In the heart of North Yorkshire sits the delightful town of Harrogate whose development as a prosperous and flourishing spa town dates back to the 16th century. Having 88 natural springs in close proximity, the town soon became the favoured destination for European aristocracy. The many fine hotels and grand houses are an enduring legacy to that era. Its heritage as a fashionable spa town continues in the Montpellier Quarter with the Royal Pump Room Museum. Nearby is the restored, Moorish-style Turkish Baths & Health Spa and the Grade II listed Valley Gardens, providing a relaxing and captivating place to explore.
To ensure access to the abundance of invigorating wells, the Enclosure Act was passed by Parliament in 1778 thereby
establishing this unique open parkland now known as ‘The Stray’. In Spring this 200 acre open parkland takes on a profusion of colours from millions of croci giving way to a golden carpet of daffodils and framed by long lines of cherry blossom trees. Many around the country and even around the world know Harrogate for Betty’s café, the Stray parklands and its spa waters. It is also recognised for its stunning beauty, often winning rhs Britain in Bloom awards.
Few other locations in the North of England can match its cosmopolitan atmosphere, elegant living and inimitable sense of style. Harrogate is also well known for its thriving café culture and exclusive independent shops, with its avant-garde spirit and palpable passion offers a truly
unique place to live.
The great Award of 1778, which followed the enclosure of the former Royal Forest of Knaresborough, allotted a portion of land in Harrogate between Otley Road and Cold Bath Road to the Crown, through the Duchy of Lancaster. This land, known as the Red Bank Estate, was after 1850 leased to builders by the Duchy, who insisted that a high standard of construction be practiced. In consequence, a number of fine villas were erected, these included Beech Lodge, Beech Villa and Holderness House, which today for ms the principal part of Stray Towers. The first occupant was John Richardson a prominent citizen and a founding member of the Harrogate Improvement Commission.
Following a number of name changes the villa was converted into a prestigious hotel, frequented by Victorian gentry and was considerably enlarged in 1905 through the addition of an east wing. In 1912, it was acquired by the The Stray Hotel and Hydro Ltd.
In 1939, on the outbreak of war, the Stray Hotel was requisitioned by the Government and was occupied by the West Riding of Yorkshire’s Agriculture Executive Committee.
In the 1950’s the hotel was converted into 17 apartments, which sold so well that by 1960 a second detached block was constructed, namely Strayside Court.
Holderness House was also the inspiration for the recently published historical novel ‘Precarious Fortunes’ by current owner Ian Townsend.
Holderness House is the result of a comprehensive and painstaking restoration forming the principal part of an historic grand villa dating back to the mid 19th Century located on the edge of the iconic Stray.
The restoration has been architecturally designed and restored
by a team of master craftsmen, resulting in an exquisite home of elegant proportions with handcrafted detailing sitting effortlessly alongside 21st Century technology.
The internal accommodation has been designed to offer perfect entertaining spaces, which flow from the central reception hall to the reception rooms. This spectacular residence blends modern elegance with intricate design details in seamless harmony with the original proportions.
A passenger lift connects the principal reception rooms and
principal bedroom suite to the vintage ‘Art Deco’ cinema room
and highly appointed guest bedroom suites.
This prestigious residence has been finished to an exceptional standard, using the finest materials, bespoke finishes and luxurious fittings. There is an abundance of impressive features including the majestic, cantilevered stone staircase which runs through the heart of the property. Added to which is the meticulously restored garden room connecting to the loggia and private terrace garden which has been created by the Chelsea award winning designer ‘Lizzie Tulip’.
Holderness House also enjoys private parking and a double garage. This beautiful home enjoys an impressive and enviable position with spectacular views across ‘The Stray’.
All mains services. Gas central heating.
Covenants, easements, rights of way
The property will be let subject to all covenants, easements and rights of way whether specifically mentioned in these particulars or not.
Rating D
Copy of the full report available upon request.
The property is available for immediate occupation. To be let on an
Assured Shorthold Tenancy for a minimum term of at least 12 months.