Discover more at Treasurer's House
Find out when Treasurer's House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Things to see and do in the house at Treasurer’s House
Explore this hidden gem in the heart of York. A unique building filled to the brim with antiques and art and made to one man's exacting standards. Treasurer's House is an accredited museum, which means that every item in the collection, every design feature and every material used in the house is cared for by the conservation team.
A unique house for a unique man
Step inside this deceptively large house quietly tucked away on an historic site in the heart of the city. Built on an ancient Eboracum road and the site of the former house of the Treasurer to York Minster. Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist, bought the building in the late 19th century and reorganised the interiors into the house we see today.
Mr. Green felt that some items were better showcased in a domestic setting than a museum. He wanted small groups of visitors to enter Treasurer’s House 'by appointment' and marvel at his eclectic collection and period rooms. Tours run April - October to allow visitors to experience the house in one of the ways he imagined. From mid-November the house is dressed for Christmas for an altogether different, but equally memorable experience.
Unless a house is occupied, or visited by large numbers of people, it will eventually disappear
A quote by Frank Green
An Inspired Christmas at Treasurer’s House
16 November – 18 December 2024, Saturday - Wednesday
Every year the talented team of volunteers create a new experience, bringing the house to life at this most special time of year. The theme and stories change, adding a unique layer to the visit on top of beautiful decorations and twinkling lights, it's worth coming back time and again. This year the house decorations are inspired by the stories of previous owner Frank Green and those around him.
For younger visitors
You don't need to leave your little ones behind, whilst visiting pick up the mouse house trail. The felted mice characters are inspired by the real staff from around 1920. Let the younger members of your group spot them as you explore together, find out more about their life and try out some of the other challenges posed. Some have interesting stories of their own to share, like Ivy Cliff, Frank Green's personal secretary, and how he supported her through ill health.
Ask at admissions for a free trail sheet until end October. Try the festive alternative at Christmastime.
Video highlights from the Curator
If you want to delve a little deeper, grab a brew and watch one of the short videos where a National Trust Curator focusses on some of the detail that makes Treasurer's House so special.
Indian influences
Treat yourself to a closer look at the glorious detail on the ivory veneer and sandalwood toilet set from Southern India.
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Explore the collection
With a vision for preserving and championing the past, Mr Green created his vision of what he believed an historic house should be. He mixed different architectural styles and time periods alongside a fascinating collection of antiques and art to create the house that you see as you journey through the house today. Here's a sample of the collection to look out for...
Join a tour (April - October)
You are invited to join a small group for an exclusive hour-long journey around the house. As you explore the house with a guide, you will be Mr Green’s visitor for a short time.
By appointment
Monday - Wednesday and Saturday
Uncover everything practically as Frank Green left it when he made history by giving not just the property, but it’s entire collection to the National Trust in 1930.
Frank Green was very much a modern gentleman of his time, but it was his love of history that inspired him to create the beautiful house you can see today. He designed Treasurer’s House to showcase his collection of furniture, clocks and art, creating his vision of an ancestral family home in the heart of this historic city.
You would be forgiven for thinking that in a house where nothing changes there can be nothing new to say, but thanks to ongoing research we now know more about Mr Green, his house, and its varied collection. Join this award winning tour for a fascinating insight into life at Treasurer's House.
Turning back time
Sunday
Home to astronomers and politicians, generals and gentry, divided and brought back together over the years, Treasurer’s House has passed through many hands. On occasion the ripples of history made their way into, and occasionally out from, this tucked away corner of York.
Join a tour on Sunday for a new experience, focusing on the lives and legends of some of the past residents of Treasurer’s House. With so many years of history it's impossible to cover all of the lives lived here, but this journey through history will take you to times beyond those represented in the rooms you walk through.
Good to know...
Pre-booking a tour space is recommended, however if you've missed booking (sales close at 8am), drop in on the day for the next available ticket. A few tickets are left for each tour slot and are sold on a first come, first served basis for the day.
Please note due to the nature of the building, much of the house is accessible by stairs only.
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Christmas at Treasurer's House
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Eating and shopping at Treasurer’s House
Enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack in the café downstairs at Treasurer’s House or grab a new read from the second-hand bookshelves. The café is open April - December in line with house opening times. Head around the corner the shop for a large range of National Trust goods including home ware, books and locally sourced food. The shop is open all year round.
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Volunteering at Treasurer’s House
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