Price: £445,000.00 Internal Images Of This Property Request Particulars or Ask a Question Email A Friend About This Property

With connections to the 11th century castle after which Barnard Castle was named, and a story that reaches back further still, The Ancient Manor House, 44 The Bank is a beautiful and historic home in one of the North East’s most charming towns.

Built in the early 1600’s, this Grade II * listed property, together with its immediate neighbours, was a single high status dwelling believed to have been the home of the then Steward of Barnard Castle. Archaeologists have suggested that an earlier status building existed on this site from medieval times.

Early in the 18th Century it is believed that the Ancient Manor House became a coaching Inn, doubtless a busy establishment benefiting from close proximity to the county bridge and its teeming visitor trade, and it’s prime position on the bank, in the ancient part of the town.

Number 44 became a single dwelling in the late 18th/early 19th century and since becoming a home for the present owners, the original features and character have been preserved and enhanced with care and style. The grand house today echoes the desirable high status residence it was four centuries ago.

Outside the house boasts ornamental stonework and other features of 17th century architecture. The period stonework continues inside and is exposed to dramatic effect in the kitchen where the imposing chimneybreast envelops a traditional Aga and is complemented by a beamed ceiling and stone flagged floor.

Packed with attractive features that appeal to modern buyers- stone fireplaces, oak beams, flagstones and wooden floors – the property is a wonderful example of history that works in the twenty first century. Much of the stonework and blackened beams originate from the 11th century castle, decommissioned around when the house was built, and the emphasis on natural materials is warm and welcoming today.

Taking advantage of the six large and opulent bedrooms, the current owners have established an exclusive and boutique bed and breakfast from a number of the rooms; breakfast is served in the bright, stone flagged Great hall with its inglenook fireplace.  One of the bedrooms is famous for its rare hand moulded Jacobean plaster ceiling, believed to be one of only four in the country.

Reached by a private ancient alleyway, the property’s sunny courtyard and pretty enclosed garden make for a quiet oasisfrom the hustle and bustle of this busy and popular market town. Just minutes out the back gate are the famed demesnes parkland and long river walks by the beautiful Tees.

ENTRANCE:

Heavy panelled door with glazed windows, stone flagged floor, stairs to first floor.

LOUNGE\GREAT HALL:

26'4 x 15’2 (8.03m x 4.62m)

A beautiful room full of character, large stone inglenook fire surround housing an open grate; stone flagged floor, beamed ceiling, original sash window with panelled inserts. Two other large panelled traditional windows considered by archaeologist to be earliest example of their kind. Archway through to kitchen.

BREAKFASTING KITCHEN:

13'0 x 15'1 (3.96m x 4.60m)

Comprehensively fitted with a range of eye level, base and larder units with concealed lighting and solid wood work surfaces, twin bowl ceramic ‘Belfast’ sink unit, centre island/breakfast bar incorporating electric oven and gas hob, integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher and microwave oven. Exposed stone wall with panelled window, shutters and stable door to courtyard. Imposing stone arched inglenook housing an Aga cooking range,

recessed and hidden door to garage and utility, stone flagged floor, beamed ceiling with inset low voltage spot lighting and pendant lights.

BOOTROOM/UTILITY ROOM:

16’9 x 9’11 (5.11m x 3.01m)

Plumbed for washing machine, water supply, services and internal coal bunker.

CLOAKS/WC:

WC with concealed cistern, wash hand basin with chrome wastes.

FRONT ROOM:

19'11 x 14'4 (6.07m x 4.37m)

Formally a shop, this room is now utilised as a large study, however could alternatively be another reception room or separate dining room. Feature stone wall with original stone/cast iron inset fire, recessed shelved book shelves, beamed ceiling, solid oak flooring, large bay window with shutters access to front, stairs leading down to cellar.

CELLAR: 16’5 x 13’1 (5.0m x 4.0m)

New wood laminate flooring, dry storage

FIRST FLOOR LANDING:

Spindle stair head and stairs leading to second floor, exposed timber, beamed ceiling, bookshelf.

DRAWING ROOM:

13'8 x 18'1 (4.17m x 5.51m)

Another elegant and welcoming room with original stripped panelled flooring, feature marble fireplace with cast iron and decorative tiled inset housing an open grate, bay sash window with timber panelled bay, recess shelving, heavy oak beamed ceiling.

BEDROOM 2:

13'4 x 16'6 (4.06m x 5.03m)

To the rear with windows to two elevations, original panelled wardrobes, doors to recess with hidden internal cupboards, exposed chimney breast with fire grate, stripped wood floor, heavy beamed ceiling.

BEDROOM3:

18'5 x 9'11 (5.61m x 3.02m)

With original Jacobean hand moulded cornice ceiling, stone/cast iron recessed fire.

BEDROOM 4:

14'6 x 9'0 (4.42m x 2.74m)

To the side with feature exposed stone chimney breast with recessed stone and cast grate, beamed ceiling and supports.

FAMILY BATHROOM:

Fitted in character with the rest of the property, comprising of a roll top free standing double ended bath, WC with high cistern and brass flush pipe, pedestal wash hand basin, tiled shower cubicle, feature exposed natural stone chimney breast and recessed fire housing, beamed ceiling, wooden floor

SECOND FLOOR:

Divided into two wings, double storage/linen cupboards

BEDROOM 5:

13'5 x 18'5 (4.09m x 5.61m)

To the front. A large room with exposed traditional ‘A’ frame beamed ceiling, feature chimney breast, 3 x windows. Window seats, views down Old Thorngate.

BEDROOM 6:

16'9 x 10'1 (5.11m x 3.07m)

A bright and airy with exposed beams, built in wardrobes, feature fire place, window seat.

MASTER BEDROOM:

24'11 x 11'1 7.59m x 3.38m

A light and spacious room with pitched ceiling, 3 x velux windows, beamed ceiling, storage to eaves. Views over Old Barnard Castle and to river and fields.

DRESSING AREA:

Twin Double built in wardrobes.

EN-SUITE:

Well fitted with a contemporary suite comprising of a free standing double ended bath with

rose head shower over, pedestal wash hand basin, low level WC, velux window, mosaic

detail flooring.

 EXTERNALLY:

The property benefits from an enclosed courtyard located to the side and accessed via an arched gated alley. The courtyard provides off street parking in addition to the two garages.

There is a pleasant paved patio area with raised planted borders, whilst there is a further enclosed garden with lawn, mature shrubbery and trees.

NOTE:

• Planning permission for demolition of the existing utility room and garages to rear and erection of single storey utility room/conservatory including formation of walled garden.

 • Two garages to rear – one with services (5.87m x 3.27m) and (5.87m x 2.35m)

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