The School House has been lovingly renovated throughout to become a luxury holiday home sat at the edge of Richmond. The space now offers stunning high-quality accommodation for group getaways and special occasions, with 4 double bedrooms, comfortably sleeping up to 8 guests.

The Victorian property, dating back to 1876, was built as a school house for locals to get a free education, thanks to the former Lilian Selina Lumley (1851-1943), the wife of Lawrence Dundas, 1st Marquess of Zetland.

After spending most of his life away from Aske Hall, his family seat, the first Marquess and his wife spent their later years there, and both played a prominent role in the life of Richmond. During her time as Countess of Zetland, the Marchioness facilitated a number of charitable developments often intended to provide spaces for working people to engage in self-improvement, and leisure activities.

An entry in Bulmer's Directory of 1890 says 'Aske School was erected by the Countess of Zetland in 1876 for the benefit of the workpeople on the estate, to whom it is free. It is entirely supported by her ladyship.'

According to the 1871 Census, in the whole of the Township of Aske in the Parish of Easby – comprising Aske Hall, Gardens, Temple, Stable Yard Cottages, Coalsgarth, High & Low Gingerfield, Bent Hagg, Moldron and Aske Moor – there were around 40 children, the majority of whom were likely to have attended the school to get their education.

The house is just on the outskirts of the market town of Richmond, a lovely tourist spot. Richmond town is host to its weekly market as well as lots of local businesses, pubs and shops. The town is also home to the historic Georgian playhouse The Georgian Theatre Royal, a local independent cinema, and a number of local events. Nearby to the house are a number of days out, with close access to the A1 and a short drive to the North Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, The School House is now available to book from 12th April 2021 onwards, subject to government guidance. If you would like to find out more about the property and book your stay with us here in Richmond, please visit Yorkshire Escapes.