CHRISTIE & Co has been instructed to sell the Grade I listed Blagraves House in Barnard Castle, County Durham. This is the oldest house in the town dating back to the 15th century.
The accession of James the second was celebrated here by local Magistrates and there is a tradition that Oliver Cromwell was entertained here in 1648. (blue plaque on the building). There is even said to be connections to King Richard II.
Currently trading as a restaurant, the mid-terrace, four-storey property retains many of its original features, including heavily beamed, crested ceilings and large open fireplaces.
The ground floor entrance leads to a lounge and beyond this is a courtyard which is home to a statue of Charles I. This in turn leads to an oak-panelled banqueting hall used for private parties.
The dining room is on the second floor which offers views of the Dales, and the property boasts a rooftop garden also with stunning views. Owners’ accommodation is included.
During the reign of Elizabeth I, the house was used as an inn known as the Boar’s Head where its extensive vaulted cellars once housed a brewery. It has a naturally-sourced well and tradition describes it as having secret passageways to the nearby historic monuments of Eggleston Abbey and Barnard Castle itself.
“Blagraves House is a truly unique building and the sale presents a rare opportunity for someone to acquire a highly historic site of national importance, said David Cash, Business Agent at Christie & Co.
“The current restaurant business is very well-established having been owned by the Marley family for 28 years, so this would suit an existing operator or a first-time buyer looking to take over a truly historic restaurant with lots of potential.”
Christie & Co is seeking offers in excess of £500,000 for the freehold of Blagraves House.
