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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.”
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