Medieval North Yorkshire gatehouse up for sale after liquidation of building preservation trust owner

Bolton Percy Gatehouse, near Tadcaster, a timber-framed, Grade II-listed gatehouse built in the 15th century, is one of three historic British properties that are to be sold off after their owner, the Vivat Trust, went into liquidation in August 2015.

The Vivat Trust, a registered charity and a national building preservation trust, was dedicated to rescuing neglected and dilapidated historic buildings throughout the UK and providing them with a viable new use, as holiday properties.

The trust’s directors called in insolvency firm Begbies Traynor last summer however when the charity experienced severe financial difficulties.

Property consultancy Eddisons is marketing the properties, which have all been refurbished internally to create modern living accommodation. These include the UK’s tallest folly, the 53m, Grade I-listed Hadlow Tower near Tonbridge in Kent; as well as a 14th century manor house near Hereford.

Bolton Percy’s Grade II-listed gatehouse has been converted into a fully modernised two-bedroom house after restoration by the Vivat Trust in 2010.

The gatehouse originally formed the defensive entrance to the village rectory and a courtyard of medieval buildings. The rectory was rebuilt in 1698 and the outbuildings, with the exception of the gatehouse, were demolished in the 19th century.

The house now includes a kitchen and bathroom and a two-bedroom suite with a sitting and dining area. It also has its own private garden.

Abdul Jambo, associate director at Eddisons, explained: “Bolton Percy Gatehouse and the other properties are of such a unique and historic nature that we have rarely, if ever, seen anything comparable come to the open market.

“Because of this their values are likely to differ wildly depending on the potential buyers, whether they are a charity or a private enterprise. As such we will be leaving this to the market to decide and are looking to receive offers from anyone interested in owning an incredibly special piece of British history.”

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