Overview
- Location: On the edge of Devizes, a picturesque market town in Wiltshire
- Price: Listed at £3.25 million
- Listing Agent: Marketed by Savills
Castle Description
Devizes Castle stands as a grand and historic Grade I listed building, prominently featuring:
- Architecture: Constructed from attractive stone, the castle boasts alluring castellations and turrets.
- Views: Offers chimney pot views to the east and expansive countryside views to the west.
Interior Features
The castle’s luxurious interior includes:
- Rooms: Nine bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, drawing room, dining room, library, study, fernery, secondary kitchen, utility room, and boot room.
- Design Elements: Period features such as stone mullioned windows, detailed stone archways, and richly decorated high ceilings.
- Specialty Areas: The library is equipped with decoratively carved bookcases, and the dining room is spacious enough for both lavish entertaining and family dining.
Exterior and Gardens
- Front Garden: Adorned with an abundance of mature trees.
- Rear Garden: Encircled by the castle’s ramparts, featuring landscaped herbaceous borders, water features, and lawn areas for privacy and beauty.
Historical Significance
Early History
- Origins: Initially built around 1080 by Bishop Osmund of Salisbury.
- Reconstruction: After being burnt down, it was rebuilt in stone during King Henry I’s reign.
Royal Connections
- Royal Residents: Hosted monarchs such as King John, Henry III, and Edward I.
- Ownership: Remained a royal property, frequently occupied by the Queens of England up to the 17th century.
Civil War Impact
- 17th Century: The castle was controlled by the Royalists and suffered significant damage during the Civil War.
Restoration
- 19th Century Revival: Architect H.E. Goodridge designed the current structure in the 1830s, resurrecting the castle’s stature and prominence.
This remarkable property not only offers a luxurious residence but also a piece of England’s rich history, now available for ownership.
