Tucked away in the beautiful countryside of the Lune Valley, between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, Casterton Grange has a story spanning almost two centuries. It is a story of ambition, changing fortunes, periods of neglect and, ultimately, a remarkable restoration.
Casterton Grange was built in 1848 for Reverend David Barclay-Bevan, a gentleman of considerable means who commissioned the renowned Victorian architect Ewan Christian to design his country home. Christian was an accomplished architect, best known for his ecclesiastical work and later for designing London’s National Portrait Gallery.
Set within extensive grounds, the house was designed to make an impression. Its distinctive stone exterior, decorative gables, tall chimneys and striking four-storey tower gave it a character all of its own. At its heart was a beautiful central staircase hall, illuminated from above, while a large conservatory, west wing and adjoining stables completed the original estate.
Interestingly, despite commissioning such an impressive home in his wife’s family village, it is thought that Reverend Barclay-Bevan may never have made Casterton Grange his permanent residence.
Over the years, the estate passed through several hands, each leaving their own mark on the property. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, it became part of the neighbouring Underley Estate, and its occupants changed as the years went by.
The early twentieth century brought further alterations, including the construction of Grange Lodge and changes to the original conservatory. Following the dispersal of much of the Underley Estate in 1939, Casterton Grange was sold to the Yorke family, who undertook improvements to make the house more suitable as a family home.
However, the house’s fortunes were not always so kind. During the decades that followed, periods of vacancy and changing ownership took their toll. Dry rot became a recurring problem, parts of the distinctive tower were removed and the conservatory was eventually demolished. At one point, even plans were drawn up to lower the entire house by a storey to address its structural problems.
Thankfully, those plans never came to fruition.
A turning point came in 1988 when the property was acquired by Brian Cargin, who undertook essential repairs and significant restoration work. The roof was renewed, dry rot was tackled and the house was made watertight once again. The interiors also received considerable attention, including the introduction of central heating.
Although much of the structure had been saved, there was still a long way to go before Casterton Grange could truly reclaim its former splendour.
A further chapter began in 2003, when the present ownership began acquiring the property in stages, with a vision to restore and re-establish the estate. What followed was a careful and considered transformation, bringing together the character of the original Victorian house with the comforts and luxuries of modern living.
One of the most remarkable parts of this restoration was the rebuilding of the original tower, returning one of the house’s most recognisable architectural features to its former prominence. Some of the original stone, which had been left in the grounds following the tower’s removal, was even reused in its reconstruction.
The conservatory was also reinstated, the east dormer window restored, and the west wing and stables brought back into the main house. New additions were designed with great care to complement the original architecture, rather than compete with it.
It was a labour of love, requiring patience, imagination and a real appreciation for the history of the building. Rather than simply creating something new, the aim was to bring back as much of what made Casterton special in the first place.
Today, the estate brings together the grandeur and charm of its Victorian past with a fresh sense of purpose. What began as an ambitious country house has been carefully transformed into a beautiful collection of properties, ready to welcome a new generation of visitors.
We’re brother and sister, Patrick and Anneka, and we were lucky enough to grow up here, surrounded by the countryside, the character of the old buildings and the everyday life of the estate. We have so many memories within these walls, and in 2019, we decided it was time to open our family estate to others.
Since then, one of our greatest joys has been watching Casterton fill with new stories of its own. Weddings, celebrations, family gatherings, countryside escapes and plenty of laughter have all become part of the estate’s story.
Today, Casterton is made up of four individual properties, each with its own personality and charm. We’ve poured a great deal of love into every space, bringing together the character of the estate with cosy, thoughtful interiors and all the comforts needed to make yourself at home.
Being family-run means that we’re genuinely involved in everything. We’re the people answering your enquiries, welcoming you when you arrive and making sure your stay is just as it should be. We love a good celebration, believe in being flexible and want everyone who visits to feel that they can make the space their own. Whether you have a big idea, a special occasion to plan or simply want to escape for a few days, we’ll always do our best to make it happen.
We’re also incredibly lucky to have a wonderful team around us, many of whom have been part of our family and the estate for years. Alex, our head housekeeper, has been by our family’s side since 2003 and now works alongside her daughter and sister. Our gardens are cared for by lifelong friends Toby and his brother, who know every corner of the estate like the back of their hands. It’s these relationships, and the people who make Casterton what it is, that mean so much to us.
And then there’s the estate itself. With private countryside stretching out in every direction, friendly estate pets, abundant wildlife and plenty of room to explore, there’s a lovely sense of having your own little corner of English country life. Inside, the grand proportions and character of the historic buildings offer a warm and welcoming place to gather, relax and make memories.
We know how lucky we are to call Casterton our childhood home, and it means a great deal to be able to share it with others. We hope that when you visit, you feel just as at home as we always have – and perhaps leave with the feeling that Casterton has become a little part of your story, too.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
Patrick & Anneka x
