The Old Parsonage has had a thoroughly modern makeover
THE best-laid plans often go awry when hunting for a new home. Wendy and Peter Moss were seduced out of their search area when they spotted the Old Parsonage. The imposing Georgian house was too good to resist and the couple bought it in 2009 after moving back to Britain from Portugal.
“We just fell in love with it and we loved the fact that it is in the village so from a security point of view it felt very safe and you are very much part of the community,” says Wendy
“The décor was very traditional so we were keen to put our own stamp on it.”
Although they kept the kitchen and bathroom suites, the couple have redecorated the rest of the property to create a classic contemporary look that includes new stone fireplaces, Italian sofas from Christopher Pratt’s and stunning wallpapers and fabrics.
They have also transformed the annexe into a cinema room and separate office and re-landscaped the gardens installing a water feature and a hot tub.
The house, which is grade two listed, has 4,296 sq feet of space stretching over three floors and came into private ownership in the 1970s after being sold by the diocese, which built a new parsonage.
Its period features include sash windows with working shutters and original doors and architraves and it boasts a reception hall, drawing room, family room, dining room, living kitchen with Aga, utility room, pantry, rear hall, pantry, cloakroom and vaulted cellars.
On the upper floors, there is a galleried landing, master bedroom suite, guest bedroom suite and three further bedrooms with en-suites.
Outside, there is garaging, a selfcontained annexe with cinema room and office, gardens, a sun terrace and a hot tub. There is also planning permission to create an orangerie.
Wendy and Peter are moving to be closer to their facilities management business in Wakefield.
“We honestly thought this would be our last move but we have realised that we really need to be closer to work,” says Wendy. “We will miss it though. It’s a lovely house and we really like the village. It is close to Harrogate and has a nice community plus a school and a deli.”
Hampsthwaite benefits from a wide range of amenities including the church, village hall, primary school, convenience store and pub. It sits off the A59 to the north west of Harrogate.
Georgina Buchanan, of Buchanan Mitchell estate agents, says: “The Old Parsonage is an outstanding house. This stunning property is a fine example of a classic Georgian residence.”