Bolton Percy Gatehouse: 15th Century Gem
Bolton Percy Gatehouse, in the village of Bolton Percy, was built around 1474.
It's said that there is only one other example like this in the country.
Grade II listed, it originally formed part of the medieval defences of the village.
Today, the building, which is entirely timber framed, is used as a holiday home.
It is two storeys high and three bays wide, one containing the carriage arch, inside, there are various carvings in the roof braces, including a Tudor rose.
In the late 17th century, the main house was replaced by the current Old Rectory following which, the lower floor of the building was used as stables and as a cowhouse, while the upper floor was used as a granary.
In 1799, the Crown Inn was built next to the gatehouse, at which time the western part of the building may have been reduced to one story.
The other buildings around the courtyard were demolished in the 19th century, and the gatehouse declined in importance.
By 1938, the passageway through the gatehouse had been boarded up, and the building was disused for many years.
It was considered for removal to the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, but was instead donated to the Bolton Percy Gatehouse Trust and restored on site, from 1972 to 1974.
The western part of the building was not included in the restoration, and had partially collapsed by the 1990s.
The building was later purchased by the Vivat Trust, which in 2010 converted it into a two-bedroom house, to be used as a holiday let.
Today, the property features a stunning interior for guests to enjoy a cosy stay.
Step in through the dramatic wooden doors into the fresh and inviting kitchen which offers everything you need to rustle up a meal during your stay.
There is an electric oven and hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine. The breakfast bar with seating, provides a space to sit and chat with good company.
On the ground floor is a shower room with shower and WC. Head up the steep stairs to the first floor and the impressive vaulted ceiling and open-plan lounge/diner/sleeping area will be sure to impress.
The dining area has table which provides a romantic setting for a special dinner.
Move over to the comfortable sofa or sink into an armchair after dinner, put your feet up and watch something on the TV.
Come bedtime, retire to the sleeping area with unique four-poster super-king-size bed and get a good nights rest.
Take in the fresh country air in the decked area for sitting and enjoying the peace and quiet surrounded by mature trees.
The most recent review said : “The cottage was an absolute dream. The moment we walked in, we smiled and this continued during our stay. We felt very privileged to stay there.
”The standard of equipment and bedding was very high. The furniture and bed very comfortable. Thank you so much for making it available for us to stay in.
”I must say though I have never had kettle or toaster envy until now..... Thank you again for a blissfully, happy holiday.”
Another person added: “The location is beautiful, quiet and restful yet is only a relatively short drive from main access roads.
”The property itself is unique and exudes a real sense of history; furniture perfectly compliments the building.
”Comfort and cleanliness are second to none and equipment is of the highest quality.”
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