Discover Throstle Nest

April 21, 2025

Set in one of the most secluded and atmospheric locations we’ve ever visited, Throstle Nest is a truly rare opportunity for those with vision, patience, and a love of heritage. Located around 15 miles north of York and roughly 4.5 miles west of Easingwold, this Grade II listed former farmhouse is a rural renovation project quite unlike anything else on the market today.

Surrounded by approximately 3.1 acres of overgrown land and more than 6,500 sq ft of dilapidated outbuildings, this property offers the chance to restore a piece of Yorkshire history and create a one-of-a-kind country home.

A Journey Worth Taking

Getting to Throstle Nest is an experience in itself. Accessed via over half a mile of field tracks, the journey winds across remote farmland, with the route only passable by 4×4 vehicles. But once you arrive, there’s a powerful sense of stepping back in time – and into a world far removed from the hustle of modern life.

This isn’t a place you stumble upon. It’s a place you seek out.

Early 1800s Charm

Believed to have been built in the early 1800s, Throstle Nest has been designated as a Grade II listed building. As I stepped through the front door and into the entrance hall, I was immediately struck by the character that radiates from every corner. The central staircase sets the tone, with worn timber treads and the promise of stories embedded in the walls.

From here, three formal reception rooms branch off, each with open fires and a sense of faded grandeur. There’s a store room to the rear, along with a small kitchen housing a Rayburn Royal range, an original bread oven, a walk-in pantry, and a simple WC.

The layout upstairs is delightfully unexpected. The four bedrooms are accessed via two separate staircases, giving the upper floor a slightly maze-like feel. There’s a pampas-coloured bathroom and, intriguingly, what appears to be a third hidden staircase behind a wallpapered door in the smallest bedroom.

The Reality of Restoration

It should be noted that there is no central heating, and the windows throughout are in poor condition. Prospective buyers should be prepared for a comprehensive restoration project – and should also consider the complexities of working with a listed building. Any alterations, whether internal or external, will require appropriate permissions from the local authority.

We strongly recommend speaking with surveyors or planning consultants who specialise in heritage properties to fully understand the scope and potential of this renovation.

Outbuildings and Land

Beyond the house itself, Throstle Nest includes a remarkable 6,527 sq ft of outbuildings. These include former cow sheds, a partially covered 2,516 sq ft fold yard, and a towering 1,775 sq ft two-storey grain store – complete with six original metal silos and pump.

While the outbuildings are in a poor and structurally unsafe condition, they hold immense potential for those with the imagination to repurpose them, subject to the necessary permissions. Please be aware that access to the outbuildings is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns.

The south-facing front garden covers around a third of an acre, and the wider plot, just over 3.1 acres, is currently wild and overgrown, waiting to be reclaimed.

Viewings and Access

Please note that access to Throstle Nest is strictly by appointment only and accompanied by the selling agent. Due to the challenging access route and the condition of the outbuildings, viewings are restricted to cash buyers only.

To locate the property, we recommend using the what3words app and searching for streetcar.expecting.scrum. Navigation via Google Maps is possible, but please avoid Apple Maps, which may lead you to dead ends. Full directions can be provided on request.

See More

To get a better sense of this unique property and its surroundings, watch the exclusive video tour with Nick and Philippa at Stephensons Estate Agents.