A hell of a castle

Rebuilt North Yorkshire castle made famous by Channel 4’s ‘Grand Designs’ for sale

Scheduled ancient monuments are normally ruins so finding one with not only running water and electricity but also luxurious accommodation is rare. Hellifield Peel Castle is exactly that and viewers of Channel 4’s Grand Designs will recognise it as presenter Kevin McCloud’s all-time “favourite project”.

Situated at Hellifield Green in North Yorkshire and renovated between 2004 and 209 by Francis and Karen Shaw, the 7,297 square foot castle is spread over four floors and set in two acres of parkland. It includes six double bedrooms with en-suite facilities and a one bedroom attic apartment and is currently used as both a family home and upmarket bed and breakfast.

Built on the site of an eighth century settlement, the peel tower dates to 1305. It was subsequently ‘Georgianised’ by the Hamerton family, used as a prisoner of war camp in the Second World War and then bought by a furniture maker named Harry Lund in the 1940s. He stripped the building of everything from its roof to panelling and left it to ruin.

Of why they are now selling, Karen Shaw told The Yorkshire Post:

“We have met some wonderful people over the years and we love the house. It is a dream home but it’s time to move on”.

“[Francis] wants to build a villa and he wants it to have its own vineyard as well. I am happy to go along with it. He’s an architect and buildings are his passion”.

The Shaws paid £100,000 for the ruined castle and spent some £720,000 on rebuilding it. They have placed it on the market through Carter Jonas for £1.65 million.

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