FEW properties are as steeped in history as the new apartments in Allerton Castle.

Legend suggests that Allerton Castle, which nestles in 200 acres of parkland and formal gardens between Harrogate and York, was the inspiration for the nursery rhyme The Grand Old Duke of York.

Badly damaged when fire swept through more than half of the property in 2005, the castle is now rising from the ashes to help home-hunters rent a piece a history.

Allerton Castle’s owners, Gerard Arthur Rolph Foundation for Historic Preservation and Education, have spent the past four years resorting and refurbishing a number of executive apartments that were being created when they were destroyed by the blaze.

The foundation has now appointed Linley & Simpson to market the homes.

The first is a third-floor apartment with two double bedrooms, a lounge, a dining room/third bedroom, a modern kitchen, a bathroom, a utility room and a striking hallway. It is available for £1,000 per month.

Will Linley, of Linley & Simpson, said: “The restoration of the apartments marks the next chapter in the castle’s long history and we are delighted to have been asked to handle such a prestigious letting opportunity.

“The apartments have been restored to an excellent standard, while retaining the original character, and the views are breathtaking. Each one offers people the chance to rent a piece of history.”

Reputedly the most important Gothic Revival stately home in England, Allerton Park was once owned by Prince Frederick Augustus, the brother to King George VI, also known as The Grand Old Duke of York.

According to legend, the ant-like activity of the Duke’s men constructing the majestic Temple of Victory at the top of the 200-feet Allerton Hill was the inspiration for the famous nursery rhyme telling the tale of the famous Duke and his 10,000 men.

The castle was bought by American millionaire Gerald Rolph in 1983. He saved the Grade I-listed mansion from dereliction and made it his life’s work to restore it to its former glory, setting up a charitable trust to secure its future.

The restoration had been almost completed before the fire, which destroyed the oak-panelled dining room, state bedroom and Venetian bedroom after a chimney fire tore through the attic and roof.

• For more information on the apartments, contact Linley & Simpson by phoning 01904 611722 or logging on to www.linleyandsimpson.co.uk