A moated castle wing dating to the 11th century has been placed on the market for £900,000, offering a cinema, tennis court and a wine cellar. Thurland Castle, a Grade II listed estate in the Lune Valley near Lancaster, is cited as one of the UK's most historic luxury residences. The Viking Wing forms part of the castle and is described in the listing by Savills as a private four-bedroom property with three bathrooms and two reception rooms.
The Viking Wing encompasses about 4,036 square feet across three floors and sits behind automatic gates on a tree-lined driveway. It features a private moat, a moated bridge, and an arrival courtyard, with scenic French doors opening onto a private walled terrace that gazes over up to ten acres of landscaped gardens and parkland. In addition to the internal spaces, the sale includes a double garage with an electric car charger, two parking bays and ample visitor parking. The property is presented as a rare opportunity to own a private wing of a Grade II listed castle set between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, near the village of Kirby Lonsdale.
Inside, the home blends medieval character with contemporary luxury. The Viking Wing includes vaulted ceilings, exposed oak beams, stained glass windows and stone walls, with most rooms equipped for remote-controlled heating and integrated sound systems. A traditional kitchen breakfast room with modern appliances and a central island leads through to a spacious dining room that offers picturesque views. Guests are welcomed by an entrance hall with a grand turning staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows and ornate cornicing that reflect the period feel while delivering today’s comforts. The wing also houses a cinema room and a wine cellar nestled within its original dungeons, underscoring the estate's architectural drama.
Sofia Da Silva of Savills, which is handling the sale, called the Viking Wing a perfect blend of historic charm with modern luxury and described it as one of the North West market’s most exciting launches this year. She noted the location, on the edge of a thriving village and close to Kirby Lonsdale’s shops and restaurants, as a significant draw for buyers seeking a tranquil, upscale lifestyle.
The four generously proportioned bedrooms include three bathrooms and two reception rooms, with the property also offering a traditional kitchen breakfast room and a separate dining area. Scenic doors open to a private terrace, while the grounds extend to ten acres of landscaped gardens and parkland. The moated bridge, torch-lit archway, and arrival courtyard add theatrical elements that echo the castle’s long history.
The castle’s backstory stretches back to the 11th century. It was owned by a local mining family from 1885 into the early 20th century, then passed to Sir Bryan Tunstall, a soldier celebrated in poetry and nicknamed the Stainless Knight by King Henry VII. Marmaduke Tunstall served as High Sheriff of Lancashire before Thurland was sold to Sir John Girlington, who fought on the Royalist side during the English Civil War. In 1643 a siege left the castle ruinous, and it was restored in the 18th century after extensive work by more than 100 laborers over five years, with fittings from Gillows and Co. incorporated during renovations.
Current owners Paul Buckland and Rani Dablar have lived at The Viking since 2018. They describe the moated castle wing as a “happy home” and emphasize its combination of space for entertaining and modern connectivity, adding that its location makes weekend trips to the lakes easy. The couple note that the property’s security features, scenery and proximity to local amenities contribute to a tranquil yet convenient lifestyle for those seeking a unique residence with a storied past.
The sale of Thurland Castle’s Viking Wing underscores a rare opportunity to own a private wing of a historic building that merges centuries-old architecture with contemporary luxury. Nestled between two of England’s most beloved national landscapes, the property stands as a distinct offering in the North West’s luxury real estate market, appealing to buyers who want a sense of history without sacrificing modern comfort.