Imagine living in a 700-year-old castle, surrounded by lush woodland, a charming village, and even your own cricket ground. Sounds like something out of a fairy tale, right? Well, if you’ve got £21 million lying around, you could make it your reality. Yep, Ripley Castle, one of North Yorkshire’s most historic estates, is up for sale, and its price tag has finally been revealed. Let’s take a closer look at what £21 million really gets you.
What makes Ripley Castle so special?
Ripley Castle isn’t just any property. Located near Harrogate, this estate has been in the hands of the same family—the Ingilbys—since the 1300s. That’s a staggering 28 generations! The Ingilby family built the castle shortly after acquiring the estate, and it’s been their home ever since. Imagine how much history those walls have witnessed—wars, celebrations, and no doubt the odd family drama.
But here’s the twist: it’s not just the castle for sale. If you’ve got the cash, you can buy the entire estate, which includes:
- Ripley Castle (obviously!)
- The surrounding estate woodland
- The Boars Head Hotel
- Ripley Village Store
- The village cricket ground
And if £21 million sounds a bit steep, don’t worry—it can be split up and sold in smaller chunks. Fancy owning just the hotel or the shop? That’s an option too.
Why are the Ingilbys selling after 700 years?
Selling a family home after seven centuries isn’t exactly a casual decision. But for Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby, it’s all about enjoying their later years. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Lady Ingilby explained:
“I’m 65 and Thomas is 70 this year — he’s had [the castle] since he was 18. We’ve been very committed, we’ve worked very hard. We want to enjoy our retirement. We want to be more spontaneous. You can’t be spontaneous when you’re tied two years in advance.”
It makes sense when you think about it. Managing a huge estate like Ripley Castle must take a ridiculous amount of time, effort, and planning. Even a spontaneous weekend getaway would be a challenge when you’ve got an entire castle and estate depending on you.
Sir Thomas, who inherited the estate back in 1974 when his father passed away, also shared his thoughts:
“Bricks and mortar are less important than family. We would never insist our children took on something they didn’t want to take, because therein lies great unhappiness.”
It’s clear that for the Ingilbys, family comes first. They’ve already downsized to a five-bedroom Georgian house near the castle’s gatehouse. (And let’s be honest, calling that “downsizing” is pretty relative!)
What do you actually get for £21 Million?
Let’s break it down. If you decide to splash out and buy the whole thing, here’s what you’re looking at:
- The castle itself: Imagine towering turrets, grand hallways, and enough rooms to get lost in.
- Woodland and grounds: Perfect for long walks, picnics, or maybe just pretending you’re in a Jane Austen novel.
- The Boars Head Hotel: A cosy hotel with a classic English pub vibe. It’s the kind of place where locals and visitors alike would pop in for a pint.
- The village cricket ground: Because what’s an English village without cricket?
- Ripley Village Store: Think quaint shop vibes, offering all the essentials (and probably some great local jams).
Carter Jonas, the estate agent marketing the property, even released a fancy video showcasing it all. If you’re curious—or just want to daydream about castle life—you can check it out on their website.
What’s next for Ripley Castle?
For now, the castle is still on the market, waiting for its next chapter. Will it go to a private buyer looking for a family home with serious wow-factor? Or will parts of it be sold separately, turning the estate into a patchwork of different owners? Only time will tell.
What’s clear is that this sale marks the end of an era for the Ingilby family. But after 700 years, who could blame them for wanting to try something new? As Lady Ingilby said, sometimes it’s about choosing freedom over history—even if that history is as rich as Ripley Castle’s.
So, whether you’re a history buff, a property enthusiast, or just love a good castle daydream, Ripley Castle is a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s past—and an eye-watering look at its property market!
