York
North Yorkshire (North Riding)
England
Circa Date: 1744 w/18th, 19th & 20th century alterations
Status: Fully Extant
House Open to Public: Yes
Country House: No (Townhouse)
Built / Designed For: Charles Gregory Fairfax, 9th Viscount Fairfax of Emley
House & Family History: The house, as seen restored today, is the creation of the 9th Lord Fairfax, who, in the 1760s, commissioned the famous Yorkshire John Carr to remodel his York townhouse in the popular Neoclassical style. Lord Fairfax's daughter, Anne, sold Fairfax House in 1772, after the death of her father. The house served many uses over the years, falling further and further down the ladder of respectability as time passed. From 1920 until 1966 Fairfax House was used as a movie theater and dance hall. After the closure of the theater and dance hall York City Council, owners of the property, was determined to rid itself of the troublesome historic house by public auction. The council was only dissuaded from this route in 1981 by an offer of the trustees of the late Noel Terry to house his collection of Georgian furniture at Fairfax House, contingent upon the completion of a fully restored house. In 1983-84 the York Civic Trust acquired Fairfax House and brilliantly restored it.
Collections: The Noel Terry Collection, described by Christie's as one of the finest private collections of Georgian furniture formed in the 20th century, is housed at Fairfax House.
Comments: Fairfax House is considered one of the most important English townhouses.
Architect: John Carr
Date: 1761-65
Title: Daily Telegraph, The
Author: NA
Year Published: NA
Reference: Dec 20, 2003, Travel Section, pg. 3
Publisher: London: Telegraph Group Ltd.
ISBN: NA
Book Type: Newspaper
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - HARDBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 2008
Reference: pg. 226
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9780300125085
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: No Park
Past Seat / Home of: Charles Gregory Fairfax, 9th Viscount Fairfax of Emley, until 1772.
Current Ownership Type: Charity / Nonprofit
Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction
Ownership Details: Owned by York Civic Trust
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 01904-655-543
Fax: 01904-652-262
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/
Historic Houses Member: Yes