logo
World's tallest Victorian Gothic tower transformed into 4-bed home with stunning panoramic views hits the market in UK

World's tallest Victorian Gothic tower transformed into 4-bed home with stunning panoramic views hits the market in UK

The Suna day ago
THE world's tallest Victorian Gothic tower, with five floors and a roof terrace, has been transformed into a breathtaking four bed home.
Ever wanted to live out your Disney princess fantasy? Well now you can, as the former castle has hit the UK market.
7
7
7
Hadlow Tower, a Grade I listed 175ft property sits six feet taller than Nelson's Column, and was once part of a Romantic Gothic style 18th century castle.
It was built by wealthy merchant Walter Barton May in 1838 so he could spy on his estranged wife who left him for a local farmer.
The tower was then used as a look out during World War Two, but was saved by Royal painter Bernard Hailstone.
During a ferocious storm in 1987, the tower was severely damaged, and fell in to disrepair before it was restored in 2013 with the help of a £4.2 million grant provided by English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Situated in the quaint village of Hadlow, in Tonbridge, Kent, the unique abode can be accessed via a triple-arched Gothic Entrance on the village high street.
The castle can be found at the end of a long, winding, private countryside road, next to six additional buildings which have also now be converted into private properties.
7
The owners of these properties, as well as the owner of the tower have access to the communal former castle grounds, including sweeping lawns and a magnificent lake.
Hadlow Tower, which is listed on Rightmove for an eye-watering £2,780,000 includes many original Gothic features, including orante mouldings and arched windows.
However, the interior has been transformed in to a modern family home, that even has a lift.
There's a cinema room, four bathrooms, a private garden and a castellated parapet, with astounding 360 degree views.
This European castle was the inspiration for Disney
The master bedroom, known as the Rapunzel Room, has its own roof terrace.
The 3.45acre grounds boast a croquet lawn and an ornamental boating lake.
Although the tower is tucked away, at the end of the lane is the bustling Hadlow high street, featuring a variety of shops, pubs, a library and a hairdressers.
In nearby Tonbridge, there are also a number of great schools, and you can catch a train that will arrive in London in just 30-40 minutes.
5 Tips to Get on The Property Ladder
Saving for your first property is tough, but it is possible. Here are a few steps for first-time buyers.
1. Cut back on luxuries and start saving
Consistent monthly saving is the best way to accumulate enough money to get on the ladder, for a deposit and purchase fees. To do this, you need to take a look at your monthly outgoings and think about what can be cut out - holidays, new clothes, weekly takeaway.
Using a savings calculator can help you to establish how long you will need to save for a deposit. Based on your income, you can figure out a realistic amount to save each month.
2. Have a realistic property search
Set a budget for the property price you would like to buy, and think realistically about the location and size of your property. While we all may want that house with a view or extra bedroom, can you afford it?
3. Research Help To Buy and Shared Ownership schemes
The government has introduced a few ways to help first-time-buyers get on the property ladder and they're great for those on lower incomes or to buy a property in more expensive areas like London.
4. Consider buying with another person
Investing with somebody else you know is a sure way to get onto the property ladder. You only need to save half the amount you would otherwise, so you can work towards getting your property sooner.
You can invest with a friend, family or partner. Naturally, it is a big step and a huge commitment so be open and honest about what you expect from living together — if you haven't already.
5. Talk to a mortgage broker and get your documents in order
A mortgage broker can tell you exactly how much you can borrow for a mortgage, what you will need to pay monthly and in upfront costs.
The owner of the property said: "This has been a very exciting and unique home that I have been privileged and proud to own for the past few years.
"I and my family have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, including the peaceful and tranquil environment, but my business is taking my abroad so I feel it is time to hand the baton over to new custodians who will appreciate the uniqueness of this amazing place in such an incredible setting."
James Mackenzie, head of Strutt & Parker's National Country House Department described the tower as "historically fascinating".
He said: "Hadlow Tower had £4.5million invested into it so it is both historically fascinating and brand new.
"It has the best of everything with incredible craftsmanship and every modern benefit.
"This tower is a masterpiece and we've already had dozens of enquiries about it including foreign buyers."
7
7
7
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Alison Hammond reveals how missing one text meant she didn't see Ozzy Osbourne for final time
Alison Hammond reveals how missing one text meant she didn't see Ozzy Osbourne for final time

The Independent

time22 minutes ago

  • The Independent

Alison Hammond reveals how missing one text meant she didn't see Ozzy Osbourne for final time

Alison Hammond has revealed how missing one text meant that she didn't get to see Ozzy Osbourne 's final Black Sabbath gig in Birmingham. Speaking on This Morning on Wednesday (23 July) following the death of the frontman aged 76, the presenter recalled how she didn't see a text Jack Osbourne sent her extending an invitation from Sharon Osbourne to see the farewell show at Villa Park. 'I feel so, so bad because I could have gone to see him, and I'm so saddened. But I did watch the concert, and I thought it was unbelievable,' Hammond added.

