3 bedroom house

The ultimate renovation of a sizeable cottage high in the Howardian Hills and with outstanding views

High Stittenham is a rural hamlet hidden away in the Howardian Hills and nestled upon the crest of a hill. Keepers Cottage enjoys pole position at the edge of the hamlet with an elevated setting and far-reaching views towards the Yorkshire Wolds, encircled by native woodland and rolling green pastures. An attractive early nineteenth cottage with steep pitched roof and tall chimney, it was formerly a gamekeepers’ cottage to the Estate. In the last few years, it has been extended, remodelled and sensitively renovated to create a house of deceptively generous proportions offering every modern convenience and luxury. It comes with large gardens that wrap around three sides and a recently constructed oak-framed garage. Keepers Cottage is undoubtedly a one-off gem.

Entrance and staircase hall, boot room, kitchen dining room, utility room, cloakroom/wc, sitting room, study
Principal bedroom suite with shower room, 2 further bedrooms, house bathroom
Front and rear gardens, driveway, double garage, outbuildings, shed

Additional Information - The renovation of 2020 both embraces and enhances the original building, and includes the construction of a substantial side extension sympathetic to the original building; external walls have been repointed in lime and the brickwork, timber windows and Welsh slate roof carefully matched. All high specification fittings found in the kitchen, bathrooms, utility and boot room as well as the bedrooms date from this time. The high-end finish continues throughout the property, and includes bespoke engineered oak floor from JS Woodcraft, carpets from Crucial Trading, a wood burning stove from Town & Country Fires in Pickering, Ca Pietra encaustic floor tiles, column radiators, and Burlington and Hansgrohe bathroom fittings. There is a pressurized water system designed with copper, column radiators, a burglar alarm, zoned internal lighting, external sensor lighting and two external taps.

The kitchen breakfast room is a superb 23 ft space with an oak floor and windows to three sides including French doors that open onto the garden terrace. It comfortably accommodates a family-sized dining table. The bespoke ‘Naked Kitchen’ includes an electric induction range, quartz work surfaces, Butler sink and an island unit with breakfast bar, Butler sink and integrated Bosch appliances. It is complemented by a utility room with a Butler sink and access to the cloakroom/wc. A boot room with handmade cloaks cupboard has an outside door giving access to the drive. The elegantly-proportioned sitting room has a multi-fuel stove flanked by shelving/fitted cupboards and enjoys a fine outlook, as does the neighbouring room which currently serves as a study but would make an ideal snug.

The early nineteenth century staircase rises to the first floor, now an impressive space exposed to the roof with the original beams restored and insulated. The large landing, lit by Conservation rooflights, offers ample space for a study/play area. All bedrooms and bathrooms have lofty ceilings and are beautifully proportioned, an agreeable surprise in a cottage. The house bathroom is panelled to half height with a heated towel rail and three-piece suite including a freestanding roll-top bath. The principal bedroom is flanked by tall windows that frame wonderful country views, has a storage cupboard and en suite shower room.

Outside - At the front, the garden is enclosed by a post and rail fence with laurel hedging and a path, flanked by lawn, leads to the front door. Spanning the front elevation is a gravelled terrace, an ideal place for sitting out and enjoying the long, south-facing view. A five-bar gate – with separate side gate - gives access to the garage and a gravel driveway, providing ample space for turning and the secure parking of multiple vehicles. A broad paved terrace abuts the rear of the house; it is sheltered by a low wall with slate copings, an ideal area for dining and entertaining. A broad flight of stone steps ascends to the extensive rear garden, predominantly laid to lawn and bounded by recently-erected timber fencing and well established hedging. Within the extensive lawns are abundantly planted herbaceous borders and beds, an outbuilding providing two stores, a shed and four raised vegetable beds.

Outbuildings - The recently constructed double garage is detached and oak-framed with a slate roof. It has electric doors, power and light with provision made for an EV charger. The traditional brick outbuilding is divided into a potting shed and a log store. In addition, there is a timber garden shed.

Environs - High Stittenham is a rural hamlet situated in between Sheriff Hutton and Bulmer. Neighbouring Sheriff Hutton is a large and bustling village with a wide range of amenities including a primary school and bus service. The City of York with its mainline railway station and independent schooling is easily accessible within a half hour drive. There are independent schooling options nearby including Terrington and Ampleforth. Some four miles to the north is the well-stocked farmshop at Castle Howard. From the doorstep are superb walks including the Centenary Way which is a public footpath that links the Yorkshire Wolds and Howardian Hills via Castle Howard.

General - Tenure: Freehold
EPC Rating: D
Services & Systems: Mains electricity and water. Oil central heating. Private water treatment plant.
Fixtures & Fittings: Only those mentioned in these sales particulars are included in the sale. All others, such as fitted carpets, curtains, light fittings, garden ornaments etc., are specifically excluded but may be made available by separate negotiation.
Local Authority: North Yorkshire Council Howardian Hills AONB
Directions: on the road between Bulmer and Sheriff Hutton take the road north signposted ‘High Stittenham only’. At the junction take the right hand fork and drive some 250 metres, passing a Private Road sign until you see Keeper’s Cottage on your left, the farthest of two cottages///hedge.cropping.summit
Viewing: Strictly by appointment
Money Laundering Regulations: Prior to a sale being agreed, prospective purchasers are required to produce identification documents in order to comply with Money Laundering regulations. Your co-operation with this is appreciated and will assist with the smooth progression of the sale.
Photographs, particulars and showreel: June 2024
NB: Google map images may neither be current nor a true representation.