Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria

Historic Appleby Castle, elevated above the River Eden, offers a grand country house along with three holiday cottages with 27.5 acres and strong commercial potential.


Historical Notes
Appleby Castle dates from Roman times, however the style is unmistakably a Norman motte and bailey castle fortress. An excavation in the 1960’s revealed the remains of a Roman well in the basement of the Castle. The deep ditches of the first earthwork, dug in around 1095, still remain. The lower part of the stone Keep dates from around 1100 when the first powerful local Norman lord, Ranulf le Meschin, founded ‘New Appleby’ on the slopes between the Castle and the River Eden.

The Castle has been strengthened by many of its owners, with the Eden Valley being the scene of repeated conflicts between English and Scots. In 1174 the King of Scotland captured Appleby and following its recapture the Keep was raised higher, and a stone curtain wall replaced the wooden palisades. A gateway in this wall, guarded by a portcullis, stood near the great hall and may still be seen, as may a round tower built in around 1250 and overlooking the approach from the town. In the 1450s the eastern range of buildings was extended again, and much of this work also remains.

Several kings were also Lords of Appleby – Henry II, Richard I, John, and Edward IV among them. King Richard III, when Duke of Gloucester, held the whole Lordship of Westmorland in the 1470s. Other Lords of the Castle also featured in English history including Hugh de Morville who was one of the four assassins of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. Robert, Lord Clifford and Lord High Admiral, was one of the English leaders who fell at Bannockburn. Many other Cliffords achieved fame during the four hundred years for which they were Lords of Appleby and hereditary High Sheriffs of Westmorland. Perhaps the most remarkable owner was Lady Anne Clifford, born in 1590 and only surviving child of George Clifford, Third Earl of Cumberland and Sea Captain to Queen Elizabeth I. Lady Anne’s grandson, Thomas, Sixth Earl of Thanet, was the last major builder at Appleby Castle, creating a fine Palladian mansion in the late 17th Century. This captivating house, with its great hall, staircase, impressive dining room, state bedroom and other fine rooms, remains to this day.

The Property
The sale of Appleby Castle presents the opportunity to acquire a fascinating piece of history and a wonderful property serving as both a grand country house and an excellent business opportunity. The Castle stands in a commanding position, high above a curve of the meandering River Eden and with mature grounds of about 27.5 acres with interesting topography, pasture, woods and an abundance of wildlife.

The principal house is very imposing with its huge stone walls, fine fenestration, crenelations and handsome central doorway facing into the impressive courtyard. The interior features many splendid reception rooms and a dozen fine bedrooms, with glimpses of the wonderful history at every turn. Internal features of particular note include the grand principal staircase, original panelled walls, ornate ceiling plasterwork and fine fireplaces.

Part of the north wing and the round tower date from the 13th Century whilst the eastern part was built in 1454 and restored by Lady Anne Clifford in the 1650’s. Sash windows were inserted in the 19th Century and help to provide a traditional country house image to the front elevations. The southern section of the main building, known as The Baron’s Wing, provides a large, self-contained owners house, should the remainder of the Castle be used for commercial purposes.

Within the tall inner walls of the Castle is the Keep, a beautifully preserved Norman structure of outstanding historical importance known as ‘Caesar’s Tower’. The building is one of the few Norman Keeps remaining intact in the UK. Originally a timber building as part of the motte & bailey, the Keep was converted to stone around 1100. The Keep has had numerous uses over the years, initially housing the Lords of the Castle in the 12th Century, it became the county jail of Westmorland in the 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries.

The present owners have created ‘The Norman Centre’, an interactive museum that takes visitors through the four floors of the building on an immersive journey through time with historical displays and artifacts. A visit to the roof is rewarded with the most spectacular views; Cumbria to one side and the Yorkshire Dales to the other and with an amazing viewpoint of Appleby-in-Westmorland and the Eden Valley.

Within the courtyard are three very well-presented holiday cottages providing excellent additional accommodation and an impressive income stream. Originally staff cottages built in the 17th Century, these three pretty homes have been refurbished to a high standard, ideally suited to holiday lets. One of these has one bedroom accommodation whilst the others have two bedrooms.

