A LUXURY stately pad put on the market for the princely rent of more than £30,000 for Royal Ascot has failed to attract a taker.

The owners of Sutton Park were hoping wealthy punters would rush to rent the historic home for a week.

But the Evening Press can today reveal that no rich racegoers have forked out £32,500 to secure the house of Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield.

It boasted scores of plush bedrooms and bathrooms, access to award-winning gardens, seven members of staff and parking space for up to 200 cars.

The home contains 18th century furniture, paintings and an important collection of porcelain.

There was even room to land a helicopter in the grounds, if well-heeled tenants were fretting about traffic jams on the eight-mile drive to York Racecourse.

It looked an odds-on favourite to get snapped up.

But even these luxuries were not enough to tempt a toff to dig deep for a special Ascot experience.

With the owners unwilling to lower the price, it looks like Sutton Park will join many other luxury homes in North Yorkshire with hefty price tags, and not get anyone to rent it in time for the regal races.

The owners of the Mallyan Spout, in the hub of Heartbeat country, slapped a massive £120,000 tag on the luxurious hotel for the week. But staff today admitted that had proved "optimistic", although a few Ascot bookings had been received.

Elaine Machen, administrator at the Sutton Park, at Sutton-on-the-Forest, said it quickly became clear the grand property was not going to be rented.

She said the Sheffields had now decided to hold an Ascot party for 20 friends at Sutton Park, which will be closed to the public during the week of the racing event.

Mrs Machen added: "They are just going to enjoy it for themselves and have a house full of friends."

Updated: 11:16 Friday, May 27, 2005