Despite being built in a Gothic Revival style by the owner of the Arley Estate, Lord Mountnorris, the mini-castle is described as being surprisingly light and spacious.

The ground floor has two bedrooms and French doors leading off the master bedroom to the rear courtyard.

Follys were very popular in the 18th century and were usually ornamental buildings with no practical purpose – often towers or mock-Gothic ruins built in large gardens or parks

The beautiful listed building offers views over the River Severn (pictured) and the surrounding valley

The interior of the mini castle is surprisingly light and spacious – and thoroughly modern

The master bedroom at Arley Tower (pictured) has French doors leading out on to a courtyard

From the spiral staircase the first floor comprises of a vaulted living room and balcony, cloakroom and the kitchen.

On the final floor, the tower leads to the roof terrace which is a superb spot to enjoy the views over Upper Arley itself and the River Severn.

The folly, which is located on Arley Lane and is just six miles from Kidderminster, is described by estate agents Knight Frank, in Worcester, as ‘light and spacious.’ 

It has been on the market for a year, after a potential sale fell through, but has generated ‘a huge amount’ of interest so far. 

Follys were very popular in the 18th century and were usually ornamental buildings with no practical purpose and were often towers or mock-Gothic ruins built in large gardens or park estates.

The two-storey building was built in 1842 out of local Arley stone by the owner of the Arley Estate, Lord Mountnorris

The mini castle has generated a ‘huge amount of interest’ from potential buyers – it was previously used as a holiday let

The village of Upper Arley was an estate village, and was owned in the early 19th century by the Earls of Mountnorris – who built the folly in 1842. 

The village estate has had many owners, including Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York and it was passed to the Earls Mountnorris in 1779.

In the late 20th century, it was owned by the iron and steel tycoon Roger Turner.

The village has a railway station for the popular Severn Valley Railway, one of Britain’s preserved steam railways.

It lies on the banks of the River Severn and is popular with tourists who visit its historic church, the Arley Arboretum, and kayak on the Severn.

It also also has one pub, a tearoom and a post office with a shop attached. 

The village is unusual as it is divided unequally in two by the River Severn. 

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