A 24-acre Yorkshire Dales estate with a historic hall and stables, which has been at the centre of a planning dispute, has been put up for sale for £11m.

Marske Hall and estate in Swaledale has a unique standing in the racing world as the home of 18th Century stallion Marske, which is believed to be in the bloodline of 98 per cent of all thoroughbreds including Red Rum, Frankel and Desert Orchid.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park authority turned down plans by developer Ian Morton to transform the hall into an exclusive wedding venue and aparthotel in 2021. An appeal was also rejected by planning inspectors in March.

Residents were concerned about potential disturbance from scores of guests, and there were fears the Grade II listed hall would be irreversibly harmed. Mr Morton maintained there had long been a history of events at the hall through shooting parties and his scheme would provide jobs and tourism facilities locally.

The hall has now been put up for sale with agents Christie and Co of Leeds, who say the estate could be used for weddings or outward bound activities.

They add: “The hall itself is currently under conversion to bespoke luxury dwellings, while The Stables are already trading as superb letting accommodation. Sawmill Cottage is also approaching completion as stunning holiday lets or private homes, whilst the surrounding estate could be used for a variety of leisure development options including lodges, caravans or camping pods, or could also be used for weddings or outward bound activities, set in a beautiful and natural picturesque setting.

The Northern Echo: The Stables at Marke Hall Estate

“The sale of Marske Hall and Estate represents an excellent and unique opportunity for a hospitality, leisure or residential sector operator or property developer to acquire 24 acres of prime National Park real estate offering a wealth of development potential, either from a rental income perspective or from substantial profits derived as an owner-operator.

“A huge draw for tourism and leisure trade, The Yorkshire Dales are famous for its grand fells and scenic valleys, home to a variety of quaint villages and hamlets, perfect for walkers, cyclists and holiday makers. The larger towns in the northern Dales, such as Leyburn, Middleham, Hawes and Reeth are pretty and historic, whilst further afield, major towns and cities including York, Leeds and Darlington provide the area with excellent day trade however such is the fame of the Yorkshire Dales, that visitors come from all parts of the UK and indeed the world.”

The agents list in the advert 14 luxury suites and two cottages with ten bespoke trading holiday apartments amid the ‘stunning’ 24 acres.

Mr Morton said last month his ambition to breathe a new lease of life into the estate was "still very much alive". He could not be contacted to comment on the sale.