Historic Durham cottage, once a refuge for Oliver Cromwell, hits the market, offering dreams of grand past uprisings amidst mead-infused reminiscences
In the heart of Barnard Castle, County Durham, a piece of history is waiting for a new owner. Blagraves, a Grade I-listed four-bedroom home, is the town's oldest residence, constructed before 1482. With a rich history and unique features, this property offers a blend of the past and modern living.
Located on a sloping street by the River Tees, Blagraves boasts a commercial space on the ground floor that has served various purposes over the years, including an antiques shop, café, and gallery. The property features a charming courtyard garden, a spacious cellar that once was a brewery with a well, and minstrel figures added to its front in the 20th century.
Historically, Blagraves has an illustrious past. It was once owned by Richard III and later became the Boar’s Head Inn, famously visited by Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century, earning it a blue plaque. In 1725, William Tomlinson, a fishmonger, purchased the building and added many 17th- and 18th-century features. The attic served as a secret meeting place for followers of Methodist leader John Wesley. Over time, the building has also functioned as a ropemaker's, baker's, and shoemaker's shop, and even a museum called the "House of Mystery" after World War II. The Blagrave family name is linked to the house, with a 1672 wedding engraving marking their ownership.
As of 2025, Blagraves is listed for sale at £485,000 by the estate agent Inigo. This price reflects its historical significance, listed status, and unique features as the town’s oldest residence. Plans for creating a studio annexe at Blagrave are pending, adding to its appeal for those seeking a home with a touch of history.
Meanwhile, Lotte Brundle, known for her Paul Mescal coverage, resides in noisy south London. Brundle, the Digital Writer for the platform, previously worked at The Fence and The Times before joining the world of digital media. More information about Inigo can be found on their website.
Embodying a merge of the past and modern living, the home-and-garden space in Blagraves, the town's oldest residence, boasts a charming courtyard and unique historical features. The new owner will encounter a captivating commercial space on the ground floor, which served various purposes, from an antiques shop to a gallery.
