Langton Hall, former home of Gentleman Jack Anne Lister's lover, opens for holiday lettings

Langton Hall, which dates back to 1738, had stood derelict for more than eight years and was the location of Britain’s earliest documented lesbian relationship – that of Anne Lister, aka Gentleman Jack, and Isabella Norcliffe. The hall was Isabella’s family home.

It was offered a lifeline by Leeds-based property developer CW Langton, who has invested around £3m in the purchase and renovation of the property, located close to Malton in North Yorkshire.

The main hall refurbishment was completed as a private residence for CW Langton owner, William Langton, whose surname he shares with the building, in early 2020.

Now the former row of staff quarters, have been developed into three luxury holiday cottages, which have access to the large heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and expansive grounds. Some of the cottages have luxury hot tubs.

Mr Langton said: “It is amazing what you can do during the lockdown period even with limited resources, the cottages are now renovated to our usual high standard and we are looking forward to giving guests a well-deserved break after the pressures of the lockdown.”

The property’s history does not end with the Gentleman Jack connection. It was used by the Guards Armoured Division during the Second World War and was visited by Winston Churchill and Field Marshall Montgomery in the run up to the D-Day landings.