Historic Durham cottage, once a refuge for Oliver Cromwell with mead-filled dreams of rebellion, up for sale
Nestled on a sloping street in the heart of Barnard Castle, County Durham, lies Blagraves - a Grade I-listed four-bedroom home that dates back to before 1482. This historic property, currently listed for sale at £485,000, has a rich and varied past, having once been owned by none other than Richard III.
In the 17th century, Blagraves was known as the Boar's Head Inn, and it was here that Oliver Cromwell paid a visit. The inn has since seen many transformations, serving as a ropemaker's, baker's, and shoemaker's premises, among others. After World War II, it even became the "House of Mystery," a museum.
The current owners have meticulously restored Blagraves in line with English Heritage guidance, preserving several heritage features. These include 17th-century bay windows, an 18th-century staircase, and period fireplaces. The ground floor, which once served as an antiques shop, café, and gallery, now offers a charming courtyard garden.
The spacious cellar, which was once a brewery, boasts a well. On the upper floors, the attic, historically used as a secret meeting place for followers of Methodist leader John Wesley, adds a touch of intrigue. The 20th-century minstrel figures on its facade are a quirky addition to this historic home.
As of July 2025, the future of Blagraves is uncertain. Plans for creating a studio annexe are pending, and a wistful fantasy involves a painter working in the annexe while a potter's workshop is below. The potential use of Blagraves as an artist's studio with accommodation upstairs could make it a unique and inspiring home for the right buyer.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an artist seeking inspiration, or simply someone who appreciates a piece of England's rich past, Blagraves is a property that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past while promising a future full of possibilities.
[1] Source: Inigo [3] Source: English Heritage
This historic home, Blagraves, situated in Barnard Castle, County Durham, offers a journey through various eras, serving as an inn, ropemaker's, baker's, shoemaker's premises, a museum, and now, potentially, an artist's studio. Such a property, blending fashion-and-beauty (artist's studio) with food-and-drink, home-and-garden (courtyard garden), and travel (historic past), creates an intriguing lifestyle opportunity for the right buyer.
