The iconic Ripley Castle Estate is up for sale, with several big names throwing their hats in the ring to buy it.
The extensive country estate, located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, in the North of England, was reportedly eyed off by Taylor Swift and the United States President Donald Trump.
This is the first time in history the castle has been brought onto the market, with the property being handled by Carter Jonas in affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate.
Dating back over seven centuries, the estate originally formed part of Edeline Thweng's dowry to Sir Thomas Ingilby in the early 14th century.
It has been kept as the family home of the Ingilbys ever since.
Sprawling across approximately 445 acres of Yorkshire parkland and sculpted gardens including an orangery and squash court, the Grade I-listed Ripley Castle itself marks the jewel in the estate’s crown.
The extensive history of the building means it is home to three distinct architectural styles, a result of nearly five centuries of craftsmanship.
Key features of the castle are the Gatehouse, the reception hall, and the three-storey Old Tower.
The estate is available for purchase as a whole or in separate lots, as listed, providing potential buyers with flexible options tailored to their interests.
Sir Thomas Ingilby said: “Ripley Castle is not only an iconic estate, but it has also been a wonderful family home. It is a welcoming and magical place. Castles and living in one often belong to fairy tales, and Ripley Castle exemplifies the essence of such stories. However, without relying on make-believe, it stands on its own.
“Almost every detail of the property and its surroundings is steeped in history, having been touched by numerous historical events, and the castle has played a role in many of them, from the Wars of the Roses to the time when James VI stayed here on his way to his coronation as James I of England. It was also linked to the Gunpowder Plot, and later, Oliver Cromwell demanded a bed at the castle after the Battle of Marston Moor. During this time, 'Trooper Jane' Ingilby, who fought in the battle, allowed him to stay but guarded him in the library throughout the night with two pistols, protecting both her virtue and her brother, who was hidden in the Knight’s Chamber. These significant moments leap off the pages of history and are reflected in various elements throughout the castle.
“For seven hundred years, my family has served as custodians of this magnificent place, which is an extraordinarily long time. As I reflect on this legacy, I feel genuinely excited about the next stage of its development. The castle and the estate have never remained static. Its notable architectural features, showcasing a variety of styles, bear testament to this evolution. Everywhere I look, there is evidence of my ancestors and those who have lived here embracing new ideas and changes, and now it is time for me to do the same.
“My parting gift to the future owner of the castle is the re-roofing of the vast majority of the building to the highest conservation standards, along with insulation of the roof space. This will ensure that the castle is capable of withstanding whatever the weather throws at it for many years to come. Additionally, I have also restored the three magnificent pavilions in the walled gardens with the assistance of some of the country’s foremost conservation architects.
“This is a unique opportunity for the castle’s next owner to add their name to the history books. I sincerely hope that they will love, cherish, and enjoy living at Ripley as much as my family and I have.”