ONE of the region's oldest properties has gone on sale.

The grade II-listed Old Hall, at East Layton, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, dates from almost 1,000 years ago.

The property was begun at about the time of the Crusades and has stood through the reign of more than 30 monarchs, as well as civil and world wars.

Historians believe work began some time after the Norman Conquest, with an original timber structure built in the 12th or 13th Century.

The hall includes numerous period features such as inglenook fireplaces, mullion windows, panelling, stone-flagged floors and oak beams.

Outside, there is a knot garden, lawns, terrace, an orangery, a dove cote and even a moat.

The hall is being sold by Gillian Ashbridge, who bought the property two years ago and has carried out extensive renovation work in the time she has lived there.

She said: "I fell in love with the house at first sight without knowing the full history.

"It is very grand, but also comfortable.

"There are lots of unique features and the grounds are simply fantastic. Everybody who visits says 'wow'.

"A friend described it as a National Trust house that you are allowed to sit down in.

"I have put my heart and soul into it over the last two years and will be sad to go."

Simon Bainbridge, from Smiths Gore estate agents, in Darlington, said: "It is a fascinating house with some amazing features.

"The inglenooks in the drawing room and dining hall are enormous. I have never seen anything like them before.

"It is intriguing and the present owners have spent a lot of time and money on improving it.

"They have moved it on another stage in its history."

The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property is on sale for £950,000.

This price includes offices, a stable block, stores, garages and a paddock.

Smiths Gore can be contacted on (01325) 370500.