Uncovering 400 years of history, revitalising a proud legacy of hospitality

Our Historic Building

Stepping into a living piece of history brings a connection with generations of travellers who’ve visited, lived and celebrated here. We love researching and uncovering the history of our home and sharing its secrets, for example, beams that are reputed to have come from a Spanish Armada ship!

Locally regarded as Milnthorpe's oldest house, its size and dimensions, plus high-status location on the historic village green, reflect its place at the heart of village life since the 17th century. Resembling a Medieval tall or tower house, external features hail from the 18th century, when as the Sun Tavern it also boasted a top floor ballroom, barn, stables and bowling green on the land behind known as Rigney Bank.

In 1867 it became a Temperance Hotel entitled the Travellers Rest. The ballroom became the Free Mechanic's Institute, which offered the 'Free Night School and Free Library, with 500 volumes’. For a time Milnthorpe's first Methodist Congregation worshiped here. During the 20th century it was renamed Sun House, offering Rooms to Let, and has also been a newsagents, Home Maker DIY shop and ballet school.

Over 20 years, we have sensitively restored the building. Sympathetically converting the two upper floors to four private luxury apartments with full modern comforts and green technologies, we have taken the utmost care to honour historic features including stone walls, wooden ceiling beams and traditional sash windows. Unveiling our new plaque reflects its previous status as the village Travellers Rest, we like to think we are continuing the tradition of providing idyllic rest and comfort to 21st-century travellers!

Book Your Stay
For the best rate, book direct here and we look forward to welcoming you to Rigney Bank House soon!

Have a special request?
Please use the contact us form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Hear what our guests had to say…

  • Michelle Gabriel - Oct 2024

    The accommodation was spotless. It had all we needed, including a kettle (essential!), coffee machine, toaster, microwave and a hob. The bathroom was spacious, the shower perfect. The hand wash and shower gel/shampoo are from a local company and were really nice! The bed was comfortable and we slept well.

    It's ideally placed for exploring the Lakes and North Yorkshire. Milnthorpe is small but has a nice pub, a supermarket and a great coffee shop (Rivers and Roads). The owners communicated well and were really friendly.

  • John Chute - October 2024

    I stayed in late October 2024 for five nights and it was a perfect place for me to have as a base in the area. Although I was a single traveller I can see it working just as well for a couple. The unit has been updated to a high level of comfort and convenience. The owner was great to work with, she responded quickly when I asked about the heating system and in was in general very helpful. I would certainly stay here again.

  • Jo Holmes - May 2024

    Excellent apartment, 25 minutes from the lakes. Jayne is very friendly, communication is excellent and nothing too much trouble. Would highly recommend.

  • J Oura - October 2024

    We had an excellent stay. The apartment was clean and modern and had everything we needed. Our host was friendly and helpful with information about the local area. Shops, pubs and cafes were within easy walking distance. Would recommend!

  • David Eastwood - August 2024

    The apartment was perfect in every way. Spotlessly clean, excellent quality and plentiful appliances, very comfortable bed, great shower room, quiet and lovely location. Jayne was the perfect host and we had the pleasure of chatting with her during our stay and such a delightful lady and it is apparent she is so focused on ensuring her guests have an enjoyable stay at Rigney House. Thank you Jayne and we hope to have the opportunity to return.

  • Monisg Vijaya Gopal - July 2024

    Really lovely and well kept studio. Lots of amenities provided making for a comfortable stay. Jayne was a warm host with excellent communication. Highly recommend.

  • Francesca Bolza - August 2024

    I had an incredibly perfect stay at Rigney Bank House!

    The building, the decor, the comfort and Jayne's magic and empathetic touch have made me fall in love with this beautiful part of England and the coziness of this house.

    I can't wait to get back and breathe in the peacefulness of this lovely place. Jayne is an extraordinary host thank you!