The Old Rectory, Wensley, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8

The Old Rectory is an exceptional, four-bedroom former rectory occupying an elevated edge-of-village position in sought-after Wensley, with outstanding views across Wensleydale and Penhill.

Set within approximately 1.33 acres, the property offers spacious, light-filled accommodation including a welcoming hall, dual-aspect sitting room, superb open-plan kitchen/living/garden room, utility and boot room, principal bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms, family bathroom and shower room.

Externally, there is an in-and-out driveway, garage/workshop, timber lodge, stables, potting shed, vegetable garden, hen run, wraparound gardens including a sunken patio, orchard, paddock and excellent seating areas for outdoor entertaining.

Situation And Amenities - The village of Wensley is positioned on the bank of the River Ure, approximately 1.4 miles to the south-west of Leyburn. Surrounded by countryside, the village has a church, village hall and pub.

The popular market town of Leyburn sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with an abundance of recreational activities and walks on the doorstep. There is a wide variety of independent shops, as well as a Co-Operative supermarket, various pubs and eateries.

There is an active community with several sports and social clubs, as well as a primary and secondary school and a weekly Farmers' Market.

Leyburn is well-located with good access to the A1(M) approximately 25 minutes' drive away and a mainline railway station at Northallerton for commuting across the region.

Accommodation - The property enters into a welcoming entrance vestibule featuring a tiled floor, useful cloak storage and windows that draw natural light through to the inner hallway, which is accessed via a glazed door.

From the hallway, steps lead down to a cloakroom/w/c, while a staircase rises to the first floor accommodation.

The dual aspect sitting room offers an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, enjoying delightful views across the gardens and towards the Dale beyond. A central wood-burning stove, set beneath a mantel with a tiled hearth, provides an attractive focal point.

The kitchen, living and garden room is beautifully presented, creating an excellent sense of light and space. Windows to two elevations frame superb views up and down the Dale. This generous L-shaped room has contemporary flooring, defined dining and seating areas and a further central wood-burning stove with mantel and tiled hearth.

The modern fitted kitchen is centred around a substantial island with storage and breakfast bar seating. Further features include space for a large American-style fridge freezer, an electric induction hob with integrated extractor, fitted cabinetry, granite work surfaces, a sink and drainer with mixer tap, integrated dishwasher, glass-fronted display cupboards, eye-level microwave, twin ovens and useful larder storage. Double doors open onto the rear patio, ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the outlook with family and friends.

Positioned on the opposite side of the house, the former kitchen now provides a spacious utility and boot room with a tiled floor, fitted units, plumbing for a washing machine, a ceramic one-and-a-half bowl sink and drainer, external access and windows to three elevations.

On the half landing, a full-height window captures attractive views over the paddocks and surrounding countryside. The spacious first floor landing includes a storage cupboard and provides access to four bedrooms and the family bathroom.

The principal bedroom suite is a generous dual aspect room with windows to the front and rear. It includes a range of fitted wardrobes, a dressing area and an en suite shower room comprising a step-in shower, wash hand basin, heated towel rail, radiator and w.c.

There are two further double bedrooms, one of which enjoys a dual aspect and benefits from a wash hand basin with storage beneath and display surface.

The family bathroom comprises a bath, w.c, wash hand basin, radiator and window. The fourth bedroom is also a double and includes an airing cupboard housing the hot water tank.

A separate shower room with radiator and window completes the first floor accommodation and provides additional flexibility for family living or guests.

Externally - To the front of the property is an impressive U-shaped, in-and-out driveway, providing generous off-road parking along with a convenient access arrangement. The approach combines a gravelled driveway and a concrete hard standing leading to a garage and workshop with bi-fold sliding doors.

To the rear, a private raised patio provides an attractive outdoor seating area, complemented by a timber outbuilding and a productive vegetable garden. The garden is enclosed by stone walling and incorporates raised beds and a potting shed, ideal for keen gardeners.

The existing timber stables are in need of attention; however, the owners have obtained planning permission for a larger timber stable building in the same style, offering scope for improvement or further equestrian use, subject to a buyer’s requirements.

A former polytunnel is now used as a fully enclosed and secure hen coop and run.

From the road, a gate provides access for larger vehicles or machinery into the lawned gardens, which extend down towards the paddock. Within the paddock is a small orchard planted with apple, pear and plum trees. At the southern extent of the paddock a public footpath crosses the bottom of the field, leading from Wensley towards Leyburn.

The grounds include a choice of patio and seating areas, with beautifully landscaped wraparound gardens featuring attractive stone walling and steps rising to the terrace adjoining the kitchen. Further steps lead down to a secluded sunken patio, a particularly appealing setting for outdoor dining and entertaining.

The gardens are well established, with mature planting, hedged boundaries and traditional stone walls adding character and privacy. A substantial detached Scandinavian-style timber lodge, double glazed with power and fitted with a log burner to provide heating, creates a versatile year-round space for relaxation or entertaining.

Owners' Insight - We have loved calling The Old Rectory our family home. The beautiful views constantly change with the seasons, and this is a joy to watch. The rooms in the home feel spacious and light. The gardens provide colour and interest all year round. The sunken Yorkshire stone seating and dining area is a private and south facing luxury space with integrated lighting, so can also be enjoyed on darker evenings. The BBQ cabin maximises natural light via the two large double glazed tinted picture windows. The cabin is supplied with electric sockets and Wi-Fi. The cooking unit can be used as a BBQ and/or cozy fire, thus making it useable all year round.

Tenure - The property is freehold and will be offered with vacant possession on completion.

Viewings - Strictly by appointment with GSC Grays. Telephone: .

Local Authority - North Yorkshire Council. Council tax band F.

Services - Mains electric, water and drainage. Oil-fired central heating.

Public Right Of Way - To the southern boundary of the paddock there is a public footpath, perfect for a family walk into Leyburn.

Wayleaves And Covenants - The Old Rectory is sold subject to and with the benefit of all existing rights, including rights of way, light, drainage, water and electricity and all other rights and obligations, easements and all wayleaves or covenants whether disclosed or not.

Particulars And Photographs - Particulars prepared and photographs taken July 2026.