A rare opportunity to own a private wing of a Grade II listed castle with its own moat has become available.
A wing of Thurland Castle in the Lune Valley is on the market through Savills with a guide price of £1million.
Located on the edge of the North West village of Tunstall, this moated castle is steeped in history.
Dating back to the 11th century, the Grade II listed castle is believed to be one of the most historic residential properties in the UK.
It was originally built as a medieval manor house but was later fortified by a circular moat.
Sir Thomas Tunstall was licensed to crenelate the castle in 1402 and it stayed in his family for three generations until it was sold to Sir John Girlington in 1605.
In 1643, during the Civil War, Parliamentarian forces besieged the castle.
Several centuries later, work was carried to convert the building into a country house but it was gutted by fire in 1876.
In 1879 the owner commissioned Lancashire architects Paley and Austin to rebuild the property with interiors designed by Gillow & Co.
From 1885 until the early twentieth century Thurland Castle was owned by a local coal-mining family.
It was bought by Lancashire Homes in 1999 who skilfully developed it into luxury properties between 2000 and 2005.
Today, the castle sits securely within ten acres of landscaped gardens and parkland with its own tennis court.
Pass the automatic gates to approach along an impressive tree-lined driveway, then cross the moat bridge, through an archway with flaming torches, and up to the main courtyard.
Spanning three floors, The Viking wing forms part of the main castle and includes four bedrooms, two reception rooms and three bathrooms.
The original dungeons on the lower ground floor now accommodate a cinema room/library, a study, wine cellar and a cloakroom.
Period features include vaulted ceilings, exposed oak beams, stained glass windows and stone walls. Medieval architecture is complemented by luxurious design and high-quality fixtures and fittings including remote controlled heating with sound systems in most rooms.
Sofia Da Silva, of the Savills residential sales team, said: “The Viking, which blends historic charm with modern luxury, is without a doubt one of the most exciting launches to the North West property market this year, and represents a rare opportunity to purchase part of a castle steeped in history.
“Nestled between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it would be ideally suited to someone looking for a more tranquil way of life, with the added benefit of being on the edge of a thriving village and close to the popular market town of Kirkby Lonsdale with its excellent shops and restaurants.”
Current owners Rani Dablar and Paul Buckland have lived at The Viking for six years. They said: “We have loved living at The Viking. It has offered the best of living and space for the best of parties, of which we have had many. It is also perfect to work from home with exceptionally fast connectivity. We’re lucky to be situated in a great local village, and it’s so easy to jump in the car and travel to the lakes at the drop of a hat. It’s a happy home and we are certain the next owners will make just as many happy memories here as we have.”
For further information, or to arrange a viewing, visit the Savills website.
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