A conversion of old farm buildings at a cost £625,000 has resulted in a new office development combining original beamed ceilings with the latest high-tech wiring at Grimston Grange near Tadcaster.

A series of redundant 19th century buildings just half-a-mile from the main A64 Leeds-York road has been transformed into more than 9,000 sq ft. consisting of four units converging on to a sunlit, landscaped courtyard plus plenty of car parking space.

The development, designed to meet increasing demand for leasing character offices in a rural setting, was unveiled by Grimston Estate owners John and Thomas Fielden and letting agents Carter Jonas of Leeds.

It may have been speculative, but Carter Jonas is already able to point to the success of other new country-lifestyle office developments in the region, including The Harewood Estate, Broughton Hall, Sicklinghall, Hunsingore and the Escrick Park estate.

Already Richard Hardy at Carter Jonas reports that one of the Grimston Grange suites is under offer by as-yet unnamed business consultants along with expressions of interest from recruitment agents, Internet companies and financial services organisations, all of whom find the rural lifestyle attractive.

The shape and exterior layout of the period stone barns has been retained. The courtyard areas have been landscaped to provide opportunities for office workers to make the most of the superb country setting within the Grimston Estate.

The project, managed by Carter Jonas, from inception to letting, has involved restoration of the stone buildings owned by the Fielden family of the Grimston estate.

Carter Jonas's head of commercial property in Yorkshire, John Webster, said: "This is a particularly attractive development combining delightful original features with very modern facilities, ample car parking and extremely good access to the major road network. We anticipate strong demand. Unit 1 has already been put under offer."

The development has created four units, ranging from 1,368 sq ft to 3,661 sq ft, although the development could also be let in a combination of these units or as a whole. The accommodation will be let on full repairing and insuring leases and viewing can be arranged by contacting Mr Hardy on 0113 242 5155