A Norman castle in Eden Valley, England, could give you something extra thrilling to celebrate this Halloween as it’s going to auction on October 30th. With weathered stone and a lead roof, this Palladian fortress is worth fighting for, as reportedly less than 20 inhabited Norman castles remain in the UK, with most of them in the hands of the Royal Family.
Appleby Castle was listed in 2024 for £9.5 million by longtime owner Sally Nightingale, who told the BCC then that she spent “a considerable amount” of money refurbishing the 20,000-square-foot residence over the last 25 years. The property was later reduced in price to £6.75 million. Though it’s not clear if she is the seller currently, it can now be purchased for £5.5 million, roughly $7.4 million USD, or will go to auction at the end of the month.
Rich wood paneling, elaborate wallpapers, and tapestries dress the sandstone walls of the 12th- century stronghold. It offers 23 total bedrooms, two great halls fit for banquets, 19 bathrooms, and an additional three cottages. Colorful carpets, velvet curtains, and antique furniture are sumptuous details found in some of the spaces. But, the home isn’t just filled with antique formalities and architecture: A gym, sauna, hot tub, and game room all provide luxe, modern conveniences.
The castle was built in 1100 and preserves its rich history through its many original structures, which are still intact, including a 13th-century round tower and a Norman keep turned into a museum. Of course, with age comes a lineage of storied owners. Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and Richard III are among the monarchs who lived here. Lady Anne Clifford, an English aristocrat, defied the King and Parliament to restore the castle after it was destroyed during the English Civil War in the 1660s.
Remarkably, the property also has connections to the first U.S. president, George Washington. The Grade I listed estate sits in the county town and Royal Borough of Appleby-in-Westmoreland, where his father and uncle went to Appleby Grammar School.
The home may be ideal for the spooky season, but that doesn’t mean its prestigious grounds and halls can’t be enjoyed year-round. This property has hosted events such as weddings, conferences, film sets, battle reenactments, and educational tours. It is a hauntingly rare opportunity with unique potential either for private use (who wouldn’t want to host the holidays here?) or business purposes.
Described as a “playground” by Nightingale, the estate comes with a tennis court, a bee house, plenty of parkland, and fishing rights for the nearby River Eden. Knight Frank Auctions is conducting the upcoming auction.
