WARTHILL SIGNALBOX (part 2 - a blot on the landscape)

In 2008 the signalbox was one of only two of the once numerous signal boxes on the line to survive and the only surviving box to have worked one of the level crossings on the route. After the line had been closed on 29th November 1965 the station building was converted into a dwelling and the signalbox made into a fine garage.

Unfortunately the present owner of the house had allowed the box to fall into a state of disrepair and has been allowed by the local planning department to set in motion a process to turn the box into dwelling.

In February 2009 local architect Chris Finn drew up plans: drawing numbers, 2309-02-02C; 2309-03-01 and 2309-02001 to convert the box into a dwelling including the adding of a single storey extension. On 22/4/2009 planning permission was obtained for a change of use Ref number 09/00536/Full 22/04/2009, stating that the development must be started within three years of this date and be done in accordance with the quoted plans. The design is said to be "very imaginative, modelled and inspired alone the lines of a traditional railway carriage". Obviously not a traditional British railway carriage. The property was sold by tender requesting sealed bids of over £75000 at 12 noon on 11th September 2009. It is not known what the winning bid was.
(pictures from estate agent.) (The plan shows that there was sufficient land for the extension to have been built along the same axis as the signalbox and if given a semicircular roof might have just made it appear more like a carriage on the ghost of the track; but what carriage goes around with its own personal pagoda?)

The plans were amended click HERE and HERE for variations

Work on this monstrosity started in 2010.

Building work was finished in October 2010 and the property put up for sale (pictures from the estate agent)

Description
A truly unique detached property situated on the edge of one of York's most sought after villages. The property has recently been converted from a former railway signal box at the edge of Stockton on the Forest. The property provides an impressive contemporary living space with a newly built ground floor extension ( the entire ground floor has underfloor heating ) with curved roof giving a double bedroom, bathroom and entrance hall and within the original signal box there is a dining kitchen to the ground floor and to the first floor there is a light and airy living space with panoramic views out across the surrounding area. Externally, there is an enclosed garden area and gravelled driveway providing ample off street car parking. Electrically operated gate. The village of Stockton on the Forest lies approximately 4 miles to the north east of York city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and surrounding areas and easy access to the A64 trunk road and York bypass. An internal viewing of the property is strongly recommended in order to fully appreciate the impressive design and unique location.ENTRANCE HALL
Approached via an oak glazed and panelled front entrance door. Laminate wood flooring. Two storage cupboards , one shelved and one hanging. Oak double glazed door leading out to the garden. Underfloor heating. Panelled doors to:
BEDROOM 3.20m(10'6'') x 2.92m(9'7'')
Two double glazed windows to the front elevation giving views out across the surrounding countryside. Further double glazed window to the rear overlooking the garden. Laminate wood flooring. Underfloor heating. Television point.
BATHROOM
Contemporary white suite comprising contoured shower bath with curved glass shower screen and thermostatically controlled shower over. Wash hand basin set into vanitory unit with cupboards below. Close coupled WC. Tiled floor. Tiling to full height on all walls. Built in frameless mirror. Recessed halogen spotlights. Double glazed window to the front elevation. Underfloor heating. Extractor fan.
DINING KITCHEN 5.36m(17'7'') x 2.97m(9'9'')
Double glazed sliding sash window to the front elevation giving views out across the surrounding countryside. Three further double glazed arched windows to the rear and side elevations. Range of contemporary fitted high gloss units with coloured granite work surfaces and matching splashbacks. Inset stainless steel sink with mixer tap. Integral four ring stainless steel gas hob with mirrored splashback and glass and stainless steel cooker hood over. Stainless steel single oven. Integral fridge, freezer and washer/dryer. Laminate wood flooring. Recessed halogen spotlights. Understairs storage cupboard. Telephone and television points. A glass and oak staircase leads up to: (I wonder why they didn't put in the spiral staircase shown on the original plan?)
LIVING ROOM 5.51m(18'1'') x 2.97m(9'9'')
A light and airy reception room with double glazed sliding sash and casement windows to all elevations giving views out across the surrounding countryside. Loft access with fully boarded storage and loft ladder. Underfloor heating. Recessed halogen spotlights. Radiator. Television point.
EXTERNALLY
The property is approached via a gravel driveway providing ample off street car parking. Pathways constucted from the original Yorkshire stone platform material. The garden is enclosed within fenced boundaries and includes area of lawn, rockery and borders.
LOCATION
The property is situated on the edge of the highly sought after village of Stockton on the Forest. York city centre lies approximately 4 miles to the south east and there are excellent communication links with easy access onto the nearby A64 trunk road connecting to the York bypass and outer ring road. Regular bus services operate from the area and there is a range of facilities within the village.
From our offices in York proceed out of the city along Monkgate continuing over the roundabout and onto Heworth Green. At the next roundabout take the second exit onto Stockton Lane, continuing along Stockton Lane and into the village of Stockton on the Forest. Continue through the village and the property can be seen on the right hand side of the road towards the end of Sandy Lane.