A FAMILY trust has agreed to buy the former North Yorkshire home of Catherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII.

The lure of an Englishman's home literally being a castle caused great interest when Snape Castle, between Bedale and Ripon, went on the market.

There were more than 600 inquiries, in excess of 200 viewings and 14 sealed bids.

Offers of more than £325,000 had been sought by Harrogate estate agents Carter Jonas.

Details of the agreement are being finalised but the new owners have said that they do not wish to reveal their identities.

Although the final price is not known, it was more than the guide value.

Tim Waring, national head of residential sales for the agents, said: "The chance to own part of an English castle certainly appealed ."

Only half the castle was on the market and was described as semi-detached.

The other part was already privately owned and occupied.

Snape Castle is Grade I listed and the half which was on the market included four bedrooms, attic rooms, three sizeable reception rooms and three gardens, including a walled one.

The new owners want to restore the property to a private family home.

It was estimated that the property needed about £250,000 spending on it to bring the accommodation up to top quality level.

Any alterations by the new owners will have to be scrutinised by the local council and English Heritage.

The building's garden includes a scheduled ancient monument, part of an old tower from the original castle which needs restoring and cannot be pulled down.

Snape Castle also includes a chapel which is excluded from the sale and will remain open for worship by members of the local community.