A seven-bedroom Grade II-listed castle in North Yorkshire has been put on the market for £7million.
The 700 year-old property, called Kirby Knowles Castle, spans 14,208 sq ft and is set in 65 acres of land overlooking rural Yorkshire.
Mary Queen of Scots was a frequent visitor to Kirby Knowles Castle at the time when Sir Thomas Rokeby, a knight and one of the justices of the King’s Bench, owned the property. It later fell into disrepair, after being empty since the 1950s.
Now, however, the castle is a fully renovated modern family home, kitted out with a gym, wine cellar, steam room, library, games room and a home cinema.
With guidance from English Heritage, the castle’s current owners have reinvented the castle’s interior using bespoke joinery and artisan plasterwork.
The current owners renovated or replaced all the damaged architectural stonework and window openings in the property. They also fitted the castle with a new roof, rewired it throughout and installed a commercial-style biomass heating system.
Get viewing: Kirby Knowles Castle is on sale via North Residential for £7m
The original staircase has been removed and a three-storey open staircase installed to ensure light flows throughout the castle.
In the property’s front garden there is an ornamental fountain and stone-flagged private areas. The gardens also house a barbecue kitchen area, providing an ideal place to entertain.
The property also comes with a fully refurbished detached cottage, which could be used for guest or staff quarters.
Lucy Crane, a director at North Residential said: ‘Kirby Knowle Castle offers the perfect picturesque country home.
‘Whilst the traditional architecture and elements of its original style have been retained, the present owners have transformed the home to offer outstanding design, the highest quality features and fittings and contemporary décor, creating a warm family home that’s well-suited to modern life.’
She added: ‘Whilst Kirby Knowle offers a peaceful countryside lifestyle, it is conveniently located close to excellent travel links including A19, offering direct access to Thirsk and Northallerton and A1 (M) for links to Harrogate and Leeds.
‘It is also within easy reach of renowned schools including Aysgarth, Ripon Grammar, Cundall Manor, Ampleforth College and Queen Ethelburga’s.’
Harlan Pollitt, a director at North Residential told This is Money: ‘Beautifully adapted for contemporary living, the castle now offers the comforts of a family home, complemented by a charming annexe perfect for visiting guests or extended family.
‘On a side note, the property works on most fronts; family home, UK residence, generational family ownership and living and could even be utilised as a business , such as a high end holiday home.’
History: Mary Queen of Scots was a frequent visitor to Kirby Knowles Castle
Plush: Kirby North Castle has its very own steam room
Time for a drink: Kirby Knowles castle comes equipped with a high-end wine cellar
Go gaming: The castle is North Yorkshire has a games room ready for high jinks
Let’s chill: Not many castles have their very own home cinema
Snazzy: A dressing room at the castle with a Chanel box in the corner
Family space: No expense has been spared in the castle’s luxury kitchen
All new: The current owners removed the original staircase in the castle
Perfection: The interior of Kirby Knowles Castle is still packed with period features
Let there be light: The property is brimming with a sense of space and brightness
What a view: One of the seven bedrooms at Kirby Knowles Castle in North Yorkshire
Get some rest: Each of the seven bedrooms has been finished to a high standard
Get moving: The castle has its own fully-equipped gym
Big enough? One of the huge showers at Kirby Knowles Castle in North Yorkshire
Have a soak: One of the five bathrooms at Kirby Knowles Castle
Get grilling: Kirby Knowles Castle has an outdoor barbecue kitchen area
Take in the views: Kirby Knowles Castle is surrounded by the beautiful Yorkshire countryside
Buying a Grade II-listed property – what to know
A listed house or listed building is a property placed on a national register of buildings with historical or architectural importance.
The list is aimed at protecting these buildings and maintaining them for future generations.
Generally, a Grade I-listed property will have more restrictions than one that is Grade II-listed. Many listed properties are steeped in history and packed with quirks and character.
However, listed properties are protected by law, meaning buyers will require listed-building consent in addition to planning consent to make any changes, whether to the interior or exterior.
Anyone buying a listed property needs to be aware of the potential challenges and additional costs involved.
Features deemed significant in the National Heritage List will not be able to be altered.
The local council’s conservation officer will be able to inform you about the changes that can and cannot be made to the property.
Maintenance costs for listed properties can be high, particularly if specialist trades are required.
If buying a listed property, it is also vital to read any home insurance policies properly and ensure it covers the full cost of repairing the property.
