About this property
A converted water tower, the Concrete Castle is a unique countryside property accommodating 18 guests over multiple floors. With a passenger lift, cinema room and an 80ft high roof garden this holiday home offers something different for everyone making it the perfect place to celebrate your special occasion or simply to relax with friends and family.
Previously a redundant water tower, this iconic landmark offers far more than just 5 star facilities; it provides you and your guests with a unique and unforgettable experience. This octagonal tower comfortably caters for 18 guests, with group accommodation split over 7 floors with the comfort of a passenger lift. In addition to it’s huge modern kitchen, multi-functional living room and 3 floors of bedrooms, The Concrete Castle also boasts a Games room and Theatre style cinema room. The jewel in the crown is the Tower’s roof garden, which at 80ft high offers incredible and unrivalled panoramic views across the Shotley Peninsula.
The property is located in the Suffolk village of Freston, on the Shotley Peninsula. A few miles South of Ipswich and ideally positioned on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the property is the perfect base from which to explore. With two rivers nearby we would recommend a riverside walk, taking in the local wildlife at Pin Mill, Chelmondiston. Or taking a short drive further along to the end of the peninsula you will find Shotley Marina. Here the river Stour meets the river Orwell and you can take a boat across the harbour to Harwich or relax in the Marina's bar or restaurant. There are many lovely country walks around the surrounding villages and a choice of traditional pubs along the way! Close by is Alton Water, with it's cycle routes, watersports, and childrens play area. Suffolk Food Hall and Farm Shop is also worth a visit, with lovely views of the River Orwell, as is Jimmys Farm & Wildlife Park for the children.
The nearby town of Ipswich offers two cinemas, theatres, bowling and plenty of shops and places to eat. For cafes and restaurants with a view, take a stroll along Ipswich Waterfront. Christchurch Park and mansion is a lovely, tranquil place to visit in the centre of the town. There are a few indoor play centres and trampoline parks for the children as well as Crown Pools Leisure Centre and Suffolk Ski Centre for those feeling active. There are a number of golf courses and driving ranges just outside the town. Further afield Sutton Hoo, Mistley and Manningtree are worth a visit as is the medieval village of Lavenham. Colchester is a short drive away and home to a Castle and a Zoo whilst Felixstowe is great for a day by the sea. For our thrill seeking guests Pleasure Wood Hills Theme Park is an hour and a half's drive awy - ideal for an exciting day out!
,Ground Floor - Kitchen/Dining
The vast kitchen is well equipped for larger groups including a large breakfast bar and a separate table that seats 18. Guests can cook, eat and socialise all within this area and on a nice day the French doors can be opened up allowing you to sit outside at the banquet table and admire the views of the surrounding countryside.
Up a flight of stairs and the entire first floor is given over to the main living area.
First Floor - Living Area
Relax on one of the comfy sofas around the 85” Smart TV, play a game of pool or sit and read with a coffee – there is ample space for small groups and individuals to enjoy this room without getting in each other’s way.
Second, Third & Fourth floors - Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The sheer size of this property provides a layout that works effectively for many different groups.
With 9 bedrooms over 3 floors the Tower can easily accommodate individual families. Each floor has 3 bedrooms – a master with ensuite shower and 2 further twin rooms, (one of which can be made into a Superking) and also a separate bathroom with tub shower. All bedrooms have a TV and plenty of storage space.
Fifth Floor - Entertainment Floor & Cinema Room
In addition to the large living space, on the top floor is the Games Room, home to a Nintendo Wii and an X-Box along with 2 separate 42” screens which should keep everyone happy as well as an arcade machine and DJ style music system.
Guests can also make the most of the high ceilings and wander around the overlooking gallery area – take a look at the renovation pictures, look out of the windows for an impressive view or try out the cross trainer if you’re feeling energetic!
Tucked away the theatre style cinema room provides an exciting extra luxury and one that most UK holiday homes are unable to provide.
The tiered seating accommodates all guests and stairs can be lit up in the dark. Pick a film from the BluRay library or link your device via hdmi and immerse yourself in the powerful sound system or switch on the disco light and sing along to the karaoke machine – whichever you prefer,
this room is a perfect space for hen parties and other celebrations alike. This room alone is one to be remembered.
Passenger Lift
You could easily imagine feeling lost in this Tower due to it’s sheer size but although there are stairs between each floor, an 8 person passenger lift has also been installed for your convenience. The lift operates between Ground level and the Games Room on the top floor with a stop halfway up, on the middle bedroom level.
Roof Deck
To get away from it all, take the stairs from the Games Room up on to the roof deck. Here you can sit in the roof garden with a cold drink or enjoy the backdrop of surrounding countryside from the viewing platform.
At 80ft high, you will be mesmerized by the views even on a misty day. Whether looking North towards the River Orwell and the iconic Orwell Bridge, East to the docks at Felixstowe or South towards Holbrook and the River Stour you can admire all 360 degrees up here.
As you move around the property, wide landing areas, soft armchairs and coloured artwork provide lots of interest. Wherever you are in this building there are tall windows which compliment the Tower’s unique shape as well as allowing lots of light into the building.
Garden and Grounds
Outside there is ample parking for several cars, a large banquet style table with bench seating, a small basketball court and a wild flower garden.