A 715-year-old English castle with a history as rich as its architecture has just hit the market for the first time in its history — offering buyers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the UK’s most legendary estates.
Ripley Castle, the Grade I-listed estate (designated in same highly protected category as Buckingham Palace due to its history and national prominence) is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and has been the ancestral home of the Ingilby family since the early 1300s — centuries before the birth of America.
Now, it’s up for sale and poised to turn over to a brand new generation — along with its 445 acres of gardens, woodlands and parkland — for $21.9 million.
For seven-plus centuries, Ripley Castle has been more than just a family home — it’s been a witness to wars, royal visits and everything in between.
But Sir Thomas and Lady Emma Ingilby, its current custodians, say it’s time for a new chapter for themselves.
“We feel that we’ve never really had the chance to be spontaneous,” Sir Thomas, reflecting on decades spent overseeing the estate’s daily operations, told The Post.
“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 sale would mark the end of a legacy that dates back to the reign of King Edward II.
The estate was originally acquired as part of a dowry when Sir Thomas Ingilby married Edeline Thwenge in the early 1300s. Since then, it has remained in the family, weathering every storm of history, from civil wars to economic downturns. The same dowry also helped King Edward III build Windsor Castle.
“For 700 years, my family has served as custodians of this magnificent place,” Sir Thomas said. “Everywhere I look, there’s evidence of my ancestors and those who lived here embracing new ideas and changes. Now it is time for me to do the same.”
Ripley Castle’s history reads like a historical drama, complete with royal intrigue, daring escapades and brushes with some of England’s most infamous figures.
King James VI stayed at the castle on his way to his coronation as James I of England, who then became the target of a regicide plot in the 1600s. It even played a role during the English Civil War, when Oliver Cromwell demanded shelter after the Battle of Marston Moor.
One of the most famous stories involves “Trooper Jane” Ingilby, a family legend who held Cromwell at bay with two pistols as she guarded him in the library overnight, all while secretly protecting her brother, who was hiding in the Knight’s Chamber.
“These significant moments leap off the pages of history,” said Sir Thomas.
Inside, the castle is as much a monument to English heritage as it is a home. The architecture spans centuries, from the medieval Old Tower to Georgian additions like the stately Reception Hall. The Knight’s Chamber, one of England’s most significant Tudor rooms, features oak paneling and a rare “Wagon Roof” ceiling design.
The castle even has its share of hidden secrets, including a priest hole discovered in 1963 and oak floors repurposed from the HMS Rose, an 18th-century frigate.
Over the years, the estate has become a popular tourist destination, hosting weddings, concerts and the annual Ripley Agricultural Show.
Its grounds include a deer park, ornamental gardens and an 18th-century orangery filled with tropical plants. The estate also features thriving commercial operations, including the Boar’s Head Hotel, a 23-room inn that was once a coaching stop, and the Ripley Village Store, which serves as an ice cream parlor and shop.
Representative Mark Granger of Carter Jonas Christie’s International Real Estate says the property’s versatility is one of its greatest selling points.
“With 445 acres of land, [Ripley Castle] offers incredible opportunities for buyers interested in commercial, agricultural, sporting or conservation ventures. There are countless possibilities to transform it further into a remarkable family home and business that can be cherished for generations.”
For the Ingilbys, the decision to sell was not made lightly. After decades of their own stewardship, they’ve invested in restoring the castle and grounds, ensuring the estate is ready for its next owner.
Major renovations, including re-roofing the castle to the highest conservation standards, have secured its longevity for generations to come.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and glad that the beauty of the castle will endure,” said Sir Thomas.
Lady Emma Ingilby reflected on their time in the castle, calling it a “privilege” to live in such a historic home.
“We moved into the castle when we had our first baby and renovated it one room at a time,” she said.
“Some of the events we’ve hosted here have been incredibly moving … There are evenings when we walk around the gardens by the lake, and deer come down to drink while the scent of the flowers surrounds us. It feels like something out of a fairy tale.”
The Ingilbys’ children were also part of the decision to sell, and their blessing has made it easier to let go of the family’s ancestral home.
“We would never insist that they take on such a responsibility,” said Sir Thomas.
Ripley Castle is being sold as a whole or in multiple lots, allowing buyers to acquire the castle, the hotel or parcels of the surrounding land. But for whoever steps into the Ingilbys’ shoes, the opportunity goes far beyond owning a property.
“This is a unique opportunity for the castle’s next owner to add their name to the history books,” said Sir Thomas. “I sincerely hope they will love, cherish and enjoy living at Ripley as much as my family and I have.”
For now, the Ingilbys are looking forward to a simpler life, one where they can be spontaneous and explore the world beyond Yorkshire.
“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,” Sir Thomas said.
