attempting a pastiche, Michael Fining’s suggestion delineated the Victorian from the contemporary in spectacular fashion.

Michael says: “The extension is avowedly modern, a contemporary layer and an evolutionary transition that creates a distinct visual separation from the original property. It fits very comfortably in its surroundings and does not dominate or overshadow, and it makes use of modern materials such as lightweight structural glass and striking standing seam copper cladding.”

The double height addition provides a kitchen, W.C. and bicycle storage on the ground floor and a bathroom on the first floor. York Builder, who was the main contractor, did a sterling job on installing the extension and on renovating the Victorian property, adding back features that were missing and restoring the original sash windows, staircase and front door, while ensuring the house was wind and water tight.

That took 18 months and wasn’t easy because the work was going on during the pandemic when the cost of materials doubled and says Debra: “That meant the extension alone went £200,000 over budget.” She and Jessica designed the decor and chose cabinets from Howdens for the kitchen, which are elevated by granite worktops and top end appliances. The luxurious bathroom on the floor above is incredible and has an egg-shaped bath, wet room shower, a copper wall and bespoke lights with a copper finish to match the extension it sits within.

The original part of the property, which is on three floors, has been tastefully decorated with a nod to its Victorian roots. “We did our research on the era and had a vision of how we wanted the house to look. It was important to make the rooms feel luxurious and we wanted to incorporate some bright colours to make the spaces pop,” says Debra, who, together with Jessica, sourced Victorian fireplaces, statement wallpapers and fabulous chandeliers among other things.

There’s a snug that has a “gentleman’s club” feel. “There is no TV in there,” says Debra. “It’s somewhere to find peace and quiet.”

The sitting room is on the first floor, rather than on the ground floor of the three storey house. This makes the most of the spectacular view of Clifford’s Tower, which is also enjoyed from the neighbouring principal bedroom.

The sitting room includes sofas from Sofa Workshop and Manuel Canovas Salvator wallpaper that is reminiscent of Arts and Crafts style papers but with a modern twist. No expense was spared on the curtains and blinds, which were custom made by York based Elaine Interiors.

The property has three bedrooms, one king, one double and another with two single beds. There is also a sofa bed, meaning the house can sleep eight.

“It is by far the most difficult project we have ever done but it’s also been the best and most rewarding,” says Debra. *Clifford’s Townhouse is available for holiday let via www.staysyork.com.