Skeldale House in Askrigg has been purchased by Sheffield entrepreneur Greg Parkin, marking a new chapter for the building made famous by the BBC’s All Creatures Great and Small.
The Grade II listed Wensleydale property appeared in the opening credits and 90 episodes of the original television series between 1978 and 1990, serving as the exterior of the fictional Darrowby veterinary surgery – home to characters Siegfried Farnon and James Herriot.
Originally built in the early-to-mid-19th century, Skeldale House has served a variety of roles over the years – from a family home and care facility to a B&B – before its transformation into luxury serviced apartments in 2021.
Greg, who built and sold several successful businesses in the construction supplies sector before moving into hospitality, said the opportunity to acquire Skeldale House was “too good to miss.”
“I grew up watching All Creatures Great and Small and have always loved the Dales,” he said. “Skeldale House captures everything I value – authenticity, beauty, and a sense of welcome. I want guests to feel the same connection when they visit.”
While no interior scenes were filmed in the house, the building was used extensively off-screen by the show’s cast and crew for make-up, costume and rest breaks during filming in Askrigg.
The purchase, completed with legal support from Sheffield-based Mason Thomas Law and Chesterfield-based Dawson Radford Solicitors, includes the holiday accommodation business currently operating from the site.
Cathy Mason, director at Mason Thomas Law, said: “We were delighted to support Greg with such a landmark acquisition,” she said. “Skeldale House is part of Yorkshire’s cultural heritage, and ensuring the deal was completed within a tight timeframe was a real team effort. It’s exciting to see the property continuing its legacy as a destination for visitors to the Dales.”
Today, Skeldale House offers six serviced suites and a self-contained holiday apartment.
Inside, Greg has created The Surgery – a unique event space paying tribute to All Creatures Great and Small with vintage veterinary equipment, photographs of filming, and displays inspired by the books of James Herriot.
“I took on Skeldale House as a personal challenge,” Greg added. “I’m very hands-on and visit as often as possible with my partner Lisa. We’re passionate about improving and developing the house while keeping its spirit alive.”
Looking ahead, Greg plans to expand the business to include bespoke rural retreat packages, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the stunning Yorkshire Dales landscapes that inspired Herriot’s timeless stories.
Be the first to comment