Rosallion a massive drifter for the Sussex as Field Of Gold jockey confirmed with Colin Keane banned from Goodwood
Rosallion a massive drifter for the Sussex as Field Of Gold jockey confirmed with Colin Keane banned from Goodwood

The Sun

time23 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Rosallion a massive drifter for the Sussex as Field Of Gold jockey confirmed with Colin Keane banned from Goodwood

SUPERSTAR miler Rosallion is a big drifter for next week's Sussex Stakes at Goodwood - as Field Of Gold's jockey was finally confirmed. Richard Hannon's multiple Group 1 winner has gone right out on the Betfair Exchange. 1 He was second-fav for the £1million contest next Wednesday but has been usurped by Aidan O'Brien's Henri Matisse. Rosallion's price on the Exchange has ballooned from 5 (4-1) to 9 (8-1). Hannon had said the 7f City Of York at next month's Ebor Festival could be on the cards. But he also said the 1m Prix Jacques Le Marois (worth around £200,000 more than the City Of York) is a strong possibility too. It's very unlikely he would do both given they are less than a week apart, with the French race on August 17 and City Of York August 23. Rosallion's drift came as William Buick was confirmed for the ride on Field Of Gold, who is already as short as 4-9 for the Sussex. Juddmonte's retained rider Colin Keane - who would have been on the top three-year-old - is banned from Goodwood after breaking whip rules. More to follow. Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:

Anger as Britain's most controversial allotment wins right to stay despite opposition from Chris Packham and Deborah Meaden
Anger as Britain's most controversial allotment wins right to stay despite opposition from Chris Packham and Deborah Meaden

Daily Mail​

time23 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Anger as Britain's most controversial allotment wins right to stay despite opposition from Chris Packham and Deborah Meaden

Britain's 'most controversial allotment' has won the right to stay where it is despite outrage from eco-celebs like Springwatch host Chris Packham and Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden. The site on the edge of Bristol has been labelled as the 'world's first no-dig allotment', but it received criticism from locals as well as the eco-conscious celebrities. 'No dig' means growers plant into topsoil which has been placed on top of the ground so no soil is dug up, broken or turned. It has been in a lengthy battle for Bath-based Roots Allotment two years after setting up on a field next to the A369 in Abbots Leigh in April 2023. Despite more than 3,400 people signing a petition against the site, which borders two Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI), it was awarded retrospective planning permission for three parts of the 600-plot allotment field. Some claimed there had been a lack of consultation on the ecology of the land and concerns for local wildlife. Speaking when they first moved in, Dragons' Den's Meaden, who lives in Somerset, argued the site is 'very sad' for local wildlife and 'devastating' for the 'precious meadow habitat'. Taking to X on the allotment's opening day on September 18, she wrote: 'Butterfly numbers have crashed in the UK and Roots Allotments have taken 25 acres of precious meadow habitat, and celebrate with a party. It has been in a lengthy battle for Bath-based Roots Allotment two years after setting up on a field next to the A369 in Abbots Leigh in April 2023 'They could go (and) do much good in the right area but we can't keep taking from a nature who can't defend herself. Very sad.' Last May, Meadon backed the concept of Roots Allotment but argued it was using the wrong location. She wrote: 'Totally agree on farmed land and Farmers are absolutely going to be at the forefront of restoring Nature but that does not apply to already rich meadowland being bulldozed with alien soils being dumped on it. 'I love the concept of roots allotments but they need to choose their sites actually add and regenerate.' Naturalist and wildlife presenter Chris Packham TV wildlife also criticised the location and safety of the site, and took issue with the allotment company redeveloping 'species rich grassland with breeding skylarks'. Taking to Facebook in May last year, Packham wrote: 'Increasing access to green spaces is a must- and allotments are a great way to do that, and more. 'But when you're a venture capital-backed firm developing on species rich grassland, with breeding skylarks... you're in the wrong Roots Allotments. 'Avon and Somerset Police have ordered work to stop on part of the site due to breeding red-listed skylarks- great. But the whole project needs scrapping.' However, North Somerset Council's planning committee voted last week to finally award retrospective planning permission. The Roots Allotments team were given permission for two shipping containers in the field to be used as a tool shed and site office, CCTV cameras, an access track, gravel hardstanding and a sign on the main A369 road. Roots Allotment group says they are answering a 'much needed' allotment crisis and are providing an opportunity for people to sustainably grow their own food. One of the founders, Christian Samuel, said the group had 'flipped the script' - saying their allotments on the site were allegedly the only place where skylarks were feeding. He also added that their 'no dig' method had restored the soil and suppressed carbon into the ground. 'We believe this council has far more pressing issues to resolve than preventing people from growing vegetables in a sustainable manner,' Mr Samuel added. 'At the end of the day everyone, it is just vegetables.' But parish councillor Jenny Stoodley, who lives in Leigh Woods, disagreed. She said: 'The introduction of urban man-made structures such as cars, shipping containers and CCTV in this sensitive green belt location is exactly the kind of encroachment that greenbelt policy is intended to protect against.' Councillors on the planning committee eventually voted seven to three to approve the plans, and a separate planning application covering the sign for the site was approved. Some councillors were left 'disappointed' by the outcome - with Abbots Leigh Parish Council chair Simon Talbot-Ponsonby saying: 'Obviously we are disappointed because it's basically ruined that part of the green belt.' But Christian said the Roots Allotment team, as well as their members, were grateful for the decision. He added: 'There are so many people that need this space - and I'm glad that planning bills are going to come to an end.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store