Member Article

Historic Wakefield building opens its doors to homebuyers

HISTORIC HORBURY PROPERTY OPENS ITS DOORS TO HOMEBUYERS FOR FIRST TIME

THE transformation is complete - and now homebuyers are starting to move into one of Horbury’s most historic buildings for the first time.

When Jenkin House was built in the early 19th Century, steam trains were about to make their first passenger journeys; Florence Nightingale had not been born; and the Duke of Wellington was Prime Minister. And it would even be another three decades until Sabine Baring-Gould penned the lyrics to the hymn Onward Christian Soldiers in nearby Horbury Bridge.

Now a new chapter has been written into the history of Jenkin House, most latterly a former care home, after developers transformed it into residential accommodation. They have breathed new life into the Grade 2 listed building by converting it into nine luxury apartments - and no fewer than seven have already been sold.

The period property, dating to Georgian times, had stood empty since closing its doors following a critical report by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission in 2013.

But was rescued by a local construction company, Barron Developments, who have spent the last year creating an exclusive collection of one and two bedroom apartments – including one penthouse - and retaining all its historic features.

They are being marketed through the Wakefield office of Linley & Simpson, whose valuation manager James Hardwick-Wilson said: “After more than 25 years as a care home, this landmark building has entered an exciting new era. Initial interest has been high, with all the properties already sold apart from the penthouse and a ground-floor one-bedroom apartment.

“Buyers are drawn to the fusion of Georgian, Victorian and modern architecture that puts a real stamp on the development – as well as the opportunity to purchase, and live in, a piece of Horbury history.

“Combining the building’s unique history with contemporary modern interiors, the transformation of Jenkin House has created a stunning opportunity for those wanting the grandeur of such an imposing building with the convenience of living on one level.

It also occupies a commanding position in a quiet area of Horbury, with beautiful views across to Emley Moor, and excellent access to Wakefield and Leeds city centre via the M1.“

Set in Yorkshire Ashlar-fronted solid stone, the remaining penthouse is available for £205,000 while the one-bedroom apartment is for sale at £140,000.

Both benefit from an individually-designed “living” kitchen, including features such as sleek, laser edged door panels in contemporary colours, glass splashbacks, soft close doors and handmade breakfast bars. With Franke stainless steel sinks and integrated appliances, each will also have high quality flooring. The penthouse also boasts granite worksurfaces, a wine cooler and its breakfast bar is n solid walnut.

The penthouse has two bedrooms, one with an en-suite facility, and the wet areas of both properties feature Kohler sanitary ware in white with chrome fittings, including Mira showers and taps.

Carpeting to all bedrooms, halls and lounge areas, plus floor tiling to all kitchens, bathrooms, en-suites and cloakrooms on the ground floor, and flooring to those on the upper-level, is included.

An audio entry system will allow automatic entrance to guests and designated parking, accessed via an electric gate off Jenkin Road, offering good security for all residents.

The development is further enhanced with feature landscaping including a Parterre garden to the front Georgian elevation, plus seated communal areas for all residents to enjoy.

All properties are heated via gas combination boilers and benefit from a 10-year Advantage construction warranty.

For more information, visit www.linleyandsimpson.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by richard chew .