World’s tallest Victorian gothic tower up for grabs

Imagine taking an Olympic swimming pool and flipping it on its head. 

That’s how tall Hadlow Tower is – an extraordinary English castle that stands over 53 metres tall. 

It is the tallest Victorian gothic tower in the world, a marvel of 19th-century engineering that is steeped in local legend. 

The story goes that Walter Barton May, a wealthy industrialist, built the tower to spy on his wife, who had supposedly run off with a local farmer.

Over the next 200 years, the building weathered storms, demolition attempts and German air raids. 

It was even used as a Home Guard watchtower during World War II. 

Sadly, by the 1950s most of the castle had been destroyed. Only the tall 1830s tower remained. 

In 2013, the building’s luck took a turn for the better when Hadlow Tower won grants from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund. 

It was the start of a mammoth restoration project to the tune of £4.2 million ($8.7 million).

Today, the once-crumbling tower has been transformed into an impressive family home. 

A series of circular drawing rooms, bedrooms and lounges are spread over nine storeys. 

Buyers will be relieved to hear that a lift has been installed to transport residents up to the roof terrace. 

Those with strong constitutions can still brave the spiral staircase if they want a challenge.

“This has been a very exciting and unique home that I have been privileged and proud to own for the past few years,” the current owner shared in a statement for listing agents Fine & Country. 

“I and my family have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, including the 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.” 

The property is on the market for £2.78 million ($5.81 million). 

Those who prefer to test-drive the property first can rent it on Airbnb for around $1822 per night.