St. James House, Main Street, Bilbrough, YO23

Walking along the scenic Main Street of Bilbrough, with its mix of imposing detached homes and equally sought-after pretty cottages, one could be forgiven for walking straight past St James House, noticing only its name plaque upon the Main Street. However, this is a sight not to be missed, for behind the tree-lined driveway is an exclusive home, privately tucked away along a sweeping driveway.

This imposing, Grade II listed property is of significant historic importance, being a (over 4,000 sqft) portion of Sir Guy Thomas Fairfax's country house, built in 1902 by Temple Moore, one of Victorian England's greatest church architects. The site itself is much older as the property is rumoured to have been built to replace an Elizabethan mansion.

The driveway is indeed sweeping as it meanders through the wooded approach. A haven for wildlife and an adventure playground for children, this home is sure to appeal to many. Passing the tree deck and approaching the house, a row of double garages is situated to the head of the driveway, which could accommodate vehicles into double figures, if ever required. The vast lawned garden covers much of the frontage with historic trees, seating areas and flower beds adding interest. Beyond the driveway, a walled terrace features raised vegetable beds and a sun terrace with pergola.

Internally, this three-storey property has been fully modernised, with great respect for original features. The current owners timeless, heritage style beautifully adorns each room of this exclusive home. The spacious entrance hall boasts replaced internal doors, a stunning staircase and has recently been fitted with stylish, monochrome, Italian Carrara marble floor. Adjoining this, a herringbone design flows from here into the ground floor cloakroom. The cloakroom itself has been refurbished to include new sanitaryware, tiling and redecoration. Off the main hallway is a utility room, featuring space for a washing machine, tumble dryer and the oil-fired central heating boiler. The main staircase really adds the wow factor to the entrance, double width and recently renovated with reclaimed, authentic, wooden boards and stairs risers. The Farrow and Ball charcoal paint completes this striking entrance.

The heart of the home, the kitchen diner, enjoys a beautiful outlook over the grounds from multiple windows; this also allows for natural light to flood the room. Opening to a snug, the redesign of this area of the home has been carefully planned for modern life. Recently replaced, the bespoke Scammell Interiors kitchen features deep green, shaker style base and wall units topped with quartz worktops and featuring a central island. Integrated appliances include a SMEG range style cooker, NEFF induction hob, NEFF dishwasher and fridge. Within the redesign of the kitchen, every detail has been considered, the Villeroy & Boch, Belfast sink sits below a window overlooking the grounds and features a stunning brass tap from Perrin & Rowe and a bespoke larder cupboard is both practical and stylish. Ample space is provided for a dining table within the kitchen.

Herringbone flooring in engineered timber, from North Yorkshire Timber, flows from the kitchen throughout the dining area and into the snug. The snug features windows overlooking the grounds, a luxury Droof log burning stove and double doors which lead to the orangery. This layout provides the option for an open plan arrangement, perfect for entertainment, or a cosier layout for quieter times. Further, stylish design notes include recently replaced Victorian style radiators throughout the hallway, kitchen and living room.

Beyond the snug, the interior takes a more formal turn as we enter a remarkable drawing room featuring an open fireplace, astonishingly high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that look over the garden. The flooring has been refurbished with reclaimed wooden boards adding rich, warm tones to the room. Blue Hague painted walls complete the drawing room.

To the rear of the drawing room, adjoining the orangery, the library features bespoke, handmade bookcases, a recently replaced Droof log burning stove and large opaque windows. Adding to the subtly opulent feel of this private room, a rich wool carpet perfectly contrasts with the painted Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth walls. Investigate the rear corner of the room a little closer and you will find a discreet door leading to the rear staircase. This hidden area of the house leads all the way to the third-floor accommodation and has been recently recarpeted to all three levels.

The fourth and final reception room upon the ground floor is an orangery, connecting the entire ground floor in one large loop, back to the entrance. Currently used as a playroom, this naturally light room lends itself to several functions.

Heading to the first floor, the double width formal staircase from the entrance hall leads to a wide landing, featuring recently replaced and reclaimed floorboards throughout. Windows to various aspects allow in natural light. Beyond the vast first-floor accommodation, the hallway takes an unexpected turn to meet the concealed, rear staircase leading to the third floor.

As one would expect in a property of this grandeur, the spacious master bedroom features a wall of bespoke wardrobes, an en-suite bathroom comprising of a walk-in shower featuring large stone tiles for a wet room style, wash hand basin from Villeroy & Boch and low level WC. Light tone, engineered beech floorboards and dual aspect windows complete the room.

Adjoining the master bedroom, is a delightful nursery complete with its own en-suite bathroom with shower, wash hand basin and WC. Recently redecorated and recarpeted with a sumptuously soft, 100% wool carpet, both rooms are naturally light with views of the stunning garden plot beyond.

