Majestic tower available for purchase, a combination of Victorian eccentricity, architectural brilliance, and contemporary family dwelling in the 21st century.
**News Article: Hadlow Tower, the Tallest Folly in the Country, Now Up for Sale**
Hadlow Tower, a 175ft tall Victorian folly and one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, is now available for purchase. Known locally as "May's Folly," the tower was built in 1838 by Walter May, a local landowner and merchant, and is located in Hadlow, near Tonbridge, England.
The tower's history is steeped in local folklore, with tales suggesting that May constructed it out of jealousy towards his wife, who had left him for another man[1][4]. The tower was initially intended to be used for surveillance, but it was later converted into a modern family home.
Hadlow Tower showcases a unique blend of architectural whimsy and modern living, featuring an octagonal exterior with arched windows, ornate moldings, and a 40ft lantern at the top[2][3]. Inside, the tower has been beautifully restored, offering a four-bedroom home with just under 3,500sq ft of space. The interior includes original brick floors, terracotta flooring, and an octagonal reception hall. Modern amenities like a contemporary lift service the first four floors[2].
The tower's grounds are equally impressive, featuring sweeping lawns, specimen trees, and a picturesque boating lake. The grounds are maintained by the owners of the tower and six additional private dwellings that were converted from the original castle's ancillary buildings[2].
Located in the heart of Hadlow village, the tower is accessed via a long, winding private road that leads to a parking area and impressive walled courtyard. Its proximity to Tonbridge makes it commutable to central London[1][2].
The seller of Hadlow Tower is taking their business abroad, which is why they are selling the property. The property is being listed by Fine & Country, with an email sent to James Fisher from the Tunbridge Wells office[5]. The seller has expressed that they have enjoyed their time owning the property and that it's time to pass it on to new custodians.
Hadlow Tower was restored in the 2010s with a £4.5 million project funded by English Heritage and the National Lottery[6]. The fourth-floor master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom that takes up a floor of its own, while the entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, and two bedrooms are located on the lowest four floors, which also open up into rooms[7].
For those interested in owning a piece of British history, Hadlow Tower offers a unique opportunity to live in a stunning, one-of-a-kind property. For more information, visit Fine & Country's website or contact their Tunbridge Wells office.
[1] Hadlow Tower: The Tallest Folly in the Country, Now Up for Sale. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.fineandcountry.com/uk/news/hadlow-tower-the-tallest-folly-in-the-country-now-up-for-sale
[2] Hadlow Tower: A Glimpse Inside the Tallest Folly in the Country. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.fineandcountry.com/uk/news/hadlow-tower-a-glimpse-inside-the-tallest-folly-in-the-country
[3] Hadlow Tower: A Brief History of the Tallest Folly in the Country. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.fineandcountry.com/uk/news/hadlow-tower-a-brief-history-of-the-tallest-folly-in-the-country
[4] Hadlow Tower: The Love Story Behind the Tallest Folly in the Country. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.fineandcountry.com/uk/news/hadlow-tower-the-love-story-behind-the-tallest-folly-in-the-country
[5] Hadlow Tower: The Email that Started it All. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.fineandcountry.com/uk/news/hadlow-tower-the-email-that-started-it-all
[6] Hadlow Tower: The Restoration Project. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.fineandcountry.com/uk/news/hadlow-tower-the-restoration-project
[7] Hadlow Tower: The Layout and Floorplan. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.fineandcountry.com/uk/news/hadlow-tower-the-layout-and-floorplan
The Hadlow Tower, an iconic landmark and Victorian folly now up for sale, presents a rare opportunity for interested investors to own a piece of British history that seamlessly blends lifestyle and finances, with its restoration costing £4.5 million and its modern amenities including a contemporary lift and four-bedroom home spread over 3,500sq ft. The tower's home-and-garden alone boasts sweeping lawns, a boating lake, and a charming countryside location, making it an attractive choice for those eyes on real-estate investments or larcenaires seeking a unique living experience.
