Castle goes up for sale for £9.5m after renovations

Appleby Castle dates back to the Norman period

A 12th Century castle in Cumbria is on the market for £9.5m following 25 years of refurbishment.

Appleby Castle, in Appleby-in-Westmorland, has witnessed significant episodes of British history and many of its original features are still intact.

It is now home to a hotel and events business, with private living space and a museum.

Its current owner, Sally Nightingale, she would always "carry" Appleby Castle in her heart.

Current owner Sally Nightingale was inspired by Lady Anne Clifford when refurbishing the castle

The castle dates back to the Norman period, when the keep was first built in about 1100.

It later changed hands between English and Scottish forces.

In the 1660s it was partly destroyed by a Royalist army during the English Civil War, before aristocrat Lady Anne Clifford began to restore it to its earlier glory.

Inspired by history

Current owner Sally Nightingale, who moved to Appleby in the late 1990s, said she had drawn inspiration from Lady Anne in carrying out more than two decades of improvements.

“Lady Anne was the most celebrated owner of Appleby Castle and I’ve tried to follow in her footsteps," Ms Nightingale said.

“It’s not been easy because she’s an icon. She stood up to Oliver Cromwell in the Civil War and said, ‘pull my castles down, and for every penny in my pocket, I will rebuild them'.

“We’ve spent a considerable amount of money on Appleby Castle and, six years ago, re-opened it to the general public.”

Guy Bradshaw, from UK Sotheby’s International Realty which is handling the sale, said the history of the castle would help attract a new buyer.

Mr Bradshaw said the castle could also be turned into a private residence

“We’re looking really for the international buyer here. But equally, I think someone could have the opportunity to turn this into a full private residence if they really wanted to," Mr Bradshaw said.

“It’s been looked after magnificently by the current custodian and for something like this to come up for the first time in twenty years is a really exciting opportunity for someone to come and make their mark.”

Manager Peter Bass said many of the castle's original features were preserved

A museum on site details the castle’s past and the part it has played in many significant episodes of British history.

Manager Peter Bass said: “Every aspect of history is captured in this castle and so many original features are still intact.”

For Sally Nightingale, leaving will not be easy.

“I don’t think I’ll ever leave Appleby Castle because I’ll always carry it in my heart.

“But I do think it is time to pass the keys on to another custodian with similar energy to myself.”