The extensive grounds at Appleby Castle provide a lovely setting. The site is a Scheduled Monument and displays many of the features of a castle of this nature. Tower Keep castles are rare and there are only 104 recorded examples. Large portions of the earthwork defences and structures remain intact including massive ditches which were so important to the motte and bailey formation. Today the grounds offer lovely walks, especially those down to the river with its eye-catching weir. Within the grounds to the north of the Castle is a square building with pyramidal roof, known as Lady Anne’s Bee-house and understood to have been built as a gazebo or oratory in the 17th Century.

Situation
Appleby in Westmorland is an historic market town situated in the Eden Valley of Cumbria. It lies within a loop of the River Eden and is framed by the Pennine range to the east, with views westwards towards the Lake District fells. The town occupies a strategically defensible location that underpinned its development following the Norman Conquest and established its long standing role as the county town of the historic county of Westmorland.

Despite its rural setting, Appleby is well connected. It sits approximately 14 miles south east of Penrith and benefits from a station on the Settle - Carlisle railway line, one of Britain’s most scenic routes. The town’s position also makes it a convenient base for exploring the Lake District National Park, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Howgill Fells and the Yorkshire Dales, all of which are within easy reach.

The character of Appleby is strongly defined by its historic core. The main street, Boroughgate, is widely regarded as one of the finest historic town streets in northern England, lined with stone buildings dating from the 17th to 20th Centuries and leading up to the entrance to Appleby Castle.

Appleby has a range of community amenities, independent shops, cafés, public houses and restaurants. There are primary and secondary schools, including the historic Appleby Grammar School. The River Eden provides attractive riverside walks, picnic areas and opportunities for angling, contributing to the town’s quality of life and appeal. Appleby is also internationally known for the annual Appleby Horse Fair, established by royal charter in 1685, which continues to draw significant visitor numbers each June.

Fixtures and fittings
All fixtures, fittings and furniture such as curtains, light fittings, garden ornaments, statuary and machinery are excluded from the sale. Some may be available by separate negotiation.

Services
Mains water, electricity and drainage are connected. Gas fired central heating systems to Castle and three cottages.

None of the services or appliances, heating installations, plumbing or electrical systems have been tested by the selling agents.

The estimated fastest download speed currently achievable for the property postcode area is around 80 Mbps (data taken from checker.ofcom.org.uk on 14/04/2026). Actual service availability at the property or speeds received may be different.

We understand that the property is likely to have current mobile coverage (data taken from checker.ofcom.org.uk on 14/04/2026). Please note that actual services available may be different depending on the particular circumstances, precise location and network outages.

Method of sale
The property is offered for sale by Private Treaty method. However the vendor reserves the right to conclude the sale by an alternative method if required.

Local Authority
Westmorland & Furness Council

Council Tax Band: H

Easements, Wayleaves and Rights of Way
The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all rights of way, easements and wayleaves that may exist over the same whether disclosed or not. We understand there are no public rights of way that cross the property.

Planning
The selling agents will not provide advice/guidance on the planning history for the property/land. Interested parties are advised to make their own investigations. It is assumed that enquiries have been satisfied, prior to an offer being made.

The property is Grade I Listed with individual listing entries for the Mansion, Caesar’s Tower, Castle Moat/Cottages/Courtyard and Lady Anne’s Bee House. The park and garden is Grade II* Listed.

Anti Money Laundering Regulations (AML)
In accordance with Anti Money Laundering Regulations (AML), we are required to request forms of identification and carry out due diligence on any parties connected to a successful offer. Should an offer be made on behalf of a business/company, AML due diligence will also be necessary. Proof/source of funding must be supplied, prior to offer acceptance.

Plans and boundaries
The plans within these particulars are based on Ordnance Survey data and provided for reference only. They are believed to be correct but accuracy is not guaranteed. The purchaser shall be deemed to have full knowledge of all boundaries and the extent of ownership. Neither the vendor nor the vendor’s agents will be responsible for defining the boundaries or the ownership thereof.

Viewings
Strictly by appointment through Fisher German LLP.

Directions
Postcode – CA16 6XH

Precise location of the entrance to the property:
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