Ripley Castle, a Grade I-listed property in North Yorkshire, England, has been brought to the market for the first time in more than 700 years. This estate covers an area of 445 acres in land near the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The asking price is £17 million, which is equivalent to approximately ₹182.5 crore. This would mark the end of an era for the Ingilby family, who have owned the castle since the early 1300s.
Family Heritage: A History of Ownership Spanning Almost 700 Years
Ripley Castle has been owned by the Ingilby family since its purchase by Sir Thomas Ingilby, who married Edeline Thweng in the 14th century. Through the centuries, the castle has seen royal visits, wartime events, and various periods of social and economic change. One of its most famous stories is about “Trooper Jane” Ingilby who, according to legend, threatened to shoot Cromwell at gunpoint while she hid her brother in the castle, all during the course of the English Civil War.
Sir Thomas and Lady Emma’s Decision to Sell
Over many years of diligent upkeep, Sir Thomas and Lady Emma Ingilby, in their late 60s, have decided to sell the estate. Reflecting on their decision, Sir Thomas shared, “We’ve been working seven days a week for so long, and we’re nearly 70. Now it’s time for us to travel and be impulsive.” The decision was made with the agreement of their children, who have chosen not to take on the responsibility of managing the historic estate.
Architectural and Natural Beauty of Ripley Castle
Ripley Castle combines medieval with Georgian additions. Interiors at Ripley feature a Knight’s Chamber, containing oak paneling and a uniquely styled Tudor-style ceiling. Another feature within the estate is the priest hole discovered in 1963. The estate further consists of ornamental gardens, a deer park, and an 18th-century orangery. The property has been meticulously kept and includes restorative efforts on a wide scale, from the re-roofing of the castle to conservation standards.
Commercial Potential and Future Prospects
Mark Granger of International Real Estate from Christie’s said that the place was highly promising for future owners. It offered about 445-acre grounds where different sorts of commercial, agricultural, sports, or even conservation projects can be undertaken. The estate can be developed into a family residence and can become a profitable undertaking in the years to come.
Privileged Life at Ripley Castle
Lady Emma Ingilby described this time at Ripley Castle as a “privilege.” “I remember coming back from evening walks around the gardens by the lake, seeing deer come up to drink.” She said there was a tranquil, fairy tale quality to life there. Her connection to the land and estate history has, in fact been a hallmark of their experience.
The sale of the castle to other owners will close an era of the Ingilby family. However, the family hopes the new owners would appreciate the beauty and history associated with the estate. The sales will allow Sir Thomas and Lady Emma to free themselves from the responsibilities of running the castle as they embark on a new phase of their lives.