Location

Nestled between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, lies the historic Thurland Castle, where you will find The Viking.

The property surrounded by magnificent views is located on the edge of the village of Tunstall, which is home to several amenities including a restaurant, public house (Lunesdale Arms), village hall and a church. Booth’s supermarket is 4.4 miles away and Boots pharmacy is 4.7 miles away.
Only a short drive away (4.8 miles) will bring you to the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale which provides a mixture of traditional 18th century buildings and hosts a weekly market. The town is home to high street boasting restaurants, bars and individual boutique shops. In addition a wide choice for education locally at St Mary's Primary school and Queen Elizabeth Secondary School and further afield independent schools in Sedburgh and Giggleswick.

The A683 located just outside of Tunstall provides links to the M6 and Lancaster, whilst the A65 provides links to Leeds, Skipton, Settle, Ingleton and Kendal. The nearest airports are Manchester and Leeds Bradford and are both under a two-hour drive from the property.

Description

Set in the Lune Valley, Thurland Castle is a Grade II* listed building dating back to the 11th century. It is believed to be one of the most historic, residential properties in the UK.
The property was originally built as medieval manor house but was later fortified by a circular moat. Sir Thomas Tunstall knighted at Agincourt was licenced to crenelate the property in 1402. The castle stayed in the family for three more generations until it was sold to John Girlington in 1605.
The story continues when during the civil war, Parliamentarian forces besieged the castle in 1643. A couple of centuries later, from 1810 and later 1826-29, work was carried out on the building to convert it into a country house but in 1876 it was gutted by fire.

In 1879 the owner Mr North commissioned Lancashire architects Paley and Austin to rebuild the property with interiors designed by Gillows. Today you still the Arts & Crafts movement inspired period design in the castles fine features including stained glass, linen fold oak panelling and ornate plaster and stonework. From 1885 until the early twentieth century Thurland Castle was owned by the coal-mining Lees family. The castle was bought by Lancashire Homes in 1999 who developed it into luxury properties.

Thurland Castle in the 21st century consist of seven properties in the main castle and a further five in the stables, all set within eleven acres of landscaped grounds with a moat encircling the castle and comes with a tennis court. All owners have a double garage with allocated parking, there is additional private and visitor parking.
The Viking Wing forms part of the main castle and is an exceptional four bedrooms, two reception rooms and three bathrooms property. In addition to the principal accommodation, there is a cinema room/library, study, wine cellar and a cloakroom situated on the lower ground floor (the original dungeons). In total the accommodation spans over three floors.

The Viking Wing blends historic charm with modern luxury. 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 integral Bang and Olufsen sound systems in most rooms to create a stunning and exquisite home.

The property enters into a magnificent entrance hallway with attractive turning staircase. The entrance hall leads into the impressive 23’1” living room, with stone hearth and log burner, high ceilings with ornate cornicing and the most spectacular floor to ceiling windows and french doors leading onto the expansive private walled terrace with commanding views over the castle grounds and access to the moat gardens. To the left off the hallway lies the traditional kitchen breakfast room which has been timelessly designed with modern appliances beautifully appointed around a central island. The kitchen is framed beautifully by stained glassed windows. The kitchen leads through to the spacious dining room with picturesque views.

To the first floor there are four generously proportioned bedrooms. The principal suite is designed with customised furniture and a modern en suite with separate bath and shower. Bedroom two (the original Chapel) also benefits from an en suite with shower. The remaining bedrooms are served by the house bathroom. Externally The Viking comes with a double garage with an electric car charger, two parking bays and ample visitor parking. Residents have access to the substantial communal gardens and tennis court.