Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire, England, 15 miles north of York. One of the grandest private residences in Britain, most of it was built between 1699 and 1712 for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, to a design by Sir John Vanbrugh. Although Castle Howard was built near the site of the ruined Henderskelfe Castle, it is not a true castle, but this term is often used for English country houses constructed after the castle-building era and not intended for a military function. Castle Howard has been the home of part of the Howard family for more than 300 years..