Historic £25m Kirkham Estate sells in less than six months after global bidding
One of North Yorkshire’s most prestigious country estates has been sold less than six months after being launched to the market for £25m.
Kirkham Estate, near the village of Kirkham on the banks of the River Derwent, was put on the market in May this year and completed its sale in October following what agents described as “competitive bidding to the end”.
Although there was international interest, it is understood that the buyer is based in the UK. The sale price is undisclosed.
John Coleman, head of agency at GSC Grays, said: “There was considerable interest from home and abroad, and bidding was competitive to the end. Both GSC Grays and our client are extremely pleased with the final outcome.”
The sale marks the first time in more than 100 years that the 845-acre estate has changed hands.
It had remained in the same family since the mid-to-late 19th century, most recently under the care of Anne Henson, a descendant of the original owners, who lived on the estate until her death in 2023.
The Kirkham Estate was for sale as whole, in accordance with the wishes outlined in Anne’s will.
Speaking to Property Post earlier this year, Mr Coleman said: "Most estates come to the market offered in many lots to widen the net for potential buyers. It’s very unusual that in this case it’s all or nothing and it’s a bit special as a result.”
At the heart of the estate is Kirkham Hall, a Grade II Listed country house designed by architect J. Harper between 1838 and 1839.
The six-bedroom Georgian residence sits within landscaped parkland and retains much of its original character, including an elegant staircase, galleried landing and ornate fireplaces.
The wider estate includes productive arable and grassland, over 215 acres of managed woodland, three farmhouses and 11 cottages, along with a traditional courtyard, coach house and a restored walled garden with Richardson greenhouses.
It also encompasses the historic remains of the Augustinian priory at Kirkham Abbey, founded in 1122 and managed by English Heritage.
Kirkham holds significant historic importance. During the Second World War, the estate was used by the military to train for the D-Day landings.
In March 1944, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Elizabeth visited the estate on the Princess’s first official engagement, followed days later by a visit from Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Mr Coleman said the property’s manageable scale and condition contributed to its broad appeal: “The house is gorgeous but it’s not too big. This is a six bedroom family home, just a slightly grander one.”
Kirkham Estate is one of a number of stately homes in Yorkshire that has been put on the market this year.
In September, the agents trying to sell Ripley Castle that has been owned by the same family for more than 700 years halved its price from £15m to £7.5m to “better reflect market conditions”.
Carter Jonas began marketing Ripley Castle and its estate in January, either in a series of lots or in one whole package after the current owners Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby announced they intended to sell their “much loved family home”.
The overall price for the entire estate has dropped from £21m to £13.5m.
Meanwhile, Kirby Knowle Castle in Thirsk, has been on the market for £7m since April and Whixley Hall, near York, was put on the market for £6m in May.