As you walk the streets of York, you will notice a melting pot of architectural styles. From old city walls to the narrow, bending house of the shambles, all sit beside modern glass and steel elegance. Property in York is vast, and one street, Stonegate, has kept York’s inhabitants sheltered longer than most.
Visit The Norman House
The Norman House was constructed in the 12th century, just to the north of Stonegate. At this time, building plots were laid out under the York Minister, on land once used by the Romans. These houses varied in nature, from grand civic buildings to low-cost housing for the poor. It was here that York’s oldest house was constructed.
Built between 1170 and 1180, it was one of many built during a period when stone was being used to build houses on a scale not seen before. As an expensive material, these buildings stood out against the timber cottages of others. It is believed the home was built by a Jewish financier, due to its construction being identical to a similar one in Lincoln. By 1376, when records of it began, it belonged to the local clergy.
At some point before the 18th century, it was largely demolished, with two walls incorporated into the surrounding buildings. The walls were rediscovered in 1939, along with the pillars in the basement, when building was taking place in the area. The house is now a monument and is Grade 1 listed.
Property Markets in York
Property in York is currently undergoing a boom period. Particularly when it comes to the top end of the market, many high earners are being attracted to the town because of its historic, beautiful buildings, which are at much lower prices than in the capital. Due to its high-speed access to London (Just two hours from the station), combined with remote working, it is a perfect opportunity.
It is not just high-end properties that are booming either. House building for newer, low-cost homes is also buoyant in Yorkshire. Revised plans have just been submitted for 1500 homes in a sustainable community, Southwest of Selby at Eggborough. This has also made it an excellent time to sell. As well as estate agents, there are also services that will sell houses fast. With guaranteed dates to suit sellers and turnaround times as quick as 7 days, they have increased liquidity in the market.
Visiting Stonegate
Stonegate itself is littered with interesting buildings, so it is well worth an architectural wander. It was given its name as it was the road used to ferry stone up to build York Minster. Numbers 12, 14 and 16 are extremely interesting, due to their additions and changes over the years. They have been known to house tailors, art dealers and porcelain painters in their tenure.
Further along, 35 Stonegate is a 14th-century building once owned by the Prebend of Bramham. For a long time, it was a bookstore before being converted into a ‘Museum of Psychic Experience’.
Each turn down the streets of York will bring up another architectural treasure. Wrap up warm, and take a stroll down Stonegate to the Norman House. There are plenty of interesting sites along the way, and you can even combine it with the great restaurants and shops for a perfect day out.
