A VISION of a hotel "of national or even international renown" in the grounds of Castle Howard is being actively explored.

A detailed feasibility study is being drawn up by the Castle Howard Board, as well as Harrison Developments of Malton and the Knightsbridge-based Capital Hotels group, to develop one of the wings of the elegant 18th century Gate House in the 10,000 acre grounds of the stately home, near Malton.

If the vision becomes a reality, it will mean the revival and extension of an old inn, which ceased trading in the early 1900s, and the employment of about 50 people.

The study will examine the scale of the development and focus on the possibility of conferencing facilities and a signature restaurant.

As part of the project, empty farm buildings adjacent to the Gate House could also be converted into bedrooms.

Duncan Peake, estates manager for Castle Howard, said: "It is intended to be at the top end of the market in terms of quality. We think it will appeal not only to the regional market, but will have such significance that it will be of national, if not international, renown."

Mr Peake was unable to say exactly how much the project would cost, "but clearly it will take several million pounds".

The feasibility study should be finished by next month and, if recommended, a planning application will be formulated this year.

Given planning consent, building could begin in 2008 and be completed by 2009.

Ryedale District Council and English Heritage have already been alerted.

Mr Peake said: "They have been very supportive of the principle and have identified issues we will have to address in order to gain their support at the detailed planning stage.

"The impact on the landscape will be vital, and there is also the issue of how much that conversion will interfere with the historic fabric of the building."

The vision of a hotel there is part of the Castle Howard Board's plan to "reach out" to business and the community beyond its walls.

Simon Howard, chairman of the Castle Howard Board, said: "We have a lot to offer to support the business agenda in York and North Yorkshire, but equally business can benefit from an association with us."


History of Castle Howard's famous Gate House

THERE is a long history of the Gate House, pictured, being used as an inn or hotel.

The original Gate House, with its famous pyramid, was built in 1719 by Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect who designed Castle Howard itself.

Its flanking wings plus building were built in the 1750s, at which time it was referred to as The New Inn and served people journeying from York to Castle Howard and the Vale of Pickering. By the 1850s, the Gate House had become an inn and an hotel. By the late 19th century, it was developed into The Temperance Hotel, where the ninth Countess of Carlisle would accommodate women and children from the industrial belt of the North to help them to escape "urban drudgery".