£2m secured to turn former railway building into holiday apartments

Property developer Neil Cook has secured more than £2m and completed the acquisition of Holgate House, in York, to transform the building into eight luxury self-catering apartments.

Planning has been approved to convert the commercial property into residential lettings with permission granted for basement leisure facilities that will include a sauna and steam room.

The project is scheduled for completion by Easter 2023 and will form part of Cook’s luxury property portfolio, Chateau Anna, which includes three holiday lets across the city of York.

Almost £1m has been allocated for the redevelopment of the building and Cook has appointed Box Architects in Leeds and Collis Quantity Surveyors to oversee the project.

Interior design will be headed by Lucy Seddon of Helston Street Interiors.

Cook said: “This is a really exciting step forward for us, and we’re pleased to be in a position to bring this empty building back to life.

“The property will be sympathetically restored, preserving the traditional period features whilst injecting a modern feel with the interior design.

“It will be a great addition to York’s hospitality scene, whilst honouring the heritage of the building and the beautiful setting of York.”

Holgate House was built in the 1850s and was home to Henry Tennant who was general manager of the Leeds and Thirsk Railway. As part of the transformation of the building it will be renamed Railway House as a tribute to its heritage.

The building remained a private house until 1933 when the York Educational Settlement – a Quaker adult education institution – took over and remained until 1976.

Railway House will include two three-bed apartments, three two-bed apartments and three one-bed apartments each with their own living area, diner and kitchen. For corporate clients, apartments can be hired for meetings or entertaining.