Chance to be king or queen of 'Summer Wine' castle

This castellated property is a much-loved family home with its own art studio and gallery but for almost 20 years it was a popular country house hotel with owner’s accommodation.

Its former commercial use means it could revert to being a live/work home.

Estate agent Justin Dugdale, of Yorkshire’s Finest, says: “It presents scope for housing a dependant relative in self-contained quarters and there is an abundance of commercial opportunities, including a boutique hotel, a nursery, nursing home, alternative therapy centre or venue for weddings and conferences.”

The property, which dates to 1820, is in a sought-after beauty spot in the Peak District National Park and is a haven for birdwatching. The Castle also commands beautiful views and has parking for 12 cars.

Owners Jill Hayfield and John Sandford bought Holme Castle in 1983. It had been split into three apartments but the couple restored it and converted it back into a single dwelling.

After Jill, a felt artist, began running a small B&B operation there, she realised there was potential to expand.

“I was turning away a lot of bookings so I recorded the information and went to the bank and asked for a loan to create a country house hotel. That allowed us to have eight letting bedrooms with separate living accommodation below stairs. It was so successful that within ten years, the income had paid back the loan and the cost of the house.”

The Castle hosted top business visitors, along with nobility, minor royals and the cast and crew of the TV series “Last of the Summer Wine” until Jill and John retired and the property reverted to being a private dwelling.

It now has an entrance hall, drawing room/gallery, study, kitchen and dining room on the ground floor and a utility room, workshop, pantry, store room, shower room, boiler room, gym and studio on the lower ground floor.

On the first floor, there are four en-suite bedrooms and four bedrooms and two bathrooms on the second floor. Oustdie there are gardens and parking.

Jill and John are selling to downsize. “We are very sad to be leaving this place but we hope to stay in the area,” says Jill.

Contact Yorkshire’s Finest, tel: 01484 865647, www.yorkshiresfinest.org