Medieval gatehouse up for sale following failure of building preservation trust owner

A MEDIEVAL gatehouse built in the 15th century is one of three historic properties that are being sold off after their owner went into liquidation last year.

Grade II listed Bolton Percy Gatehouse, near Tadcaster, is being marketed by property consultancy Eddisons, alongside others which include the UK’s tallest folly, the 53m, Grade I listed Hadlow Tower near Tonbridge in Kent; and a 14th century manor house near Hereford. All been refurbished internally to create modern living accommodation.

The Vivat Trust, a registered charity and a national building preservation trust, was dedicated to rescuing neglected and dilapidated historic buildings throughout the UK and providing them with a viable new use, as holiday properties.

However, the trust’s directors called in insolvency firm Begbies Traynor last summer when the charity was hit by financial difficulties.

Now the properties owned by trust have been put up for sale and Eddisons is inviting offers for Bolton Percy Gatehouse and the other unique buildings, none of which has been given a guide price.

Abdul Jambo, associate director at Eddisons, said: “Bolton Percy Gatehouse and the other properties are of such a unique and historic nature that we have rarely, if ever, seen anything comparable come to the open market.

“Because of this their values are likely to differ wildly depending on the potential buyers, whether they are a charity or a private enterprise. As such we will be leaving this to the market to decide and are looking to receive offers from anyone interested in owning an incredibly special piece of British history.”

Bolton Percy’s Grade II* listed gatehouse has been converted into a two-bedroom house after restoration by the Vivat Trust in 2010.

The gatehouse originally formed the defensive entrance to the village rectory and a courtyard of medieval buildings. The rectory was rebuilt in 1698 and the outbuildings, with the exception of the gatehouse, were demolished in the 19th century.

The house now includes a kitchen and bathroom and a two-bedroom suite with a sitting and dining area.

It also has its own private garden.