‘Country house in town’ that was built for Cromwell’s granddaughter
THE owners of this grade two listed Georgian property refer to it as their “country house in the town” thanks to its prime position.
Screened by walls and mature trees, it is hidden away but has views over the river and is just a few minutes walk from the shops in the market town of Thirsk.
Former Lieutenant Colonel Mike Healey and his wife Mo bought the house nine years ago after being blown away by the location and the architecture.
“We both love Georgian houses and this had a lovely feel to it, plus being close to the town really appealed,” says Mo.
The property needed modernisation and while Mike worked away, she “camped out” there and project managed.
“I had a great team but I wanted to be on site to make everything was done how we wanted it, so staying here while we took everything back to bare plaster was hard but it was worthwhile,” she says.
The house now has a stunning new kitchen and bathrooms along with a décor that complements its rich history.
Ingram House was built as the Dower House for Lady Elizabeth Frankland-Russell, granddaughter of Oliver Cromwell and wife of the second Baronet, Sir Thomas Frankland of the nearby Thirkleby Park Estate. The Palladian-fronted home dates from around 1720 and was extended in the 1860s.
Period features include decorative sash windows with working shutters, panelling and fireplaces. Mo was also keen to find a portrait of Lady Elizabeth to link back to the past.
“I couldn’t find one but I tracked down a portrait of her t wo granddaughters with Roseberry Topping in the background in the Washington DC Gallery of Art.
“I have had it copied and it now hangs on the landing,” she says.
The house has an entrance hall leading to a dining room, drawing room with twin sash windows overlooking the garden, a sitting room and a conservatory. The dining kitchen has a slate floor and bespoke painted and antique pine units.
The laundry room adjoins the kitchen. On the first floor, there are four double bedrooms, a house bathroom, a further bathroom and a shower room.
The second floor includes two more bedrooms, a large storeroom and boxroom.
Outside, there is a large courtyard where the original coach house and stables have been transformed into a double garage, an office/ studio with two large rooms and a storeroom that have planning permission for further development.
There is also a terrace, carport, outbuildings, workshop and gardens laid to lawn.
The Healeys are selling to downsize but Mo after investing so much love and hard work in the property, Mo says: “It is too big for just the two of us but I shall miss it and I know I will cry when I leave.”