For the first time in over seven centuries, Ripley Castle, a historic Grade I listed property in North Yorkshire, is up for sale with an asking price of £21 million. However, the news has stirred

unease among the 200 residents of the picturesque village it anchors.

Located three miles from Harrogate, Ripley Castle is more than just an architectural gem. The 14th-century estate includes 188 acres of woodland, a cricket ground, a hotel and pub, a car park, a village store, and a gift shop. The village itself boasts a primary school, a post office, and the renowned Ripley ice cream parlor. For nearly 700 years, the estate has been owned by the Ingilby family, with the castle originally forming part of a dowry in the early 1300s.

A family’s difficult decision

Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby, the current owners, have decided to sell due to retirement and changing family circumstances. Having already downsized to a five-bedroom house within the village, the couple described Ripley Castle as a “much-loved family home,” adding that the decision to sell was made with the full support of their family.

While Carter Jonas estate agents have marketed the sale as a “rare opportunity to acquire one of the region’s most unique and prestigious properties,” locals are grappling with the potential impact on their community.

Villagers voice concerns

Many residents are worried about how the sale will affect the village’s character and amenities. One anonymous villager expressed hope that the new owners would avoid turning the area into a bustling commercial hub. “Parking is already an issue, and big events can overwhelm the village,” they said.

Others fear losing key local facilities, such as the village store and car park. A resident remarked, “When I moved here 30 years ago, the shop was a typical village store. Now, it’s more of a visitor attraction. We’d hate to lose it altogether.”

Local businesses are also on edge. Deborah de Brunner, who runs a gift shop on the estate, said she feels “in limbo” with her 18-month lease. “The village is vibrant, and the mix of residents and tourists makes it special. But we have no idea what the future holds,” she added.

Historical and cultural significance

Dating back over seven centuries, Ripley Castle has served multiple roles, from hosting evacuees during World War II to becoming a public venue in the late 1980s. Today, its parkland hosts community events, including lakeside concerts, classic car rallies, and the Ripley Agricultural Show.

The castle’s rich history is tied closely to the Ingilby family, who have been stewards of the estate for 28 generations. Yet, the financial and practical challenges of maintaining such a property have become increasingly burdensome, prompting the sale.

Uncertain future

Residents and visitors alike worry about the estate’s future. Some, like Joan Hogg from a nearby village, hope the historic property will remain accessible to the public. “I’d love to see the National Trust or English Heritage take over,” she said. However, both organizations have stated they have no plans to purchase Ripley Castle, despite owning nearby landmarks.

Councillor Felicity Cunliffe-Lister echoed concerns about the potential loss of community resources, particularly the car park. “Parking is vital for residents, local businesses, and visitors. Losing it would significantly impact the village,” she warned.

A balancing act

While the sale marks the end of an era, it also opens the door to new possibilities. Some villagers remain cautiously optimistic, hoping any future owner will honor the estate’s heritage while supporting the community. Others, however, fear the estate could be carved up into separate lots or developed in ways that alter the village’s character.

As one visiting couple put it, “The castle is part of our history and belongs to the people. It would be heartbreaking if it were turned into something unrecognizable.”

For now, the fate of Ripley Castle and its village hangs in the balance, with both locals and prospective buyers contemplating the next chapter of this extraordinary property’s story. Photo by Ripley Castle by Mark Anderson, Wikimedia commons.