Intimate Durham Cottage where Oliver Cromwell consorted mead and visualized epic rebellion now up for purchase
## A Historic Home in Barnard Castle: Blagraves
Nestled in the heart of Barnard Castle, County Durham, lies Blagraves, a four-bedroom home that boasts a rich history spanning centuries. Predating 1482, Blagraves stands as the second oldest building in the town, surpassed only by its medieval castle[1][2].
### A Glimpse into the Past
Blagraves has been a witness to significant historical events, with a 1672 wedding engraving marking the ownership of the Blagrave family, suggesting the house has been in private hands for centuries[2]. The property's historical allure deepens with the knowledge that Oliver Cromwell visited the Boar's Head Inn, which was previously Blagraves, in the 17th century[5].
### Architectural and Heritage Significance
Blagraves holds a Grade I listing, the highest heritage designation in England, reserved for buildings of exceptional architectural or historic interest[1][5]. This status underscores both its antiquity and its significance in the region’s built heritage. The property has been described as a flexible living space, likely reflecting adaptations over the centuries to accommodate different uses—from family home to historic inn[5].
### The Present Day
Currently, Blagraves is being marketed for sale by Inigo, a specialist agency known for handling unique historic properties[Context from query]. While the exact asking price, detailed features, or a comprehensive property description are not available in the search results, prospective buyers or researchers are advised to consult Inigo’s official listings or contact the agency directly for full details[1].
### Unique Features
Blagraves offers a spacious cellar that used to be a brewery and features a well[Context from query]. Minstrel figures were added to the building's front in the 20th century, adding a whimsical touch to its historic charm. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the attic of the house was used as a clandestine meeting point for followers of John Wesley[Context from query].
### A New Chapter
If planning approval is granted, Blagrave could potentially offer a studio annexe and a potter's workshop, making it an ideal residence for those seeking a blend of history and modern functionality[Context from query].
### The Resident Digital Writer
Lotte Brundle, the Digital Writer for the platform, joined the digital world in 2025 after a stint as a sub-editor at The Times and The Sunday Times[Context from query]. Brundle is also known for her Paul Mescal coverage at The Fence[Context from query]. However, she currently resides in the bustling south London, far from the tranquil charm of Blagraves[Context from query].
**In summary:** Blagraves, a Grade I-listed four-bedroom home, stands as a jewel of English domestic architecture with centuries of history. While currently on the market with Inigo, precise sale particulars are not public in the search results—interested parties should contact the agency for full details[1][5]. Its unique features, such as a spacious cellar and a charming courtyard garden, make it an attractive prospect for those seeking a blend of history and modern functionality.
- The historic Blagraves, with its rich past and unique features like a spacious cellar and a charming courtyard garden, presents a lucrative investment opportunity for those interested in acquiring a property that combines history with modern functionality in the real estate market.
- Beyond finances, Blagraves offers a distinctive lifestyle, with the potential for a studio annexe and a potter's workshop, making it an appealing choice for homeowners who appreciate a blend of heritage and contemporary living, as evidenced by the property's current marketing by Ingo, a prominent agency specializing in unique historic properties.
