A rare chance has arisen to own a landmark tower house – believed to be a Yorkshire town’s tallest habitable building.
The Grade 1 Listed property, used until recently as solicitors’ offices in the historic heart of Beverley, looks set to become an exceptional home after going up for sale.
Plans have been lodged for the iconic 18th Century building, at 65 North Bar Within, to be changed back to residential use, with the property put on the market for offers in the region of £550,000.
Town historian Professor Barbara English has welcomed the news, saying: “It would be excellent if the Tower House became a house again, so that the lucky owners will be able to enjoy this most exotic, unexpectedly tall building with the most amazing views across the town.”
The four-storey tower, which overlooks the town’s medieval 15th Century North Bar, boasts stunning views across leafy Beverley Westwood’s common land towards the town racecourse.
Buildings historian Dr Susan Neave says: “It’s so rare to find a domestic building of this scale in Beverley.
“The opportunity to acquire something so grand in the heart of the town and having views of the top of North Bar is a rarity.
“It is an unparalleled view, to be able to see the earliest surviving brick-built town gate in England and be a part of the history of the town.”
Tower House and the adjoining Bar House, were originally a single dwelling, built on a site reputedly where King Charles 1’s officers met when they were trying to capture Hull, at the start of the English Civil War.
Bar House, which is under separate ownership at 67, North Bar Within, was reportedly sold for £1m in 2016, according to website The Move Market.
The rare opportunity to buy Tower House, which is among only a handful of Grade One Listed town buildings such as Beverley Minster, comes after decades of ownership by town solicitors, who have now decided to sell.
Distinguished past residents include artists Fred and Mary Elwell, believed to have lived in Bar House and Tower House when it was a single dwelling in the early 20th century.
Plans, submitted to East Riding Council for change of use to residential for Tower House, show indicative proposals for five bedrooms at the property, which includes a ground floor cottage extension and a vaulted cellar.
The rear of Tower House, at the end of a quiet lane just minutes from Beverley Westwood, has a secluded courtyard and parking for seven vehicles.
Visit www.dee-atkinson-harrison.co.uk or call 01482 866844 for details.
