New holiday let in historic tower at Northumberland castle

A unique and historic holiday property, which forms part of a north Northumberland castle, has been launched to the tourism market after a renovation.
Neville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey BloxhamNeville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey Bloxham
Neville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey Bloxham

The Neville Tower has brought together the former Smith Tower and Smith Gate to form a two-bedroom property within the walls of Bamburgh Castle.

It was renamed after Richard Neville, Lord of Warwick, who was responsible for the downfall of Bamburgh Castle in the siege of 1461.

Neville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey BloxhamNeville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey Bloxham
Neville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey Bloxham
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It is on the market through holiday letting agency Crabtree & Crabtree, following work by Bamburgh Castle Estate and Savills.

The property spans three floors of the tower, with the highlight being an impressive top-floor living area with views across Bamburgh beach and out to the Farnes and Holy Island.

Francis Watson-Armstrong, owner of Bamburgh Castle, said: “Bamburgh Castle is one of the UK’s most iconic and revered landmarks and was once home to the Kings of Northumbria. The castle has a dramatic history stretching back thousands of years.

“The impressive renovation of the Neville Tower by Savills with Crabtree & Crabtree is a milestone chapter in the Castle’s history.

Neville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey BloxhamNeville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey Bloxham
Neville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey Bloxham
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“It has paved the way for visitors to stay in our family home and enjoy the sheer tranquillity and beauty Northumberland has to offer, while staying in a property that is an absolute one-off.”

The Neville Tower was completely rebuilt on the medieval foundations by the 1st Lord Armstrong just over 100 years ago.

A cross wall divides the East and West Wards from the Clock Tower, once the Castle’s ancient Bell Tower, to a gateway between the two wards in medieval times. A small turret along the cross wall remains as part of the original fortress.

Jonathan Watson, of Savills’ rural architecture & building surveying team, said: “This project has been a fascinating labour of love.”

Neville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey BloxhamNeville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey Bloxham
Neville Tower, part of Bamburgh Castle, is now available as a holiday property. Picture by Tracey Bloxham
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He added: “The sense of history remains and the views from the tower, where the Castle’s watchman kept a lookout for danger every night in both war or peace-time, have changed very little since medieval times.”

Emma Crabtree, of Crabtree & Crabtree, said: “The quality of this enchanting building speaks for itself and we have reflected that with use of a heritage Farrow & Ball colour scheme, innovative design scheme, bespoke lighting and sumptuous soft furnishings. Historic tourism is a growing sector and we fully anticipate close to 100 per cent occupancy rates for this enchanting holiday let.”

Savills, which manages the Bamburgh Castle Estate for the Armstrong family, and Crabtree & Crabtree have collaborated on a number of properties in the village, including Grove House, Kingfisher Cottage, St Aidan’s Lodge and Sandhills.