This former fortress has a new lease on life as 26 luxury flats, all of which are now seeking buyers. In the English countryside between Sheffield and Birmingham, the meticulously renovated Riber Castle is ready for its market debut as an apartment complex that’s fit for a king. Built in 1862 as the private residence of industrialist John Smedley, the building has had many lives, including as a boarding school, a WWII emergency food storage facility and a “wildlife park,” which was run from the castle grounds before it was abandoned and left in a derelict state.
By the time the Wright Family acquired the property in 2000, it was in ruins, offering four roofless outer walls. Over the course of the subsequent years, they were able to painstakingly rehabilitate the space and convert it into more than two dozen homes while preserving the castle’s original exterior. The units — which seek between approximately $740,000 to $1.
2 million apiece and range from around 1,400 to 1,950 square feet — today offer such contemporary attributes as underfloor heating, high-speed internet access and modern appointments throughout, while still featuring the stunningly restored castle facade. Upper floor units have roof terraces and “the tower suites” each have a private tower with study area looking to sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. As well, residents will have access to shared, onsite amenities ranging from a wellness spa, a state-of-the-art gym, a courtyard garden, an orangery and a bar-equipped multi-use space.
The main lobby is also quite the sight. “When you enter the grand central hall and look up, you know that you are in for something special, staircases and a lift rise up to a spectacular vaulted ceiling with hand-painted gilt detailing,” describes the listing , which is held by Jamie Adam of Savills. It adds, “24 years after the Castle was purchased the Wright family’s dreams have finally been realized and Riber Castle is restored.
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