General & History

In 2008 Woolshaw Castle won an interior design award for its imaginative use of contemporary design within a traditional property. However, this Grade II folly which looks like a Norman castle, started life in the early 19th Century as a farmhouse and barn for breeding shire horses.

These were converted into a castle by the rich owners of a woollen mill in the mid 19th century. The family never lived there: they just wanted to create a view of a castle which they could see from their own large house.

The castle boasts battlements, towers with arrow slit windows and arch headed windows.

The cottage next to the castle was used by the farm manager but over the years the properties gradually fell into disrepair.

The buildings were bought and partially modernised in 1964, before being sold in 2002 to the current owners who have created a wonderful contemporary interior and converted the stable block into a fantastic indoor swimming pool and gym.

The ruins of a mill stand in the twelve-acre grounds and there is also a working water wheel.

Please note that no more than 10 people are allowed in the building for insurance reasons. If you wish to hold an event where more than 10 people will be present, please contact the owner or Holiday Castle Rentals for information about on site venues for such events.