Kirby Knowle, Thirsk, North Yorkshire

Kirby Knowle Castle, which comes with over 65.5 acres of formal gardens, parkland and woodland, has had a long history. Sir Roger de Lascelles sought permission from Edward I to build in the latter part of the thirteenth century. It was later owned by Sir John Constable, when part of the castle was destroyed by a fire in 1568. It was left in a dilapidated state until 1653 when it was bought by James Danby, who added the south and west wings using stone from neighbouring Upsall Castle.

Its claim to fame is that Mary Queen of Scots was a frequent visitor at a time when Sir Thomas Rokeby, a knight and one of the justices of the king’s Bench, owned the property. It had fallen into disrepair after being empty since the 1950s. It had been owned by a Chilean countess and her husband, he died in a car accident and she left the area.

The striking architecture and prominent style have been retained, but following a significant overhaul by the present owners which includes the renovation or replacement of all damaged architectural stonework and window openings together with re-roofing, rewiring and installation of a commercial capacity biomass heating system, this is now comfortable and warm family home.

With guidance from English Heritage, the owners have reinvented the interior with exceptional design, beautiful decorations and the highest quality fitments, bespoke joinery and artisan plasterwork.

The internal accommodation has been completely reorganised, the original staircase has been removed and a three-story open staircase has been installed to allow natural light and take advantage of the exceptional views.

There is a fully refurbished detached cottage to the side, which could be used for guest or staff quarters. The redesigned garden areas to the front south elevation with an ornamental fountain, stone-flagged private areas and a barbecue kitchen provide excellent entertaining space.

To the back of the side is a newly constructed, insulated steel portal garage with space for several vehicles.

Off a spur of the main drive is a large barn currently used for garden machinery storage.

Kirby Knowle Castle is situated in a particularly picturesque stretch of undulating North Yorkshire countryside; the chalk escarpment of Sutton Bank, the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors National Parks all being in view.

Despite its peaceful rural surroundings, the property is conveniently close to the A19 which provides direct access to the nearby market towns of Thirsk and Northallerton, also linking to the A1(M) leading to Harrogate and Leeds to the south. The area is home to some excellent public houses and restaurants and there are several noteworthy schools within easy reach including Aysgarth, Ripon Grammar, Cundall Manor, Ampleforth College and Queen Ethelburga’s.

Property information
Services: Mains electricity, Private sewerage system, Private water supply, Biomass boiler, supplying domestic hot water and central heating via underfloor and radiators.

Fixtures and Fittings: All items known as fixtures and fittings are specifically excluded from the sale but may be available by separate negotiation.

Rights of Way: There is a footpath on the furthest boundary from the property – see boundary plan.