This happy family home is full of period features
As soon as Trish Mahon and her husband, Rob, set their sights on what would become their future home in 1993, they knew it was the place they wanted to bring up their young family.
“We like period properties and it was a decent-sized family home with a big garden,” says Ms Mahon.
The six-bedroom house, on Tadcaster Road in York, which features three reception rooms, six bedrooms, three bathrooms and a fabulous kitchen/family room leading to a large garden room, dates back to 1926.
It stands on an enviable corner plot of land which was bought in 1924 by Thomas H. Shouksmith to build his own family home.
Shouksmith was one of the building engineers involved in the construction of Goddard’s House, for Noel Terry, of the Terry’s chocolate family, which stands close by. Goddard’s is now owned by The National Trust.
The house was completed in 1926/7 and showcases the best features of its period with original carved panelling, parquet flooring, and period fire places in both Arts and Crafts and Art Deco styles.
The couple love the house so much, the only major work they have done since they bought it is a loft conversion.
The original oak work, which features throughout the house, was completed by Martin Dutton, known as lizardman, an apprentice of mouseman Robert Thompson. “There were lizards carved on bits and pieces of work in the house,” Ms Mahon says.
She adds: “We like the original features but they’re not listed so if anyone bought it there’s nothing to stop them getting rid of them but it would be a shame to. The fireplaces are amazing.”
The house’s location is a pleasant 1.5-mile walk from York city centre along the Knavesmire. Ms Mahon says: “Even through it’s a main road, it’s near pleasant amenities.
“We have three children and it was always a great location for them to meet their friends so it was good fun.”
The children are all grown up now and have moved out of the family home. Ms Mahon and her husband have both retired.
They have decided to downsize their home in York and intend to spend more time at their holiday home in Northumberland.
“We want to do travelling and spend more time in Northumberland. We won’t be spending much time at the house in York so it’s a big house to have and not be using,” Ms Mahon says.
Contact: Prime Residential, tel 01904 435140, www.prime-resi.com
