Full of character, rich in views and layered with personal touches, the house, reflects both its historic setting on Fisherhead and the thoughtful approach of its owner, property developer Beth Thornton.
Beth, who has two teenage sons, bought the property three years ago, having already owned a smaller holiday cottage further down the hill in the Bay. “As the boys were growing, we decided to invest in something larger,” she says. “Obviously with that came larger rental income as well. Pound for pound, it was a good quality investment.”
Opportunities to buy at this level rarely reach the open market, she explains. “Most of the high-quality properties there don’t go to market, so you end up having to have a network. We were given word that it probably was going to be sold, and we negotiated direct with the vendors.”
Originally the previous owners’ main home, Greenbank House was already in good condition when Beth bought it. “They’d done the vast majority of the refurb works,” she says, allowing her to focus on refinement rather than wholesale change.
Some rooms, including the principal bedroom, were reworked, while behind-the-scenes upgrades were prioritised. “I put a new boiler in, a new cylinder and a proper pressurised system. When people are using multiple showers, you’ve got full pressure. It’s about investing highly and using top branded kit – it’s built to last.”
The house has since become a highly successful holiday let, helped by careful marketing and strong visual appeal. But one feature in particular has captured attention: a bespoke boat-shaped bed in the main bedroom. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Thornton’s addition. “Everyone assumes I put it in,” she says, “but it was already there. One of the previous owners’ friends was a joiner and built it.”
The boat, named HB19, has become a talking point – and a favourite with younger guests. “We get feedback that children are fighting over who gets to sleep in the boat bed,” she says.
The room also enjoys dramatic coastal views. From the bed, there are sightlines up the coast towards Ravenscar and the seal colony, while a roll-top bath offers a different perspective out to sea. The house has artistic pedigree too, having once been owned by the painter Albert Wainwright, who captured views from the property that are hung on the walls today.
The accommodation, which features two double bedrooms and a nautical-themed twin room, is complemented by three bath or shower rooms. Downstairs is a kitchen with integrated appliances, including an electric AGA, that opens into a dining area. The sitting room centres on a log burner, while outside, a front patio provides far-reaching sea views.
Beth, who lives in York, is selling to fund her next development project. “It’s just been a natural, organic growth of my business,” she says.
Green Bank House is on the market with Hendersons with a guide price of £525,000.
