Historic Bath Lodge Castle for sale
I am lucky enough to oversee the sale of some of the finest homes in and around Bath, and Bath Lodge Castle in Norton St Philip is particularly special.
Built in 1806 by Lt. Colonel John Houlton, a devotee of the Gothic Revival, Bath Lodge Castle was the principle lodge and gateway to the Farleigh Hungerford Estate, once one of the largest estates in England. It was designed to imitate the main estate buildings of Farleigh Manor and Farleigh Castle, and Houlton was granted permission from the Crown for the fortification of its four circular towers to each corner.
Originally named Castle Lodge, its history can be traced back as long ago as 987 AD, when the land that it adorns, Fernleah, was mentioned in charter of King Elthelred. At the time of the Domesday Book, Fernleah was known as Ferlege, and by the 12th century, it had become Farleigh and was owned by the Montfort Family.
The estate then passed on to Sir Thomas Hungerford, and remained in the family for over four centuries, aside from a period during which it was confiscated by the Crown as a result of royal disfavour. Lt. Colonel John Houlton succeeded to the estate in 1806, enlarging Farleigh House and building six lodges, with Bath Lodge Castle being the principle lodge.
With its castellations, circular towers and heavy timber door, Bath Lodge Castle is every inch the English castle, but on a scale that is entirely practical to run as a small business – in recent decades it has been run as a boutique hotel – or it could become a one-of-a-kind family home.
Its accommodation includes a dining room that can comfortably seat up to 40 people, and 11 bedroom suites, three of which have a private balcony or roof terrace. The grounds, which extend to 3.6 acres, encompass lawned gardens and mature woodland with a stream running through.
It requires work to bring it back to life, however, with planning consent for an extension and various improvements, plus further potential in the various outbuildings, its sale is an exciting opportunity for someone to guide the future of this special piece of Somerset’s history.
Bath Lodge Castle is on the market for a guide price in excess of £1,800,000.
