The Ripley Castle after 700 years under the same family's care, in North Yorkshire, England, is up for grabs. The price tag is for the sale is £21 million (roughly ₹225 crore), making it as one of the most expensive properties ever sold outside of London. Ripley Castle is a living, history nestled near the town of Harrogate, the estate sprawls across 445 acres the English countryside. It has a lake, a private helipad, a hotel and even a cricket pitch. The estate is divided into nine lots available for purchase separately or as a whole. The traditional pub, a cozy hotel, a quaint tea room, and a gift shop which the property has are a potential income streams. For these facilities Ripley Castle had become a sought-after venue for weddings and events, offering a fairytale backdrop that few properties could match.
For seven centuries, the Ingilby family has been the heart and soul of Ripley Castle. It all started back in 1308/9 when Sir Thomas Ingilby married Edeline Thwenge, acquiring the estate as part of her dowry. The family's legacy is intertwined with tales of heroism, like the time another Sir Thomas Ingilby bravely saved King Edward III from a wild boar attack, earning a knighthood for his valor.
The current custodians, Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby, are ready to pass the torch after half a century of stewardship. It's a bittersweet goodbye to a place that has been their life's work. "There are days when we are very positive about it, and there are other days when we are sad for what we will miss," Sir Thomas shared, reflecting the deep connection the family has with their ancestral home. Sir Thomas, in particular, doesn't want to leave feet first; he has other plans to pursue – mainly travelling and spending more time with the four grandchildren’s.
Lady Ingilby fondly remembers the magical moments they've shared at the castle, from hosting moving events to quiet evenings by the lake, surrounded by the scent of flowers and the sight of deer coming down to drink. "It feels like something out of a fairy tale," she says, capturing the enchantment that permeates every corner of the estate.
The sale of Ripley Castle is more than just a property transaction; it's the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Who will be the next to write their story within these historic walls? Will it be a single buyer seeking a grand private residence, or a group of investors looking to capitalize on the estate's diverse offerings?
As the Ingilby family prepares for their next move, one thing is certain: the story of Ripley Castle is far from over. Let’s watch and see who will quill the next chapter?
