Middlewood Lane, Whitby

Thorpe Hall is an elegant country residence in a magical setting above Robin Hood's Bay. The vast property is surrounded by 4.5 acres of gardens and paddocks in the pretty village of Fylingthorpe, a short walk to the beach. The house is an elegant marriage of 16th Century and Victorian elements, punctuated with sympathetic contemporary additions. Internal accommodation extends to almost 6,000 sq ft with a separate Coach House, outbuildings and opportunities to develop further. A boutique B&B runs alongside the family home and there is potential to either grow the business or make the house into a main or second home.Approached along private gravel drive, flanked by climbing roses and walled gardens, the beautiful natural stone house takes a sculptural form atop its landscaped grounds. Being set back from the village there is a calmness and peace in the garden and house making Thorpe Hall a wonderful retreat. The entry to the house has changed over the centuries, adding to the charm and intrigue of the place - the current owners use the kitchen door where you are greeted by a gentle warmth from the Aga and the stories that have been told over the years.

The modern east wing of the house is used for day to day living and is divided over two floors. There is a large kitchen and sitting room on the ground floor, and a large galleried living room, two bedrooms and bathroom above. When the current owners don't have or want paying guests the house can be opened up to create a fabulous, sociable space for entertaining. The west wing of the property is used as a B&B but it is very much part of the home. It is a wonderful labyrinth of spacious reception rooms, charming bedrooms, light filled landings and well trodden staircases. Every room has a view, a tale and an opportunity.

A two storey, stone built Coach House provides more opportunity for new owners - it is currently set up as a garage with office above but could be altered to provide catering facilities for a use events business, an annexe for holiday lets or a nanny, or a modern working from home environment.

The garden is arranged in a series of terraced lawns connected by stone steps and winding paths. An enchanting trail from the front of Thorpe Hall through woodland, past a pond and through long grasses and wildflowers leads to a an orchard and 3 acres of grazing bordered by Thorpe Beck. There is a paddock at the eastern side of the land where you can keep your own horses or rent out. The south facing terrace enjoys bucolic views of uninterrupted countryside to the cliffs of Ravenscar on the horizon. The house and grounds are set back from the village and enjoy an elevated portion surrounded mature trees, making Thorpe Hall a private and quiet spot to call home or to run a thriving business.

• Three words :  A. Fresh. Start.

Our favourite part
The garden is lush green perfection.