Step Inside Ripley Castle: A Timeless Estate With Stunning Views
Nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire countryside, Ripley Castle stands as a magnificent testament to England’s rich history. For over 700 years, this stunning estate has been home to the Ingilby family, making it one of Britain’s most fascinating historical treasures.
From its medieval tower to its beautifully landscaped gardens, Ripley Castle offers visitors a magical journey through time that captivates the imagination.
1. A Castle That Just Went On Sale
Perched on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Ripley Castle has been in the Ingilby family for more than 700 years. It was only listed for sale in late 2024, marking the first opportunity ever to own this legendary estate.
Nestled on 445 acres of rolling lawns, deer park, orchards, gardens, and woodland, this historic property is being offered for £21 million as one or multiple lots. The family’s decision to sell stems from a desire to embrace travel and spontaneity after decades of caring for the estate.
The sale includes not just the castle but also a hotel, café, village store, event spaces, and even a cricket pitch.
2. The Knight’s Chamber
Stepping into the Knight’s Chamber feels like traveling back to medieval times! This magnificent room, adorned with authentic period furniture and ancestral portraits, tells countless stories of the castle’s illustrious past.
The ornate ceiling, hand-carved from oak during the reign of King Henry VIII, features intricate designs that have amazed visitors for generations. Ancient weapons and armor displayed on the walls remind us of the castle’s defensive heritage.
Family heirlooms carefully preserved through centuries add a personal touch to this historical treasure.
3. A Botanical Paradise
Imagine wandering through garden paths that have delighted visitors since the 18th century! The walled gardens of Ripley Castle burst with colorful blooms and exotic plants collected by generations of the Ingilby family.
Perfectly manicured hedges create secret nooks where you can sit and enjoy the tranquility. The Victorian glasshouse stands as a centerpiece, housing rare tropical specimens that thrive despite Yorkshire’s sometimes chilly climate.
Children particularly love discovering the hidden corners and watching butterflies dance among the flowers during summer months.
4. Lavish Parties That Rivaled Fiction
During the Roaring Twenties, Otto Kahn transformed OHEKA into the ultimate playground for high society. Weekend gatherings featured orchestras, champagne fountains, and celebrities of the era dancing until dawn – mirroring the fictional revelry at Gatsby’s West Egg mansion.
Guests arrived in chauffeured limousines, dressed in their finest attire. The estate’s grand ballroom hosted Hollywood stars, business tycoons, and political figures.
Legendary soirées embodied the carefree opulence and moral ambiguity that Fitzgerald captured so brilliantly in his novel.
5. The Historic Village Of Ripley
Just a stone’s throw from the castle gates lies one of England’s most charming model villages! Created in the 1820s by Sir William Amcotts Ingilby who was inspired by French design, Ripley village complements the castle perfectly.
The cobblestone main street lined with honey-colored cottages feels like a scene from a storybook. Don’t miss the world-famous Ripley ice cream shop – a tradition dating back generations that still uses secret family recipes.
The village’s 700-year-old All Saints Church contains fascinating monuments to the Ingilby family, connecting castle and community through centuries.
6. Standout Rooms Filled With History And Drama
Inside, Ripley Castle delivers a visual feast of historic interiors. The Reception Hall features a sweeping cantilever staircase beneath a stunning armorial stained-glass window, considered one of the UK’s finest.
The Tower Room boasts oak flooring repurposed from the HMS Rose, and the Knight’s Chamber dazzles with original Tudor ceiling paneling and a rare “wagon roof” design.
A priest hole, hidden for centuries, was only revealed in 1963 – adding a touch of intrigue to the estate’s storied past. These rooms bring history alive with every step.
7. Estate Grounds That Feel Timeless And Alive
Ripley Castle’s grounds span around 445 acres and include tree‑lined gardens, an ornamental lake, kitchen gardens, and a deer park. The estate’s formal gardens feature climbing roses, a knot garden, and Victorian glasshouses like the Orangery and Garden Room.
Nearby lies the Boar’s Head Hotel, a former coaching inn now operated by the family, along with a village store and tearoom. These components combine historic southern charm with rural vitality, hosting weddings, agricultural shows, and local events.
The setting feels like stepping into a fairy tale, while remaining surprisingly grounded.
8. Legacy And Living
Ripley Castle isn’t just architecture. It’s a family legacy. Owned by the Ingilby baronets since the 1300s, the estate has weathered civil wars, royal visits, and even execution plots.
Sir Thomas Ingilby once held Oliver Cromwell at gunpoint here, and other adventures include protecting fugitive priests in hidden chambers.
In recent decades, Sir Thomas and Lady Emma Ingilby opened the estate to the public, welcomed guests, and ran local businesses while maintaining stewardship of the property. Now, after decades of caretaking, they’re ready to pass the torch (and the keys) to someone new.
9. Elegant Rooms Filled With Character
The rooms inside Ripley Castle are richly decorated, with each space reflecting its unique story. The drawing rooms and libraries feature vintage rugs, classic furniture, and beautifully restored fireplaces.
It creates intimate spaces perfect for gathering. Natural light filters through large windows, illuminating the carefully curated artworks and family heirlooms displayed throughout.
From cozy sitting areas to stately dining rooms, every corner balances elegance with comfort. It gives guests a true sense of the castle’s heritage and personality.
