I went to visit the Treasurer's House on a rainy day in York, mainly to get out of the rain. I didn't have anywhere near enough time to see everything in the house, as I had arranged to meet family afterwards. I will definitely be going back.
The Treasurer's House is a 17th and 18th century mansion house in the centre of York, just round the corner from the York Minster. It was originally home to the treasurers of York and was built on a Roman road. It was bought by wealthy local industrialist Frank Green and restored between 1897 and 1930. It was the first house ever to be given to the National Trust complete with a significant collection.
The house is a mixture of period settings, incorporating features from different historical periods, all created by one man. Each room is decorated in a different historic style. Also Frank Green had a
habit of buying portraits to hang in each room, not because he knew the people in the portraits, but because he thought they would suit the decor of the room
What amazed me was the size of the place once you get inside. It just seems to go on and on and is so much bigger than it looks on the outside.
Once we had paid at the entrance, we entered the former kitchen area, where we were greeted by a member of staff, who asked us if we'd like an audio guide. These were free of charge and an excellent idea. They are just a few inches big and you enter a number for each room on a number pad and then hold it to your ear to listen to information about that room.
Keep an eye open for the clocks - there's one hanging from the first floor through to the ground floor and a beautiful clock on the first floor - sorry, can't remember which room, but I think it's the French clock.
There is also a lovely walled sunken garden and a herb garden. Although it was raining when we visited, this was such a peaceful and beautiful place to wander and contemplate life in general, I could have spent hours there.
In the cellar there is a cafe/tearoom and the food is delicious. You can either just have a cup of tea or a bowl of soup or a full meal. All the food is freshly prepared on the premises and the prices were reasonable, although not cheap. They also arrange special days, where you can go and have a three or four course meal, for example at Christmas, or they arrange breakfast at certain times throughout the year - look out for the leaflets.
There is also an art gallery in the cellar, with paintings and photographs you can buy.
There are staff in each room and they are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the house and can answer any questions with lots of information.
It is said that the ghosts of a Roman legion march through the cellars. To access the cellars you have to pay extra, which I didn't do as we did not have enough time, but I would do so next time.
They also provide quiz sheets for children, this is a sort of treasure hunt, where they have to follow clues. I didn't take my four year old daughter with me and wouldn't do so, I don't think it would be interesting for her but older children would enjoy the quiz sheets. A member of staff also told us that they have special events for children at Halloween, searching for skeletons and an Easter Egg hunt at Easter, I think.
It cost £5 per adult to view the house, £2.50 per child and a family pays just £12.50. To view the cellar it's an extra £2 for adults and £1.50 for children.
There is no parking at the house, but there is plenty of parking in the centre of York, although you will have to pay. It's best to use public transport or Park and Ride.
There are toilets in the cellars.
I'm not sure about disabled access; according to the National Trust website there are steps at the entrance but a ramp is available. I think the first floor and cellar are only accessible by stairs.
I'm looking forward to going back to the Treasurer's House. We spent two and a half hours there and didn't see everything. Nor did we have time to listen to the audio guide in every room, which I definitely want to go back and do.
I definitely recommend visiting the Treasurer's House.
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