Summary - GARFORTH HOUSE, 54, MICKLEGATE, YORK YO1 6LF
9 bed 6 bath Commercial Property
Rare large freehold with modern annexe and private walled garden, ideal for hospitality conversion.
Grade I listed Georgian townhouse, comprehensively renovated to a high standard
Approximately 14,927 sq ft total accommodation across main house and annexe
Modern 4,000 sq ft annexe used as gym/offices, highly adaptable space
Lift to all floors in main house; high ceilings and abundant period features
Private walled garden and on-site parking within the city walls
Prime central location — walking distance to station, shops, restaurants
Requires listed-building consent and planning for change of use or major works
High local crime rate and very expensive council tax to factor into costs
Garforth House is an exceptional Grade I listed Georgian townhouse within York’s city walls, comprehensively renovated to a high standard. The main house offers grand period reception rooms, high ceilings, a cantilevered staircase and a lift serving all floors, creating accessible, flexible spaces across nearly 15,000 sq ft. A modern 4,000 sq ft annexe extends usable floor area for leisure, offices or back-of-house operations.
The site includes a generous private walled garden and on-site parking, and sits close to shops, bars, restaurants and the railway station — strong location fundamentals for hospitality, events or high-end residential use. The property’s size, historic character and quality finish make it especially suited to conversion into a boutique hotel, wellness retreat or mixed-use leisure venue, subject to necessary consents.
Buyers should note material constraints: Grade I listing will restrict alterations and likely complicate change-of-use or major structural works. Any conversion will require listed-building consent and planning permission. Council tax is very expensive and the local crime level is reported as very high, factors that should be considered when modelling operating costs and security requirements.
Overall, this is a rare freehold opportunity in one of the UK’s most visited cities — offering a substantial, characterful asset with immediate operational potential but clear regulatory and operational hurdles to address. Investors or operators with experience of listed buildings and hospitality planning will most readily realise the site’s potential.
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