Kiplin Hall and Gardens

Kiplin Hall is a Jacobean historic house in North Yorkshire. It was built originally (in c. 1620) as a hunting lodge by the Secretary of State to James I, the 1st Baron Baltimore, who with his descendants, was instrumental in founding the first US colony and the state of Maryland. The house has belonged to four families over 400 years: the Calverts, Crowes, Carpenters, and Talbots. By the 1970's the house had fallen into a state of disrepair. The last Talbot gave the estate to the state for preservation. Since then, it has undergone significant restoration and refurbishment. 

Ancestral home of the Calverts

Entrance to Kiplin Hall

The Victorian home is now a museum with belongings and furniture from the 17th to 19th centuries. A grand staircase leads to the second and third floors. There are numerous family portraits throughout the house, including a large one of George Calvert (First Lord Baltimore). A permanent exhibition charts the founding of the state of Maryland by the Calverts. During the second world war, the RAF requisitioned the estate. The bathroom and kitchen remain intact from when the RAF used them.

Ducks

In the 1990's, a lake was created in front of the house. The lake provides a habitat for wildlife and waterfowl. The lake is also home to the pipes for Kiplin's ground source heating system. There is a small island in the middle of the lake. The folly across the lake dates to the mid-18th century when it was a cow shed. There is a 1-mile circular walk around the lake. The views are picture-worthy. I walked around the lake several times when I stayed at Kiplin in 2019.

Manmade lake

Reflection

The folly

The Kiplin Gardens are picturesque and extensive. They make for a lovely walk. Produce from the walled garden is served in the tea room. 

Kiplin Hall Gardens

So many different kinds of flowers

Kiplin Hall has another connection to Maryland. In 1986, the University of Maryland opened the University of Maryland Study Center at Kiplin Hall. Kiplin Hall hosts students and other visitors from the University of Maryland and other universities. Living quarters were available, but these are now being converted to a modern visitor's center. I participated in an animal photography tour in 2019. We stayed at Kiplin in the building below.

University of Maryland (2019)

Sleeping accommodations

Undergoing renovations (2024)

There's even sheep at Kiplin. In 2019, they were subjects for our animal photography. We visited with the owner. He was raising replacement ewes:  Mules (Swaledale x Bluefaced Leicester).

Sheep @ Kiplin