Blythe Bridge Rd
Caverswall ST11 9EA
Caverswall Castle · Specialty Property For Sale · 16,224 SF

DESCRIPTION The main entrance to the castle is accessed by an ornately carved sandstone bridge which spans the moat, which would have replaced a drawbridge. This leads to an archway with a set of impressive oak studded doors. The gateway is flanked by the octagonal Gatehouse and opens into the courtyard. The courtyard (with gravel turning circle) leads to impressive stone steps that, in turn, lead to an equally impressive set of entrance doors. This historic, Grade I Listed castle is embroiled in English history and presents part of our great country’s past. The exterior is constructed of carved sandstone with large projecting bays, transom mullion leaded and stained-glass windows, all with a castellated roofline with majestic chimneys rising from the rooftop - a usable roof terrace from which breathtaking views can be enjoyed. The interior does not disappoint, with the grandiose accommodation laid out over four floors. There are suites of ambassadorial-sized reception rooms with exceptional ceiling height, room after room having intricately carved wall panelling with endless coats of arms, moulded ceilings and chamfered beams, huge open fireplaces with large overmantels, again, all beautifully carved. The main Jacobean staircase has carved statues, with a lion on each half landing. The are nine impressive main bedroom suites with further smaller bedrooms, and a domestic and commercial kitchen fitted. There is potential, with very little change needed (subject to consents being obtained), to create an owners annexe, which would enable the castle to be used on a commercial basis (subject to consents). There are three turrets and a Gatehouse, already converted into one bedroom properties, which would make ideal guest accommodation or holiday lets (subject to consents). POTENTIAL USES Caverswall Castle is an outstanding country seat and would make a wonderful gentleman’s residence, which was its original purpose. However, it has extensive square footage and a huge amount of scope (subject to the necessary consents being obtained) for a more commercial use such as luxury spa hotel, wellness centre, wedding venue, filmset location, business headquarters, conference centre, outward bound centre (making use of the vast grounds and lakes), an upmarket bed and breakfast venue, or a mixture of some of the above. The castle has the added potential of four separate lettable units, namely the three towers and the Gatehouse, all of which are already converted into one bedroom properties. PLANNING We understand that in September 2016, in accordance with references SMD/2015/0683 (FUL) and SMD/2017/0671(LBC), the site was granted planning and listed building consent for change of use to a mixed use of residential dwelling house and wellbeing retreat centre with guest hotel accommodation. We further understand that in May 2017, in accordance with reference SMD/2017/0252, an application was made valid for the castle to permit C1 hotel use and a meeting/lecture venue. Following completion of the Undertaking planning permission for the use of the castle as a hotel will be released. We would advise potential purchasers to take their own advice before purchase. LOCATION Caverswall is a pretty and historic village with excellent local amenities including a shop, public house, schools and a village hall. The castle is within easy reach of the Peak District National Park, the Potteries, Trentham Gardens and Monkey Forest and numerous golf courses including Trentham, Leek and Westwood. More extensive facilities are available at Blythe Bridge, only some 3 miles away. There are train stations at Blythe Bridge and Longton, with the mainline train station at Stoke-on-Trent only some 7 miles, which offers a regular service to London Euston. The M6, junction 15, is only some 8 miles, with the castle being only 6 miles from the A500 - a major arterial route. • Cheadle 4 ½ miles • Stoke-on-Trent 6 ½ miles • M6 (J15) 8 miles • Newcastle-under-Lyme 9 ½ miles • Leek 11 miles • Stafford 15 miles • Burton-upon-Trent 24 ½ miles • Derby 30 miles • Birmingham 44 miles (distances approximate) GARDENS & GROUNDS An impressive carved sandstone bridge gives access over the moat to a pair of huge oak studded entrance gates set within the Gatehouse. A further set of ornate wrought-iron gates with the letter ‘C’ engraved opens into the courtyard to the front, southerly elevation of the castle. The courtyard provides a large area for parking and turning cars, with a central oval lawn. The courtyard is surrounded by the castle walls, with turrets at each corner and the moat to the outer side of the walls. To the rear of the castle is a stone-flagged area which provides access to the rear of the orangery. The majority of the land lies to side, westerly elevation, with long, far-reaching rural views over the castle grounds and paddock land from the castle itself and the courtyard. The paddock land is dissected by a formal, sweeping, tree-lined drive which comes out at School Lane by West Lodge (not owned). The land is bounded to the west by the River Blithe. PROPERTY INFORMATION Agents’ Notes • Grade I Listed: Caverswall Castle, Screen Walls, Gate House and Bridge. • Grade II Listed: Sundial about 20 metres south of the entrance to the castle. • Grade II Listed: Steps & balustrading running about 2 metres south of the south front of the castle. • Some of the land is designated as a ‘Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Nature Conservation Site’. The bottom part of the land is in a flood risk area. • Selling on behalf of Joint LPA Receivers, therefore, the property is sold as seen. EPC Rating: Exempt Services: Oil fired central heating, the rest of the services have not been verified Local Authority: Staffordshire Moorlands District Council • Switchboard: 0345 605 3010 • Planning department (Mr Chris Johnston): 01538 395400, extension 4123 Council Tax: Tax band G. £2,851.05 payable for 2019/20.