A stunning castle reminiscent of a fairytale is now on the market for the first time in almost seven centuries in the UK. Ripley Castle, situated near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is available for purchase with an asking price of approximately Rs 225 crore (£21 million), potentially making it one of the priciest properties ever sold in the UK outside of London.
The expansive estate spans 445 acres of land and features a lake, a pub, a helipad, and a car park. Divided into nine lots that can be acquired individually or collectively, the property also boasts amenities such as a cricket pitch, hotel, tea room, gift shop, and wedding venue, as reported by the BBC.
Sir Thomas, the current caretaker of the estate along with his wife Lady Ingilby, is the proud owner of Ripley Castle. The castle became a part of the family legacy when Sir Thomas Ingilby, who lived from 1290 to 1352, married heiress Edeline Thwenge in 1308/9, acquiring the estate as part of the dowry. His son Thomas was knighted for saving King Edward III’s life when he was attacked by a boar.
When asked why he decided to sell the property, Sir Thomas mentioned their desire to retire and explore other ventures after dedicating years to maintaining the expansive estate.
“Some days we feel optimistic about it, while other days we feel a sense of loss for what we will be leaving behind,” Sir Thomas shared with the media.
“I’ve spent over 50 years looking after this place, so it has been my entire life. I don’t intend to leave here in a casket; there are other things I wish to pursue.”
“We have fulfilled every requirement on our checklist. We have ensured that the estate is in the best possible condition and have preserved its heritage for the future,” he added.
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The couple, who have four grandchildren, intend to travel once the property sale process is finalized.
“Some of the events we have hosted here have been truly heartwarming… There are evenings when we stroll through the gardens by the lake, watching deer come down to drink while the fragrance of flowers envelops us. It truly feels like a scene from a fairy tale,” expressed Lady Ingilby.
