Case Study: Securing a piece of TV history – the purchase of Skeldale House

Client: Greg Parkin

Property: Skeldale House, Askrigg, Yorkshire

Collaborating Firm: Dawson Radford Solicitors, Chesterfield

 

Overview

When entrepreneur Greg Parkin set his sights on purchasing Skeldale House in Askrigg, he wasn’t just acquiring a property, he was becoming custodian of an iconic piece of British television history.

The stone-built Wensleydale property was immortalised as the exterior of the Darrowby veterinary surgery in the beloved BBC series All Creatures Great and Small.

Between 1978 and 1990, it appeared in 90 episodes, including the show’s memorable opening credits, becoming instantly recognisable to millions of viewers across the UK and beyond.

While no interior scenes were filmed in the house, it was often used for make-up and costume and by the cast while relaxing between takes.

Originally built in the early-to-mid-19th century, Skeldale House is now a Grade II listed building. Over the decades, it has served as a private home and care facility, before being sympathetically transformed into a luxury B&B in 2013 when it was renamed Skeldale House in tribute to its television fame. In 2021 the property became luxury service holiday apartments.

The Client

Greg Parkin’s background is in the construction industry, where he successfully built and sold several businesses in construction supplies. However, the opportunity to acquire Skeldale House and the hospitality business operated from it, marked a new chapter, both professionally and personally for him and his partner Lisa, who are both outdoor enthusiasts.

“Skeldale House very quickly become a passion,” Greg explained. “My personal values are that people should be treated in the right way, and that translates perfectly into hospitality. Customer experience is key, and I want to meet and exceed guests’ expectations.”

Greg and Lisa take a hands-on approach to running Skeldale House, regularly visiting and staying at the property using it as a base to explore the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

“I was brought up on a farm and watched All Creatures Great and Small every week with my stepdad when I was a kid. Owning this building feels like a full-circle moment. It’s in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, a place I absolutely love, and it reflects my own values around art, nature, and beauty.”

The Challenge

The purchase was far from straightforward. Greg was buying both the property and the business operating from it, a dual transaction requiring precision, communication, and efficiency.

Adding to the complexity was a tight timeframe: completion needed to take place within a short window to secure the deal. With the property’s listed status, historical significance, and commercial use, the transaction demanded a law firm capable of acting decisively and collaboratively.

Our Approach

The business purchase was undertaken by Dawson Radford Solicitors of Chesterfield. Due to significant restrictions on property and business purchases by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Dawson Radford recommended Mason Thomas Law to act on Greg’s behalf for the property purchase.

“I asked Jo Dawson who she would recommend to oversee the property purchase side,” Greg recalls. “She said Mason Thomas Law. It was a great recommendation!”

Here at Mason Thomas Law, Director and solicitor Cathy Mason and Solicitor Lebby Mahmood led the transaction, working closely with Dawson Radford to coordinate both the business and property aspects under significant time pressure.

“I explained that it was a time-sensitive deal, and Cathy absolutely took that onboard. I could tell I was speaking to a partner, not just someone going through the motions. Lebby was absolutely brilliant too, very knowledgeable and very quick to get things done,” added Greg.

Our role included:

• Managing simultaneous transactions: Ensuring the business and property purchases progressed in tandem without delays.
• Expedited conveyancing: Completing due diligence, title checks, and contract negotiations efficiently to meet the target completion date.
• Collaborative communication: Maintaining open dialogue between all parties to resolve any emerging issues quickly and constructively.
• Direct client access: Greg worked directly with Cathy, ensuring he had consistent advice and a clear line of communication throughout the process.

The Outcome

Thanks to a shared commitment and seamless collaboration, the transaction was successfully completed on 1st August 2025 – Yorkshire Day, a fitting milestone for a landmark Yorkshire property.

“Conveyancing has such a bad reputation,” Greg added, “but Mason Thomas Law were excellent on every count. It was made more difficult because I was purchasing a business at the same time as the property, but I couldn’t have done it without Cathy. The fact that I got to speak directly to her made a huge difference.

“Jo Dawson and Cathy worked brilliantly together. I can’t recommend either of them highly enough.”

A New Chapter for Skeldale House

Under Greg and Lisa’s ownership, Skeldale House will continue to operate as seven luxury serviced holiday suites. Visitors can even explore The Surgery, a distinctive on-site space featuring memorabilia from All Creatures Great and Small.

For Greg, the property represents far more than a business investment, it’s a continuation of a lifelong passion for the countryside, hospitality, and the Yorkshire Dales. The couple have future plans to introduce retreats and sporting camps to Skeldale House.

“I took on Skeldale House as a personal challenge, and I love it. When guests visit with the right mindset; to explore, to be outdoors, to enjoy what Yorkshire has to offer, they leave feeling better. That’s what this place is all about.”

By working collaboratively with Dawson Radford and maintaining open, proactive communication, Mason Thomas Law helped Greg Parkin secure not only a thriving hospitality business, but a true piece of British cultural heritage.

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