DESCRIBED by the agents as one of the prettiest village houses in North Yorkshire, Lawrence House has so much more to offer buyers than an attractive facade that reflects its Stuart origins.

Dating back to the late 17th century, the property has undergone a number of rebirths during its lifetime, from the Dower House to Studley Royal to a rectory and now a Grade II listed family home.

In both the 19th and 20th centuries, the property has been altered and enlarged to reflect the changing needs of its occupants, but it has never lost the character or period elegance that makes it so special. Original features including sash windows, high ceilings, deep skirting boards and ornate cornicing and plasterwork have been retained and improved.

Throughout the property, the rooms are spacious , making them perfect for entertaining.

There are three formal reception rooms on the ground floor – the sitting room, dining room and drawing room – as well as a study, laundry room, utility room and breakfast kitchen which lies to the rear of the house and has views of, and access to, the beautifully-kept formal gardens.

The kitchen could be further improved and enlarged by incorporating the utility and laundry rooms into it, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permission as well as listed building consent.

A fine staircase leads to the first floor, which is home to three bathrooms and five double bedrooms, including the master bedroom suite with separate dressing room and bathroom.

Outside, the property is as quintessentially English as it is inside.

Its gardens and grounds – which extend to approximately 1.49 acres in all – include formal gardens with immaculate lawns, flower beds and herbaceous borders, a walled garden laid mainly to lawn with a summerhouse perfect for outside entertaining, and a courtyard of outbuildings including a dog kennel and store rooms.

Lawrence House also has storage cellars.

The property is situated on the edge of the conservation village of Studley Roger, adjacent to Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey, and approximately two miles west of Ripon. It is on the market at £1.5m.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact the Harrogate office of Strutt & Parker on 01423 561274.