AN era is coming to an end with confirmation that one of the region’s greatest stately homes will soon have a new boss.

Simon Howard, who has run Castle Howard near Malton for the past 30 years, has announced he will be stepping down at the end of the year.

He has been chairman of the estate since the death of his father, former chairman of the BBC board Lord Howard of Henderskelfe, in 1984.

Now the day-to-day running the great estate – which famously featured in both TV and film versions of Brideshead Revisited – will pass to his elder brother Nick Howard and his wife Victoria, who will take over as non-executive co-chairman and executive co-chairman respectively.

Simon Howard, who will remain a director, said he would still continue to play an active role and would be working closely with his brother.

He said: “I now feel the time is right to pass this responsibility and privilege to my brother Nick, who in turn will prepare the next generation of the Howard family to take on the running of the estate.”

During his time, Simon Howard has carried on his father’s work in conserving and restoring Castle Howard, securing it for the enjoyment of the many thousands of visitors to the Grade 1 listed house and parkland each year.

His successor praised his brother for working “tirelessly” for the house and estate.

“I cannot thank him enough for what he has achieved during his tenure. Were it not for his extraordinary commitment, we would not be in a position to carry on his good work,” he said.

Nick Howard has been a member of the Castle Howard board since the mid-1970s. His wife joined the board in late 2013, following 13 years as CEO and publisher of HarperCollins UK and International.