The Castle, interiors and homeware store in Ripon, has now officially passed into the hands of new local family owners Zoe and Robert Nemes.
On Tuesday 31 March 2026, the shop officially opened under the new ownership.
The business has previously been run by Graham and Sasha Wilkes for over 30 years.
As they now step into retirement, Zoe and Robert are proud to continue the legacy they have built.
Robert Nemes brings over two decades of experience in the retail industry, providing a strong foundation for the continued growth of this business.
Robert said:
Over 20 years ago I started my career in retail directly opposite The Castle, where I got to know Graham well.
He was a great mentor to me in those early years, so it feels incredibly special to now be taking on the business from him and Sasha.
They have done Ripon proud, and we wish them both a very happy and well-deserved retirement.
Zoe Nemes, said:
We are so excited about this new chapter for our family business. The atmosphere throughout the opening day was incredibly special, marking not only a successful opening but also a significant moment of transition.
Building on a proud legacy spanning more than three decades, we are honoured to continue The Castle’s story while introducing a fresh vision for its future.
While many customer favourites will remain, Zoe and Robert are excited to introduce thoughtfully curated new collections in the coming weeks, blending contemporary style with timeless design – the offering will include; sofas, dining furniture, living room pieces, customisable options and outdoor living collections, alongside more immersive showroom displays and also in-store events.
Zoe and Robert, who are based in a small village between Ripon and Richmond, share a clear vision – to build on The Castle’s established reputation while enhancing the overall customer experience both in-store and, in time, online.
Robert said:
Our decision to acquire The Castle was driven by a deep appreciation for its heritage and strong connection to the local community.
We recognised an opportunity to evolve the store’s offering while preserving the quality, service and character customers value.
Central to our plans is creating a space that inspires comfort, style and creativity in the home.
Zoe said:
We both feel incredibly proud to be taking on such a well-loved business and to be continuing its story.
The support we’ve already received has meant so much to us, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors.
