Dinton Castle, also known as Dinton Folly, was built as an eyecatcher for the Dinton Hall estate, by Sir John Vanhattern in 1769. He used the castle to store his fossils and ammonites.
THE HISTORY OF DINTON CASTLE
Built in 1769 by Sir John Vanhatten, Dinton Castle was originally used to store his collection of fossils and ammonites. The castle was also believed to be used as a servants quarters and as a meeting place for a local non-conformist congregation.
By 1951 the building was Grade II listed, despite it having been left in ruins for quite some time. In the late 20th century, the castle was added to the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register. It was classified as a Priority A site and onto the Council’s Buildings at Risk Register. In 2009, the structure needed to be stabilized, new beams were installed and some windows repaired.
In 2012 it had been reported by the BBC that the property had been sold. It also reported that the property was by a Saxon burial ground. The BBC also reported that local rumors suggested that the castle was haunted by the Dinton Hermit John Bigg, who died in 1696. In his later years, Biggs was a hermit who lived in a cave on the property.
THE HOUSE TODAY
In 2016 the property was purchased by Spanish architect Jaime Fernandez. In 2017 planning permission was granted to change the castle into a two-bedroom home.
Work soon began on the property, which featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs. The show revealed that Fernandez spent £100,000 purchasing the property and a further £300,000 renovating it.
The property is now laid out over three octagonal floors. Entering the property, there are exposed stone and brickwork internal walls. Stairs descend from the entrance hall to a bespoke breakfast room and kitchen.
Glass doors lead from the living area onto the terrace, with steps down to the garden.
The stairs lead up the castle, finishing on the roof of the property.
The property has two bedrooms, both with ensuites.
After completion, the Fernandez family moved into Dinton Castle. However, the home was put on sale in 2020 for £675,000.
