23 November 2017
A NEW chapter has been written in the long and varied history of a landmark, century-old Harrogate building.
The former plumbing suppliers and home improvement specialists, Robert Fell and Sons in Starbeck, has been transformed into a contemporary collection of townhouses and apartments.
The development has been named Fell Mews in honour of the family firm, which first opened the doors to its store - tucked away on the back street between High Street and Avenue Terrace - more than 40 years ago.
Links with the local community have been further celebrated by the use of natural Starbeck stone, a material exclusive to the local area, in the creation of the six architect-designed new homes.
Just one of the properties - a two-bedroom townhouse - remains for sale through the Harrogate office of Linley & Simpson, with an asking price of £184,950.
The development heralds the start of another new era for the site, which began life almost 100 years ago as a nameplate and label factory.
Then followed a period as a cabinet makers, before in the 1940s Hills of Harrogate started producing jam and other preserves there amid strict wartime sugar rationing.
According to historian Stephen Abbot, many locals can recount stories of large vats of jam being stirred on their back street, and of collecting and returning jam jars in large quantities.
Another change of ownership and product came in 1957 when two Scottish gentlemen moved in and began to manufacture their revolutionary model of window-mounted extractor fans.
Houston and Bramley Mechanical engineers took over the site for another short spell before the arrival of family firm Robert Fell in the early 1970s.
Anthony Metcalfe, Senior Branch Manager of Linley & Simpson in Harrogate, said: "Robert Fell and Sons prided itself as a home improvement centre. It supplied many thousands of homeowners across Harrogate and beyond with plumbing products for bathrooms, kitchens and elsewhere.
"So it is fitting legacy that the next chapter in its interesting history is hosting this modern collection of new-build homes.
"The interest in the development underlines Starbeck’s growing appeal as a place to live."
Fell Mews is situated in a quiet, attractive backwater a stone’s throw from the middle of Starbeck.
Internally all the properties have been designed with natural light in mind.
The only available townhouse - which can by purchased through the Government’s Help to Buy scheme to assist people on or up the property ladder - benefits from an open-plan lounge and dining and kitchen area.
With sleek handleless kitchens and coordinating worktops, appliances include fan-assisted electric oven, four burner gas hob, extractor hood, integrated fridge/freezer and dishwasher.
The bathroom continues this contemporary styling with white sanitary ware with chrome fittings and a walk-in shower.
Floor coverings include laminate flooring to kitchen and living areas, and bathroom; whilst all other areas are carpeted.
The property also benefits from the use of an enclosed bike/bin store with electric light.
For unrivalled peace of mind, there is also full 10 year building warranty.
