Sheriff Hutton Park EstateSheriff Hutton, York, YO60 6RH

History:
In the early 17th Century, Sheriff Hutton and all the surrounding countryside was part of the immense Forest of Galtres. The property comprised part of a large Deer Park which contained the Royal Hunting Lodge or “Launde House” which was visited by King James I in 1617. Sir Arthur Ingram commenced construction of a substantial country house in approximately 1619, which incorporated the stump of the old Royal Hunting Lodge. Today, only the central block and the garden walls remain, with the east and west wings having been demolished during the extensive remodelling of the 1730s. This work was carried out by Leonard Thompson, who gave the house its present Queen Anne character, which included entirely re-facing the property with new brickwork to enclose the original structure. Internally a new staircase was installed and the height of the Great Hall was reduced in order to create the first floor early Georgian drawing room. The Victorian wing was added in 1848, which added well-proportioned rooms forming the master bedroom suite and drawing room. The architectural and historical importance of the property is highlighted by the fact that Sheriff Hutton Hall is Grade I listed and lies within Grade II* listed Parks and Gardens. Other Grade II listed features including the Ice House, garden walls and a number of listed statutes and urns.

Description:
The purchaser will be acquiring a house of historic interest including many fine architectural features such as the Jacobean panelled sitting room which has remained virtually unchanged since 1620, the oak screen with Tuscan columns in the reception hall made by Henry Duckett in 1622 and Description the principal staircase dating from approximately 1730. A particular feature is the fine Stucco friezes and plaster work to the ceilings complemented by well-proportioned rooms within the Victorian extension. In conjunction with English Heritage the owner has sought to create a modern family home whilst at the same time conserving, preserving and restoring many of the architectural features. Planning consent was granted in 2013 for alterations to include erection of a replacement conservatory, construction of a metal and glass canopy over the east courtyard, the building of a new garage block, replacement of a 20th Century staircase, installation of a lift together with internal alterations primarily associated with provision of new bathrooms and ancillary accommodation. The entrance door and steps have been relocated to their original position and recent capital works have included reroofing and repointing the main house, a programme of restoration to the original garden walls as well as careful restoration of a number of the listed statues. Resurfacing of the entrance drive has added to the ease of access to the property. A purchaser has the exciting opportunity to model the house internally and install services to suit their own preferences to create a modern family home. The principal accommodation extends to 12,492 sq ft comprising ground, first and second floors plus a further 4,400 sq ft at lower ground floor including the former kitchen, wine cellar and stores. The front steps lead to the entrance hall off which lie the reception hall and a music room. The main staircase hall, sitting room and dining room lie beyond as well as the study, kitchen area and large former Victorian ballroom which would make an impressive drawing room or family living kitchen. The second floor provides further well-proportioned accommodation likely to provide another four or five bedroom suites. From the principal rooms there are mainly southerly views over the formal garden area and views north and east over the parkland and lake.

Gardens and Grounds:
Sheriff Hutton Hall lies within parkland and gardens which are Grade II* listed and are on the register of Historic Parks and Gardens for its special historic interest. The Royal Forest of Galtres included the deer park hunted in by King James I in 1617. The remnants of the historic woodland includes several ancient oak trees in the parkland adjacent to the L shaped lake which is a particular feature of the property. More recent but mature woodlands offer attractive screening for the property and adds to the sporting potential. Formal gardens bordered by the original brick built garden walls are now laid to lawns flanked by a number of the listed and restored statues and urns.

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