Beckington Castle, a striking 400-year-old property nestled near Frome in Somerset, is on the market for £995,000. This Grade II listed building has a rich and varied history, having served as a nobleman’s estate, hotel, school, antiques showroom, and most recently, office headquarters.
While its historic charm is undeniable, Beckington Castle also carries a reputation for being haunted. During its time as Ravenscroft School from 1945 to 1970, staff recall a pupil reporting a shadowy figure passing through a wall. Early 20th-century real estate ads even leveraged this eerie reputation to attract interest. Thankfully, according to the Haunted Hosts database, the castle is considered ‘harmless’—more Casper than chilling specter.
Spanning four floors, or five including the cellar, the castellated property boasts an impressive 18,295 square feet. Its rooms include a merchants’ room, a ‘long room,’ several reception areas, and intriguingly, a space marked on floor plans as a ‘maternity ward.’ Although it is currently listed as commercial property, the castle’s potential for conversion back into a private residence makes it an intriguing investment.
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Interestingly, the property wasn’t originally a castle. It began life as a house, named ‘Castle House’ by early owners, before gradually evolving into what is now affectionately called Beckington Castle.
Set within the quaint village of Beckington—home to two schools, a local pub, deli, and even a nearby Starbucks—the new owners will experience a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. This unique estate offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Somerset’s heritage, steeped in history and touched by folklore.