R
ipley Castle, a 715-year-old English castle with a rich history and stunning architecture, is on the market for the first time in its history. The Grade I-listed estate, located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, has been the ancestral home of the Ingilby family since the early 1300s.
The current custodians, Sir Thomas and Lady Emma Ingilby, are selling the castle after decades of stewardship, citing a desire to travel and be spontaneous in their retirement. The estate includes 445 acres of gardens, woodlands, and parkland, as well as a deer park, ornamental gardens, and an 18th-century orangery.
Ripley Castle has played host to numerous significant events throughout history, including royal visits and the English Civil War. One notable story involves "Trooper Jane" Ingilby, who held Oliver Cromwell at bay with two pistols while guarding him in the library overnight.
The castle's architecture spans centuries, from medieval to Georgian, featuring a grand staircase, oak paneling, and a rare "Wagon Roof" ceiling design. The estate also includes hidden secrets, such as a priest hole discovered in 1963 and oak floors repurposed from an 18th-century frigate.
The property has become a popular tourist destination, hosting weddings, concerts, and the annual Ripley Agricultural Show. Its commercial operations include the Boar's Head Hotel, a 23-room inn, and the Ripley Village Store, which serves as an ice cream parlor and shop.
Representative Mark Granger of Carter Jonas Christie's International Real Estate notes that the property's versatility is one of its greatest selling points, offering opportunities for buyers interested in commercial, agricultural, sporting, or conservation ventures.
The Ingilbys have invested heavily in restoring the castle and grounds, ensuring the estate's longevity for generations to come. They are proud of what they've achieved and glad that the beauty of the castle will endure.
Ripley Castle is being sold as a whole or in multiple lots, allowing buyers to acquire the castle, the hotel, or parcels of the surrounding land. The Ingilbys say they look forward to traveling with their free time, leaving behind a legacy that dates back to the reign of King Edward II.
