For much of its 600-plus years history, Middleton Castle has been cut off from visitors as the home to various noble families. But now it is welcoming guests as one of Norfolk's most unique - and grandest - holiday homes. There can't be many which come complete with their own moat, battlements and turrets.

As owner Tom Barclay explains, the castle, nestled in the west Norfolk countryside near King's Lynn, was built in three stages. The first bit was built by nobleman Thomas Scales in around the 1450s.

The Great Hall at Middleton Castle. The Great Hall at Middleton Castle. (Image: Simon Hird) 'The next was built around the 1860s and my great great grandfather built the last bit on, in about 1902,' he says. 'It's been in my family since about the 1880s.'

When Tom's father handed the Grade I listed castle to him last year, he decided to make it available for stays, celebrations and corporate retreats when not being used by him and his family. He is also in the process of being granted a wedding licence.

A grand dining room at Middleton Castle. A grand dining room at Middleton Castle. (Image: Simon Hird) 'In this day and age it doesn't make sense having a 15-bedroom castle for the four of us,' says Tom. 'It's perfect for celebrations such as 40ths and 50ths and wedding celebrations - a lot of people got married during covid when gatherings were limited and want to have a celebration.'

 

A chance to live out those Downton Abbey fantasies, the 15 traditionally decorated bedrooms consist of three twin bedrooms, three zip and link bedrooms, nine double bedrooms, and a master suite with an adjoining reception room. There are also 13 bathrooms - five elegant en-suites, five family bathrooms and three separate loos.

One of Middleton Castle's sumptuous bathrooms. One of Middleton Castle's sumptuous bathrooms. (Image: Simon Hird) There are also four reception rooms, two of which have open fires, a beautiful oak-panelled dining room which seats up to 30 people, a billiards room. which also has a table tennis table, and a big family kitchen completely with that country house essential - an Aga.

Outside there's a croquet lawn and a summer house and seating areas with fire pits and a barbecue. And there's space to land your helicopter too!

Tom says that his favourite room in the castle is the billiards room.

'It has got peacock tapestries round the side and it's the oldest part of the house.'

Prices range from £3,900 to £5,000 per night. middletoncastle.com

One of the 15 guest rooms at Middleton Castle. One of the 15 guest rooms at Middleton Castle. (Image: Simon Hird) The sociable kitchen dining space at Middleton Castle. The sociable kitchen dining space at Middleton Castle. (Image: Simon Hird) One of the guest rooms at Middleton Castle. One of the guest rooms at Middleton Castle. (Image: Simon Hird) The Billiards Room at Middleton Castle. The Billiards Room at Middleton Castle. (Image: Simon Hird) A grand staircase at Middleton Castle. A grand staircase at Middleton Castle. (Image: Simon Hird) There are lots of communal spaces for guests to relax in at Middleton Castle. There are lots of communal spaces for guests to relax in at Middleton Castle. (Image: Simon Hird)