A victim of fire and vandals, St Ives mansion in Bingley is now looking for a new leaseholder to restore its former grandeur.
Once an imposing house set in landscaped gardens, St Ives mansion has suffered the ravages of time. Most recently a care home, the property has suffered considerable interior damage since it closed in 2016.
The leasehold of the property is now being offered to buyers to give the Grade II listed building a new life. It will be auctioned by Auction House West Yorkshire on Wednesday 21st October for a guide price of £185,000 (plus fees).
A statement building
The mansion was the former country home of the locally prominent Ferrand family, who first purchased the estate in the 17th century (known then as Harden Grange). Construction on the current mansion is believed to have begun in the early 19th century, with estate plans dating from 1817 and 1819 recording details about its development.
Today, the building forms a ‘U’ shape with sandstone covering much of the exterior. Inside the property are hints of its former opulence. This includes a dramatic entrance hall with fluted Ionic columns, a Jacobean-style split staircase and a decorative carved fireplace.
During its past life as a care home, the property was arranged to have 48 bedrooms over its ground, first and second floors. Overall, the mansion is estimated to have a gross internal floor area of 2,232 square metres.
Outside the mansion is a substantial car park, gardens and a paddock. The property is also set amidst 550 acres of Grade II listed parkland, which is now owned by Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
The property is being offered on a 125-year lease, which began on 31st August 1994.
A new future
The substantial proportions of the property and its elegant period features offer up several possibilities when it comes to development. In the past, there were ambitions to turn the property into residential flats, but permission could be sought to take the mansion in a new direction or return it to use as a care home.
Commenting on the building, James Pank, Director and Auctioneer for Auction House West Yorkshire, said: “This mansion house still has echoes of its former grandeur. Period features, such as a Jacobean-style split staircase and carved fireplace, give a fascinating glimpse into its history.
“Now, this magnificent building is looking for a new custodian to give it a fresh lease of life. A skilled developer with the right permissions could make this into a truly stunning wedding venue or hotel or give it renewed purpose as an office or care home. Properties like this are true gems and we’re expecting a lot of interest.”
Livestream auction
St Ives mansion will be offered to auction at an event starting at 12pm on Wednesday 21st October. Interested buyers can register to bid or learn more about the property on the Auction House West Yorkshire website. The auction team can also be contacted on 0113 393 3482 to arrange a viewing.
