Cumbria’s Augill Castle hits the market for £1.75m

Augill Castle, a historic hotel and venue in the Cumbrian countryside, has hit the market with a freehold asking price of £1,750,000.Built in the early 1800s in a neo-Gothic style, the Victorian property features 14 boutique-style guest bedrooms, a bar and restaurant, a series of grand rooms including a library, drawing room and orangery, and historic features such as an “imposing” tower, a grand staircase and stone fireplaces. The property has hosted thousands of guests over many generations, including Queen Victoria. Located to the north of the market town of Kirkby Stephen, Augill Castle sits within Eden Valley, so is popular with tourists and history enthusiasts. Augill Castle was acquired by Wendy and Simon Bennett in 1997, and soon after the purchase, the property underwent an “extensive” programme of refurbishment and renovation works. Today it is particularly popular for weddings, events and private hire. Wendy Bennett said: “Some of our guests already know we are selling, and to those for whom this is a surprise, this is a good thing. To paraphrase a well-known king, we ‘had a dream’, which was to rescue this glorious Victorian building, create a unique place to bring up a family, and share that wonderful journey with guests. And that’s what we have done for almost 30 years. “When we arrived, fresh-faced, in 1997, we took custody of the main castle and the grounds, within which were seven sets of lovely neighbours in the coach houses, gatehouse cottages and orangery. We all shared the drive, the views, and several cups of tea, and as they retired to sunnier climates, we gradually put the estate back together to create the venue we have now.” She added: “After all this time, two children, a menagerie of animals, and most recently, Simon's sad passing, we know it’s time to pass the mantle to someone else. That someone could be you, or someone you know! Whether a new owner wishes to acquire the whole venue, one or both of the coach houses, a gatehouse, or just the castle and orangery, we are open and flexible to various ways of making their dreams come true.” Graham Wilkinson, agent at Christie and Co who is based in Cumbria and helping oversee the sale, said: “We are delighted that Wendy and Simon asked us to work with them to find a new owner for Augill Castle. It is a significant property in a beautiful location, which will allow a new owner to create the business and lifestyle they wish within the walls of this fabulous historic building. “Augill Castle offers potential purchasers an exciting choice of opportunities, from a country house hotel and a wedding venue to a private residential estate. Whichever configuration, if you think Augill may be the property of your dreams, give us a call.”