A tower befitting of Rapunzel, once part of an 18th century castle, is on the market for £2.8m.
The gothic Hadlow Tower in Tonbridge, Kent, reaches an impressive 175ft – six feet taller than Nelson’s Column. Known by the locals as May’s Folly, the tower sits in the village of Hadlow, which has a population of roughly 4,000.
Hadlow Castle was built in the 18th century and extended to include the tower in the 19th century by the then-owner Walter Barton May. Local lore suggests that he had the tower built so he could spy on his estranged wife once she moved out, but more likely, he wanted to show off his wealth, according to estate agency Fine & Country.
While much of the castle was sold for materials in the mid-20th century, the tower and outer buildings were bought by a local. These outer buildings have now been converted into six private properties. Together with the tower custodian, the owners take care of the communal grounds and the lake that surrounds the tower.
The impressive Grade I-listed tower retains its original features, such as arched windows, castellated parapet and ornate mouldings, and wouldn’t be out of place in a fairytale.
Sculptured oak doors were rescued from the original castle, as were the stained glass windows in the kitchen.
The owner, who has remained anonymous, described it as a “very exciting and unique home” that they had been “privileged and proud to own for the past few years”.
“My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time here in this peaceful and tranquil environment, but my business is taking me 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.”
The unique property reflects a combination of the old and new. It has been updated inside to suit a family’s needs, complete with a utility room, cloakroom, study area and boot cupboard. It also has a private garden.
The octagonal-shaped home spans five floors, but helpfully, a lift has been fitted alongside the grand circular staircase – which strikes an impressive image from the top floor.
A log burner sits in a brick arched fireplace to warm the grand octagonal drawing room.
One of the double bedrooms boasts stained glass windows as well as views over the grounds, and another has a walk-in wardrobe. You can also admire the view – miles of sprawling fields in the Garden of England – from a castellated roof terrace on the fourth floor.
The property was restored by the English Heritage and Heritage Lottery Fund in 2013 and the restoration has since won multiple Historic England Angel Awards, as well as the Lloyd-Webber Angel Award.
The village of Hadlow is in a conservation area, meaning the parish is full of historic, listed buildings.