The Grade II listed Gothic turret, which dates back to the 19th Century, looks out over picturesque Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
The UK’s “smallest castle”, so compact that the bath is tucked under the bed, is up for sale at a cool £330,000. The Grade II listed Gothic turret, hailing from the 19th Century, boasts stunning views over the scenic Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire.
The Gazebo Tower, offering a modest 645sq ft (59sq m) of living space, forms part of the historic town walls. Dubbed a ‘local icon’, this eccentric three-storey building could make an incredible holiday home or AirBnB rental.
Each of the round rooms spans approximately 5m (16ft) and includes a kitchen, living room and bedroom, along with a cosy roof-top terrace. Constructed in 1833, it offers sweeping views of the local countryside and was originally a viewing tower or folly.
Estate agents Hamilton Stiller said: “An opportunity to own a landmark and one of Ross-on-Wye’s most striking features. This Grade II Listed historic folly tower offers 360-degree views across the famous horseshoe bend of the River Wye, the Black Mountains of southeast Wales, the iconic spire of Saint Mary’s Church, Chase Wood and Ross-on-Wye’s colourful architecture.”
The double bed comes with a bath underneath, allowing a new owner to maximise this quirky feature if they were to install a spring-loaded bed. This room also includes an en-suite wetroom and then another spiral staircase leads up to the battery-operated roof hatch.
From their new home, the lucky owners will be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Ross-on-Wye and the surrounding countryside from atop the tower’s turrets. Regular sightings of athletes from Ross Rowing Club gliding down the River Wye can also be enjoyed.
The charming market town of Ledbury is just 13 miles away, and a train journey to London Paddington takes only two hours. The property was previously owned by Herefordshire Council, who put it up for sale in 2001.
Back then, the first floor could only be accessed via a ladder. Tony Billingham saw its potential and secured the property after submitting a postal bid.
Tony and his family dedicated years to transforming the property into a comfortable living space. They even opened it up for visitors to explore, with donations going towards local charities.