World's tallest Victorian Gothic tower transformed into 4-bed home with stunning panoramic views hits the market in UK
LIVE THE HIGH LIFE World's tallest Victorian Gothic tower transformed into 4-bed home with stunning panoramic views hits the market in UK
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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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One lucky homeowner can call this stunning tower their home
Credit: Rightmove/Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells
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The gorgeous abode has four bedrooms and four bathrooms
Credit: Rightmove/Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells
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The tower has been transformed in to a modern family home
Credit: Rightmove/Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells
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 gorgeous property has undergone a £4.2 million restoration
Credit: Rightmove/Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells
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."
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It is the tallest Gothic tower in the UK
Credit: Rightmove/Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells
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It is situated in the borough of Tonbridge
Credit: Rightmove/Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells
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