ONE of the most illustrious buildings in the heart of York, Garforth House, is up for sale at a guide price of £1.25 million.

Now the occupier of offices at the privately-owned Georgian building in Micklegate is looking for a new base.

Business Internet Directory, which has occupied the premises for the past six years, is now considering relocation for its 40 staff, preferably in or near the city.

Built between 1755 and 1757 by architect John Carr, Garforth House, is being marketed by Savills York which reports big interest from people prepared to seek planning consent to convert it into homes.

Savills York adviser Tanya Coffey said: “We have had quite a few inquires from those who want to turn it into swish apartments, possibly a swanky hotel or even restored as a luxury family home.”

The 10,000 sq ft house has a 4,000 sq ft annexe at the back for offices used by Business Internet Directory which displays business listings using keywords to ensure it is found by customers wanting its products and services.

The prospect of its possible conversion has sparked the company’s search for a new base for its York sales branch.

In a statement the company said: “Recent inquiries about converting the building into residential properties have given us the opportunity to consider relocation. As a consequence, we are investigating alternative office locations for the next stage of our development.

“Our preference is for modern, flexible offices similar to the space we already have with our call centre in Leeds.

“We are considering locations both in York city centre and surrounding areas, but no final decisions have been taken.”

Meanwhile, Ms Coffey said Garforth House was being marketed as a property with both residential and office potential.

The work of the great John Carr

GARFORTH HOUSE is considered one of the great works of Yorkshireman John Carr, who designed 40 bridges, 110 gracious homes, 11 churches, four hospitals, four racecourse grandstands, one of the first shopping centres and a lunatic asylum. He was also behind Harewood House, York County Court House and Beverley Burton Hall, East Yorkshire.

The Micklegate building is one of York’s finest with a stunning five bay, three storey front in red brick with sash windows.

The interior has period features such as a richly decorated front room with touches of Rococo in the frieze, while the main staircase is lit by a Corinthian Venetian window in an arched recess which allows the light to flood in.

Savill has not discarded the idea of its continued office use.