Beckington Castle, a 400-year-old Somerset property steeped in history and legend, is now on the market with an asking price of £995,000. Located near Frome, this Grade II listed building has served many roles over the centuries—from nobleman’s residence and hotel to school and office space.
Perhaps its most intriguing chapter was as Ravenscroft School from 1945 to 1970, during which time reports emerged of paranormal activity. A student claimed to have seen a dark shadow passing through a wall, fueling the castle’s reputation for being haunted. This eerie allure was even used as a selling point in a real estate advertisement dating back to the 1910s. Fortunately for the faint-hearted, the supernatural tourism website Haunted Hosts rates Beckington Castle’s “threat level” as harmless, suggesting any spirits might be more friendly than fearsome.
Estate agent Cooper and Tanner describe Beckington Castle as “a striking and historic 17th-century house that has been home to several notable residents.” Over time, it has transformed from private residence to hotel, antiques showroom, school, and most recently into office headquarters following renovations in the 1990s by its current owners.
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Spanning four main floors plus a cellar and covering 18,295 square feet, the castle features unique spaces such as a merchants’ room, ‘long room,’ reception room, and intriguingly, a room marked as a ‘maternity ward’ on the floor plan. While it is presently listed as commercial property, potential buyers are encouraged to explore converting it back into a private home.
Interestingly, Beckington Castle was originally known as ‘Castle House’ when first acquired, only gradually adopting the ‘castle’ moniker over time. Today, the new owner would enjoy living in Beckington, a charming village with a history spanning over a thousand years. Amenities include two schools, a local pub, deli, and even a nearby Starbucks, offering a balance of historic charm and modern convenience.
Cooper and Tanner remain open for comment as interest in this unique property continues to grow.