Fairfax House

Set in the heart of York, Fairfax House is one of England’s finest examples of Georgian architecture. A carefully restored townhouse, it transports visitors to the elegance and grandeur of 18th-century city living.

Key Highlights of Fairfax House

A Historic Georgian Gem

• Originally the winter residence of Viscount Fairfax and his daughter, Anne Fairfax.
• Transformed in the 1760s by master architect John Carr of York.
• Features exquisite stucco ceilings and opulent period interiors, showcasing the height of Georgian design.

Restoration and Legacy

• Painstakingly restored in the 1980s by York Civic Trust.
• Captures the essence of 18th-century townhouse living, revealing the lifestyle of York’s wealthy elite.
• Volunteers provide fascinating insights into the house’s stories, architecture, and furnishings.

Explore the Georgian Townhouse

Walk through beautifully recreated interiors, reflecting Georgian tastes in décor, food, and fashion.

• Magnificent stucco ceilings crafted by master artisans.
• Period rooms evoking York’s 1760s social scene.

Located on Castlegate, at the heart of York’s ‘polite society’, Fairfax House served as a hub for social events, balls, and entertainment.

The Collection

• Home to a nationally significant collection of furniture, silver, clocks, and paintings.
• The Noel Terry Bequest forms the centrepiece, reflecting the luxury and tastes of Britain’s Georgian elite.
• Each piece complements the house’s architecture, bringing the interiors alive with authenticity and grandeur.

A Fascinating History

• The lives of the Fairfaxes and their role in Georgian York.
• Tales of extravagant balls, hidden secrets, and Catholic recusancy.
• The house’s transformation from an elegant residence to a 20th-century cinema.

Visitor Information

• Opening Times: Check here
• Admission Prices: View prices
• Accessibility Details: Learn more

Visit Fairfax House Today

Experience York’s Georgian history firsthand and step into a world of splendour, design, and rich heritage. Discover the stories, architecture, and collection that make Fairfax House a true masterpiece of its time.