18
Jun
Derelict Harrogate mansion Pineheath for sale again
One of Harrogate's most famous homes, which was once owned by a wealthy Indian shipping magnate, is up for sale again.
Pineheath, on Cornwall Road, remains derelict but is being advertised as a residential development opportunity.
According to its Rightmove listing, the 10-bedroom property has planning consent to be converted into 10 flats with balconies, gardens and parking.
It is being sold by Harrogate estate agent Myrings.
The house, which was built in the 1890s, is described as a “rare and wonderful opportunity” to own one of the most “sought after addresses in Yorkshire”.
However, prospective buyers are being asked to make offers in excess of £3.1 million. What's more, they are unable to view the interior of the property.
The listing states:
Pineheath is currently in a derelict condition and is surrounded by security hoardings.
Due to the poor condition, it is not possible to allow any access whatsoever to the interior of the property. We have available CGI images and plans detailing the planning consent.
Derelict Pineheath last year, with its distinctive glazed cupola. Pic: FSS.
The listing says this is the first time the property has come to the open market in 70 years. However, it follows an unsuccessful stint at auction last year.
The 40-room home and converted chauffer's cottage – which is now used as two rental properties – were put up for auction last June, with a guide price of £3.5 million, but failed to sell.
A 0.545-acre plot of land on Rutland Drive, which sits immediately behind Pineheath, is believed to be the last undeveloped parcel on the Duchy estate. It was put up for sale separately with a guide price of £1.85 million, but also did not sell.
Simon Croft, partner at estate agent FSS, which represented Pineheath at auction, said at the time:
We had lots of interest in both lots from developers across the north of England, but they didn’t quite reach the reserve the vendor was prepared to accept.
One year later, the property appears to be no closer to being sold.
History
From 1927, it was the home of Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji, a wealthy shipping magnate who divided his time between India, Windsor and Harrogate.
He was knighted for philanthropy in 1922 after reportedly donating £1 million to the war effort.
The house was said to have originally boasted a full flock of staff, gold-plated taps and even a centrally-heated garage filled with Rolls-Royces.
It was later taken over by his widow, Lady Frainy Bomanji, known affectionately as ‘Lady Harrogate’.
Following the Bomanji’s deaths, Pineheath was then kept alive by their daughter – who herself died in 2012.
Just a year later, the property was sold to Harrogate man Jason Shaw for £2 million, who planned to restore it to its former glory.
Mr Shaw was fined £24,000 after cutting down protected trees at the property. He applied to convert the house into 12 flats and the cottage into two homes in the grounds of Pineheath, but the council refused three times after feeling the proposed houses were too big.
He was eventually granted consent in 2016, but the apartment conversion never happened and the permission lapsed in 2019.
Mr Shaw, 55, is currently awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to stalking allegations in April. He was due to appear in court again on September 2.
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