Cumberland House is a rather grand riverside building in the heart of York on Kings Staith. It has recently been bought by Helmsley Group, a York based developer and property organisation. It's interior is largely empty, but the grandeur of the interior can still be appreciated. It's most recent use was as offices.
Cumberland House dates from c1700-1710 and was built for William Cornwall (or Cornwell), a brewer and tanner who was Sheriff of York in 1700 and Lord Mayor in 1712 and 1725.
Houses of this type and period often have grand front entraces, but here the entrance is on the side of the house to the right, at a higher level to avoid the risk of flooding.
The entrance that can be seen on the river frontage is to the basement. It was built to hold Alderman Cornwall's brewery stock-in-trade, brought in directly from the riverside. It also helps to protect the elegant rooms above from flooding.
It will be interesting to see how Helmsley Group redevelop the house. It would make a beautiful apartment block.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I feel fairly confident that Helmsley Group will make a good job of renovating this building, based on their previous properties. It will almost certainly become apartments on the upper floors, but it is possible the ground floor could become a cafe, restaurant or pub, though there is already strong competition on Kings Staith. I will be interested to see the plans when they are published.
If it does become apartments, I won't be moving there - it is likely to be far too expensive for my modest means!
fav
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I feel fairly confident that Helmsley Group will make a good job of renovating this building, based on their previous properties. It will almost certainly become apartments on the upper floors, but it is possible the ground floor could become a cafe, restaurant or pub, though there is already strong competition on Kings Staith. I will be interested to see the plans when they are published.
If it does become apartments, I won't be moving there - it is likely to be far too expensive for my modest means!
Ian
Thank you Vesna, it was lovely to get chance to have a look round the house.
Ian