The first dwelling at Levens dates from circa 1350, and was built by the de Redman family as defence against the Scottish raiders of the time. It was then a primitive pele tower, with underhousing for the women and cattle in time of raids, and a large room where smoke from the open fire would escape through a hole in the roof. The medieval structure was built around in Elizabethan times when the Bellingham family created a mansion and beautified it with fine panelling and plasterwork still to be seen today.

In 1694, Col. James Grahme, former Privy Purse to King James II, added much of the fine Jacobean furniture and built the two wings at the rear of the House, forming a courtyard.

All building was completed by the addition of the Howard Tower in 1820. Today, the visitor sees all the finest Elizabethan rooms including the dining room with its embossed Cordova leather wall-coverings, and several elegant bedrooms. Throughout the house there are beautiful paintings, family memorabilia (connections with both the 1st Duke of Wellington and Nelson) and the earliest English Patchwork (1708).

Levens Hall is well known for its various tales of ghostly happenings although visitors will most likely sense the warm and welcoming family atmosphere.