Living history at Ingleby Manor
Ingleby Manor, a stunning Grade II*, 16th Century Manor House, was built from the generosity of Henry VIII to the powerful Eure family in the early 1500s, possibly with some of the riches from the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Nestled in a fold of the Cleveland Hills and within the North York Moors National Park, Ingleby Manor offers visitors a truly unique retreat in its four self-catering apartments situated within the Manor and house and cottage set in the grounds, all of which are exquisitely decorated and atmospheric.
Best known of the English kings, Henry VIII has usually been portrayed as a gargantuan party boy seducing court ladies, quarrelling with the church, arresting friends and beheading wives. But he brought much more to the throne than that, to which Ingleby Manor, set in 50 acres of exceptionally peaceful, beautiful gardens and magnificent countryside bears witness. Today Ingleby Manor provides a haven from the frantic pace of 21st century living, set against a backdrop of history and intrigue.
The original medieval plan of Ingleby Manor, with living areas arranged around two internal courtyards divided by the Great Hall, allowed the creation of four spacious apartments, which sleep from two to six people. Each apartment is totally self-contained with its own entrance and lovely views over the surrounding gardens, woods and hills. Added to the offer is the stunning house and cottage set in the grounds providing accommodation for from four to eight people.
Whether Autumn, Winter, Spring or Summer, Ingleby Manor is delightful at all seasons in its wonderfully unique and secluded location. On three sides the 1000 foot high Cleveland Hills rise to the moors and create an amphitheatre around the Greenhow valley, and on the fourth, a half-mile private avenue connects the house to Ingleby village and the outside world.
Bright, cultured and handsome, Henry succeeded peacefully to the crown in 1509 as he turned 18, securing the Tudor dynasty and making possible England's golden age. Henry's fondness for food was certainly no secret and the Old Kitchen at Ingleby Manor would have provided sumptuous feasts of local produce.
Today guests can enjoy some good home cooking whilst regressing in thought to times gone by as they while away a leisurely morning with the newspapers under the Tudor beams and in front of the massive fireplaces, although the bell on the roof which called labourers in from the fields and gardens has fallen silent. The Manor Kitchen can also be hired by groups or families taking more than one apartment to enjoy meals together and create a rather special atmosphere around the solid old wood tables.
The surrounding gardens, woods, hills and moors abound in serious or light hearted walks to suit different abilities and inclinations. Bustling market towns, English Heritage and National Trust properties, and the nearby coast with its towering cliffs, sheltered sandy coves and picturesque old fishing villages provide days out for all the family. At home, there is also something for everyone whatever the weather, including a Children’s Play Area, barbecue facilities, croquet lawn, DVD Library and Internet Connection, and fishing for the wild brown trout in the stream is free.
With 2009 marking a very special year in history with the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII accession to the throne, why not celebrate and enjoy your own piece of English history and make Ingleby Manor your home for a short break or longer stay?
Ingleby Manor is situated in the village of Ingleby Greenhow, located 1 hours' drive north of the city of York, just 10 minutes from the market town of Stokesley and the village of Great Ayton.
For further information log onto inglebymanor.co.uk.
