The hidden community who live on the Harewood Estate

Harewood House is a name that conjures history, art and sweeping landscapes - a place visitors explore for an afternoon before heading back to everyday life.

- by Harriet Sutton

But beyond the formal terraces and the grand façade lies something most people never realise: a village of residents who live, work and grow up as part of the Harewood Estate.

"It's amazing how many people don't know we have a residential community here," says Danielle Yorath, the estate's property manager, inset.

Around 20 homes for rent are dotted across the 4,000-acre estate, mainly Grade II listed stone cottages. The properties are so popular, there are only a couple of homes currently available - a two bedroom terraced house and a five bedroom detached house.

Rents range from £995 per month for a one bedroom cottage up to £3,700 per month for Gardener's Cottage, the most expensive five bedroom property. All the properties are dog friendly.

Residents include families who have been here for generations and newcomers drawn by the rural surroundings and access to Leeds and Harrogate.

"Historically, these homes were occupied by people who worked on the estate," says Danielle. "Some families have been here for generations, and we rarely sell anything - most properties are let." The mix of residents has evolved over time: "It's probably leaning more towards young professionals now, people seeking a calm, peaceful lifestyle, but there's a nice balance with older residents too," she says.