Bedroom three, a substantial double room, is situated further along the hallway. The room features double windows, again, recently redecorated and featuring a high-quality wool carpet.

Bedroom four is again, another double room, with windows overlooking the attractive grounds. Recently redecorated the room is completed by laminate flooring.

The luxurious house bathroom was completely renovated less than a year ago. It comprises of a wet room area with large porcelain tiles, walk-in tray and frameless screen shower. There is a large Villeroy and Boch basin, two-person bath, recessed shelves and underfloor heating.

Beyond the landing, the concealed rear staircase leads to the third floor. A further two double bedrooms are accessed, one after the other, upon this spacious additional floor. With a multitude of uses, this additional accommodation could provide bedrooms, a playroom, home office, cinema room and more.

Externally, the plot extends to around an acre of characterful garden. Surrounding the large, flat lawn are multiple seating areas and areas of interest such as, a 30 metre zip line, tree deck, a secluded sun terrace and a vegetable garden.

Various trees beautifully enrich this large front garden: pine, spruce, beech, oaks, apple and birch all add benefit and activity. The garden is enjoyed by all manner of wildlife including birds, rabbits and squirrels, on a daily basis. The privacy and tranquillity of the garden is apparent upon first approaching this impressive home.

The village of Bilbrough is well served by a popular public house, enclosed play area and a historic church just next door. For those who wish to join in , there is a thriving and welcoming community featuring village socials, a wine club, coffee morning, village hall, as well as many walks and stunning scenery to enjoy. The location provides easy access to the A64 joining the village with York train station and the M1 motorway.

Kitchen

The heart of the home, the kitchen diner, enjoys a beautiful outlook over the grounds from multiple windows; this also allows for natural light to flood the room. Opening to a snug, the redesign of this area of the home has been carefully planned for modern life. Recently replaced, the bespoke Scammell Interiors kitchen features deep green, shaker style base and wall units topped with quartz worktops and featuring a central island. Integrated appliances include a SMEG range style cooker, NEFF induction hob, NEFF dishwasher and fridge. Within the redesign of the kitchen, every detail has been considered, the Villeroy & Boch, Belfast sink sits below a window overlooking the grounds and features a stunning brass tap from Perrin & Rowe and a bespoke larder cupboard is both practical and stylish. Ample space is provided for a dining table within the kitchen.

Drawing room

Beyond the snug, the interior takes a more formal turn as we enter a remarkable drawing room featuring an open fireplace, astonishingly high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that look over the garden. The flooring has been refurbished with reclaimed wooden boards adding rich, warm tones to the room. Blue Hague painted walls complete the drawing room.

Library

To the rear of the drawing room, adjoining the orangery, the library features bespoke, handmade bookcases, a recently replaced Droof log burning stove and large opaque windows. Adding to the subtly opulent feel of this private room, a rich wool carpet perfectly contrasts with the painted Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth walls. Investigate the rear corner of the room a little closer and you will find a discreet door leading to the rear staircase. This hidden area of the house leads all the way to the third-floor accommodation and has been recently recarpeted to all three levels.

House bathroom

The luxurious house bathroom was completely renovated less than a year ago. It comprises of a wet room area with large porcelain tiles, walk-in tray and frameless screen shower. There is a large Villeroy and Boch basin, two-person bath, recessed shelves and underfloor heating.

Principle bedroom

As one would expect in a property of this grandeur, the spacious principle bedroom features a wall of bespoke wardrobes, an en-suite bathroom comprising of a walk-in shower featuring large stone tiles for a wet room style, wash hand basin from Villeroy & Boch and low level WC. Light tone, engineered beech floorboards and dual aspect windows complete the room.

Adjoining the principle bedroom, is a delightful nursery complete with its own en-suite bathroom with shower, wash hand basin and WC. Recently redecorated and recarpeted with a sumptuously soft, 100% wool carpet, both rooms are naturally light with views of the stunning garden plot beyond.

Bedroom five and six

Beyond the landing, the concealed rear staircase leads to the third floor. A further two double bedrooms are accessed, one after the other, upon this spacious additional floor. With a multitude of uses, this additional accommodation could provide bedrooms, a playroom, home office, cinema room and more.

Garden

Externally, the plot extends to around an acre of characterful garden. Surrounding the large, flat lawn are multiple seating areas and areas of interest such as, a 30 metre zip line, tree deck, a secluded sun terrace and a vegetable garden.

Various trees beautifully enrich this large front garden: pine, spruce, beech, oaks, apple and birch all add benefit and activity. The garden is enjoyed by all manner of wildlife including birds, rabbits and squirrels, on a daily basis. The privacy and tranquillity of the garden is apparent upon first approaching this impressive home.