A miniature castle in the Cotswolds, complete with 'battlements' and spiral stone staircase, for sale at just £700,000
Near Stroud there is an unusual and completely unique property that has recently launched onto the market that will leave you questioning everything you thought a 'house' should look like.

Looking for all the world like a miniaturised castle, Lypiatt Lodge is actually a striking gatehouse, first built by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville in 1820 to provide access to Lypiatt Park, in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And now it's looking for a new owner — one who won't be afraid to roll up his or her sleeves.
The lodge has been launched onto the market as a 4-5 bedroom property via Knight Frank, who are seeking offers over £700,000. Unique it may be, but there is no denying that the lodge is in serious need of some TLC, money, time and a skilled eye, to turn it into what could be a truly spectacular property.
The lodge has undergone several alternations since its construction, and currently stands as a three-storey tower, with a single storey west wing.
Although restoration work is needed, the property retains many period features, including a Tudor arched doorway and oriel and trefoil headed mullion windows.
The downstairs space is currently configured as a kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms, a study and sitting room.
The picture of the kitchen here tells the story: this is a place which really needs top-to-bottom work, but it's not hard to see the potential with the space. And how many houses come with a stone spiral staircase?
The first and second floor each house a bedroom, and stairs from the second floor bedroom lead out onto the battlements — okay, then, the roof terrace. You know what we mean.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Outside is a mostly south-facing garden, and an adjacent 'yard' area with several outbuildings.
Lypiatt Lodge is currently on the market via Knight Frank for offers over £700,000 — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Stroud: What you need to know
Location: In the middle of Gloucestershire, in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Roman town of Cirencester is approximately 12 miles away, as is Cheltenham.
Atmosphere: The market town of Stroud benefits from excellent independent restaurants, shops and weekly farmers markets. There is a strong art community and acts as a hub for contemporary arts, thanks to Laure Lee's 'Cider with Rosie.'
Things to do: There are plenty of walks and trails to explore in the surrounding area, plus numerous sports, including golf, racing and polo at Cirencester, Bath and Cheltenham.
Schools: Thomas Keble School and Eastcombe Primary School both received 'good' reviews from Ofsted, and there are a number of private schools in the area, including Wycliffe College, King's School and Cheltenham College.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
17 outstanding homes for sale across Britain, from under £250k to £6.5 million, as seen in Country Life
Something for every budget in this week's round up of homes across the country that have come to market via Country Life.
By Toby Keel Published
-
'We started thinking: if we were going to design a bike for Aston Martin, what would it look like? And then we simply couldn’t stop': Aston's new bike has everything you could ever dream of — except a price tag
The new Aston Martin .1R bicycle, a collaboration with manufacturer J.Laverack, leaves Paul Henderson stirred rather than shaken.
By Paul Henderson Published
-
17 outstanding homes for sale across Britain, from under £250k to £6.5 million, as seen in Country Life
Something for every budget in this week's round up of homes across the country that have come to market via Country Life.
By Toby Keel Published
-
An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country Life
An Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
By James Fisher Published
-
Soft tones and a sense of place: A Mayfair duplex that breaks the modern mould
A new designer-led residence at 60 Curzon in Mayfair reminds us that everything new doesn't necessarily have to look it.
By James Fisher Published
-
'The very best North Yorkshire has to offer': The £25 million Kirkham Estate
With 1,103 acres and on the market for the first time in a century, we've got a new frontrunner for the sale of the year.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
The reality of 20 years of house price rises in Britain, from the places that have had a charmed life to the spots where it's a struggle to move back home
At first glance the ups and downs of the property market seem to even out over time — but dig in to the numbers and you'll see wild regional variations which paint a very difference picture. Annabel Dixon analyses new research which tells the story.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A historic Yorkshire hall, meticulously restored to its former 18th-century magnificence
Womersley Park is a masterpiece and one of Yorkshire's great historic houses. And it could be yours.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Rowing past dreams: An idyllic riverside home with a boathouse, croquet pitch and Olympic pedigree
The Manor in Long Wittenham is a perfect Thames-side getaway. Comes with a free boat.
By James Fisher Published
-
A bucolic Sussex home that's 'like stepping into a fairytale', yet just 30 minutes from central London
Felmere House is a playground for nature and only 30 minutes from London.
By James Fisher Last updated