One Of England's Last Moated Castles Is Now Up For Sale

Caverswall Castle in northern England is like something straight out of a fairytale – the grade-I listed building has three turrets, a moat and even a dungeon, and now it’s on the market for a cool £5 million.

With 20 acres of land and 18 bedrooms you can really lord it up in this spectacular pad; it is currently owned by property tycoon Robin MacDonald, who bought it when it was close to ruin back in 2006 for £1.7 million, but now claims he wants to downsize.

The castle near Stoke-on-Trent (known for its pottery industry) has had some illustrious owners in the past – the 13th-century castle was at owned by the famous pottery family Wedgewood during the 19th century, who added a decorative ceiling to the library. It was first owned by Emuf de Hesing, and then Sir William de Caverswall (hence the property’s name), who added the now-rare moat.

The castle became practically derelict until wealthy merchant and Mayor of Stafford Matthew Cradon painstakingly reconstructed the property in 1625, transforming it into a grand Jacobean mansion. Since then, it has seen many alterations and has even been used as a garrison during the English Civil War and a sanctuary for nuns during the French Revolution.

On top of the 18 bedrooms, the generous 20,000 square-foot castle also has nine other reception rooms, perfect for parties, plus 13 bathrooms, a billard room, workshop, wine cellar, gym, orangery and a library, naturally.
The castle comes with planning permission to build guest accommodation, and is on the market with estate agents Pennycuick Collins and Paul Carr Exclusive & Rural Homes.

Commercial Partner at Pennycuick Collins Richard Moxon says: ‘This castle is a rare and remarkable opportunity for any investor. The property has been used as a home and as an event venue previously and there is vast potential for the castle going forward.’
Check out the property here. Don’t have £5 million to spare? Never fear, here are 11 castles in Europe that you can stay in for a bargain.

About the author

Charlotte Luxford

Architecture & Design Editor

As Culture Trip's architecture and design expert, Charlotte has more than 12 years' industry experience, working for an array of national publications. Prior to joining Culture Trip, Charlotte was the editor of Grand Designs Magazine, steering the magazine in a new direction and overseeing a new look for the title. She has also worked for mass media organisation TI Media, providing content for Livingetc, Ideal Home, Country Homes & Interiors and Homes & Gardens. Charlotte has always had a passion for design and is also a qualified interior designer, having completed a diploma in her spare time. At Culture Trip, Charlotte has worked closely with institutions including the Design Museum and London Design Festival, as well as interviewing design heroes such as Thomas Heatherwick and Sir Terence Conran.