On the edge of a historic 3,000-acre estate referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’ stands an imposing Grade I-listed property. The estate has been home to the aristocratic Tempest family for over 900 years and boasts a rich history dating back to 1097. It is believed that the Tempests arrived in England from Normandy during William the Conqueror's invasion in 1066. According to historians, they were granted land in England after the invasion. In recent years, the estate has been completely restored by Roger Tempest, its current owner and 32nd Tempest.
The estate is located in an enviable spot at the foot of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Guests staying here can explore the many stunning moorlands and charming old villages, and the estate itself boasts a rich and varied natural landscape. The stately yet cosy mansion can be rented in its entirety to accommodate up to 32 guests across 17 bedrooms. The estate's unique spa and wellness centre will become your oasis of calm and relaxation.
Once inside, you can admire an aesthetic blend of historical features and modern comforts, where impressive family heirlooms sit alongside luxurious yet cosy furnishings. Antique chandeliers, family portraits, and cascading fabrics adorn the walls and ceilings, bringing an element of tradition, sophistication, and beauty to your stay. The royal dining room, lavish living rooms, and charming conservatory offer diverse spaces where you can eat, socialise, celebrate and relax.
The typically English interior is distinguished by its elegance and style. The imposing reception rooms are spacious and flooded with natural light thanks to huge panoramic windows that frame exciting views of the grounds and surrounding countryside. From the luxurious Red Drawing Room with its impressive gilded ceilings and gorgeous chandelier to the majestic dining room, the mansion will delight and enchant your guests. A wonderful conservatory was added in the 19th century and is the ultimate space to take a break from the hustle and bustle, join in the fun and entertainment in the billiard room, or relax with a movie in the cinema room.
With a variety of dining options available during your stay, you can enjoy the perfect gastronomic experience to suit your tastes and preferences. The resident chef can create a bespoke menu, from fish and chips by the fireside to a tasting experience or a grand banquet. Wine tastings and cellar tours can be arranged, accompanied by a sommelier. If you wish to host a party, the estate offers fantastic possibilities. For example, the stunning modern glass-sided bistro, located in its own charming walled garden. Designed by Sir Michael Hopkins, it can accommodate up to 120 guests and is perfect for large parties and celebrations. The restaurant is also available for guests to eat breakfast and lunch from Monday to Friday.
The delightful bedrooms are individually decorated and elegantly furnished with extremely comfortable beds and supreme-quality bed linens to ensure a good night's sleep. The bedrooms offer lovely views of the surrounding park and formal gardens. Most bedrooms have their own bathrooms, and there are also two additional family bathrooms. All bathrooms have been carefully refurbished to offer modern comfort with a traditional style, using the finest fixtures and fittings. There are two single bedrooms and one twin bedroom, allowing flexibility in accommodating groups.
Upper Ground Level:
- The Saloon features an open fire and French doors leading to the Conservatory with a feature mural wall, seating, stone floor and French doors opening to the garden and grounds
- The Library, Red and Green living rooms also feature open fireplaces. The Billiards room has a full-size billiards table, an antique handmade doll house (ornamental only), and a Bose iPod dock
- The Dining room boasts an open fire and an extending dining table. The Gallery is perfect for pre-dinner drinks
- Chapel
Lower Ground Level:
- Kitchen and wine cellar
First Level:
- Bedroom 1 is a stunning four-poster super-king bedroom, overlooking formal gardens. En-suite bathroom with a free-standing bath and separate shower. Can be made interconnecting to bedroom 2 on request
- Bedroom 2 is a Single bedroom with views of formal gardens. Shares a bathroom with Bedroom 3
- Bedroom 3 is a double bedroom. Shares a bathroom with Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 4 with an Elizabethan four-poster king-size bed, magnificent oak panelling, en-suite bathroom with a freestanding copper bath
- Bedroom 5 with a four-poster super-king-size bed, huge en-suite bathroom, complete with bath and feature shower
- Bedroom 6 with a four-poster king-size bed, lovely views over the parkland, en-suite bathroom with a shower in the bath
- Bedroom 7 with a four-poster king-size bed, huge en-suite bathroom with free-standing bath and walk-in shower
- Bedroom 8 with an impressive antique king-size bed, en-suite bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Bedroom 9 is a cosy four-poster small double bedroom with historic stencilled wall decoration. Shares a bathroom with bedroom 10
- Bedroom 10 is a king-size bedroom with views over open parkland. Shares a bathroom with bedroom 9
- Bedroom 11 (the old nursery) is a four-poster king-size bedroom with an en-suite bathroom with a bath
- Bedroom 12 is a king-size double bedroom with an en-suite shower room with a marble walk-in shower
Second Level:
- Bedroom 13 with a king-size bed, beautiful views over the croquet lawn, en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom 14 is a twin or double bedroom overlooking beautiful parkland, en-suite bathroom
- Bedrooms 15 (double bed), 16 (single bed) and 17 (twin beds) form a penthouse suite which shares a family bathroom and a living room with a TV and DVD player
12 additional cottages within the estate's grounds can be used to accommodate extra guests or staff. The cottages are close to the mansion, but each boasts its own secluded setting with beautiful views of the surrounding park. Staff will be at your service throughout your stay to ensure maximum comfort, yet perfectly discreet, so that you can relax as if you were in your own home.
Adjacent to the mansion are picturesque formal gardens, a landscaped park, woodland, and rivers, as well as scenic walking and cycling routes through the estate. The river offers an excellent chance for keen anglers to enjoy their favourite hobby, as well as fantastic opportunities for nature and bird watching.
A cutting-edge, world-class wellness centre is also available to guests of the estate. It features an 18-metre indoor pool and hydrotherapy pool, an aromatic steam room and a Finnish sauna. Guests can relax together by the fire pit in the pool garden. The spa also has a gym, treatment room, and studio for yoga and Pilates classes.
With a huge estate at your disposal, and the Yorkshire Dales as a backdrop, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the various sporting and wellness activities on offer. From walking trails and mountain biking to catered picnics by the river, you can choose how active or relaxed you want your holiday to be. Enjoy foraging, forest walks, wild swimming, and a woodland sauna as part of your wellness weekend.
The town of Skipton is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This outstanding region boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK and offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. It is a wildlife paradise, with its walking and cycling routes, rivers, lakes and Skipton Golf Club nearby. In the centre of Skipton, approximately 5 km from the estate, you will find a range of shops, including a traditional popular market that operates four days a week.
The estate is ideally located for guests wishing to explore the rich cultural attractions, natural beauty, and historical sites. It is also within an hour's drive of the picturesque Lake District and the bustling city of York.
