Dinton Castle, a tiny property located in the English countryside near the village of Dinton in Buckinghamshire, has recently gained viral popularity on TikTok. In an interview with the owner, John Carver, the unique castle has garnered over 2.5 million views. Built 250 years ago as a “folly,” the castle was initially used to store fossils and decorate an estate.
Constructed in 1769 by Sir John Vatterhorn, the building housed his extensive collection of ammonite fossils. Originally named Dinton Folly, the structure falls under the classification of a castle according to historical documentation such as Sir John Vanhattern’s diaries and land registry documents. However, it does not fit the traditional definition of a fortified castle, which has caused some debate.
After a fire destroyed much of the wooden structure, Dinton Castle remained in ruins for approximately two centuries. It became a popular destination for local teenagers, who used it for climbing, smoking weed, and setting off fireworks. In 2018, Spanish architect Jimmy Fernandez saw the building’s potential and spent a year restoring it. The restoration process was filmed for the television show “Grand Designs.” Fernandez added a compact spiral staircase surrounded by original brickwork, making the castle habitable once again.
Carver, the current owner, fulfilled his childhood dream of living in a castle when he saw Dinton Castle for sale in 2021. He was captivated by its shape, symmetry, and beauty, as well as its recent restoration. Carver put the castle on Airbnb in June 2022 to make some extra money. The property can comfortably accommodate a family of four in its two bedrooms, both of which have en-suite shower rooms.
While the bedrooms may be compact, the living room is spacious and serves as the social hub of the castle. With its octagonal shape and numerous windows, the room offers plenty of natural light and seating for hosting guests. A newly installed wood-burning stove adds a cozy ambiance to the space. Carver recently added a 65-inch TV screen with streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Below the castle, there is a modern underground kitchen that blends contemporary design with the building’s history. The kitchen features an instant hot-water tap, microwave, oven, fridge-freezer, and a Sonos surround system. Due to its partially underground location, it is not uncommon to spot squirrels and birds peeking through the grass-level window.
Carver has made several changes to the castle, ensuring they are in keeping with its historical character. One notable addition is an interactive screen in the kitchen that provides guests with instant answers to any questions they may have. The castle has received positive reviews on Airbnb, with guests praising its unique charm and historic appeal.
One potential downside to staying at Dinton Castle is its proximity to a busy highway. The castle’s location alongside the A418 road connecting Oxford and Aylesbury means that there may be some noise disturbance, although the thick walls and double-glazed windows minimize this. The garden, however, can be loud due to the road nearby.
Dinton Castle has become a popular destination for Chinese tourists interested in experiencing an authentic English castle. The property has also attracted attention from supernaturalist groups who wish to explore its haunted history. However, Carver has decided against hosting such activities. According to local folklore, the castle is haunted by John Bigg, known as the “Dinton Hermit,” who lived on the estate until his death in 1696.
Despite its small size and unconventional classification as a castle, Dinton Castle offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Its combination of historical charm and modern comforts make it a popular choice for those looking for an extraordinary getaway in the English countryside.
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