One of the most historic homes in Harrogate is to be auctioned next month.
Pineheath, which was built on Cornwall Road in the 1890s, was formerly the home of Indian shipping magnate Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji and Lady Frainy Bomanji.
But the house, which has a guide price of £3.5 million, has been derelict for many years and is not fit for viewing.
The property, which has planning permission to be converted into 12 flats, will go under the hammer in an online auction on June 8 at 3pm.
The lot includes the adjoining former chauffeur’s cottage, which has been refurbished into a pair of semi-detached coach houses that yield rent of £51,000 a year.
Pineheath. Pic: FSS
A 0.5 acre parcel of land next to the site, believed to be the last undeveloped parcel on the Duchy estate, is being auctioned as a separate lot with a guide price of £1.85 million.
Estate agent FSS, which began advertising the properties and land today, described Pineheath as ‘a truly unique opportunity’.
FSS partner Simon Croft said Pineheath’s private owner was keen for someone to redevelop the site. He added:
“It’s one of the most historic properties in prime Harrogate and it’s a shame that it’s become an eyesore on the street.
“The current owner has had a go with Harrogate planning department and has taken a pragmatic view that he’s probably not going to get anywhere and so he will let someone else take up the baton.
“The main house is derelict and unsafe. There are holes in the roof and the floors have rotted through. Any buyer would have to understand they would have some serious refurbishment work to take on or chance their arm by putting in a fresh planning application.”
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Derelict Ripon pub to be converted into home
Plans to convert the former Turks Head pub in Ripon into a house have been approved.
The pub on Low Skellgate closed in 2007 and will be converted into a five-bedroom home. The building is listed and dates back to the 18th century.
Since the pub closed, planning documents state there have been several attempts to reopen it without success.
The documents add that in the years before the pub’s closure there were numerous complaints from residents living nearby. They add there are 14 other pubs within a short walk away.
The building is currently on Harrogate Borough Council’s Listed Buildings at Risk Register due to its deteriorating condition.
Although the building is watertight, planning documents say few of the original internal features remain intact.
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The planning application includes statements from nearby residents who said they would be against any attempts to bring the building back into use as a pub.
One unnamed person called the building “a blot on the architectural landscape”.
The resident added:
“Something desperately needs to happen with it and converting it into a private residence sounds like the very best option to me. Having spoken to various neighbours they all agree.
“If there was ever an attempt to reopen the pub, I, along with many neighbours, would be petitioning against that course of action.”
A recent picture of the pub. Credit – David & Lund