Castle Tor

Designation:
Historic England Register Grade II
Type:
  • Private Gardens
Period/Century:
  • C20
Post Code:
TQ1 2HF
Parish:
Torquay
Local Authority:
Torbay
OS Grid Ref:
SX 93453 63705
Description:

A late 1920s terraced garden around a contemporary house, with architectural elements including terraces, pools and an orangery designed by Fred Harrild (pupil of Lutyens), and planting schemes and design details attributed to George Dillistone of R Wallace and Co, Tunbridge Wells. For a full description view the Historic England Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.

Related designers:

50.4641401, -3.5042696

History

Castle Tor, located on Lincombe Drive in Torquay (originally part of the Glengorse estate), is a Grade II listed property that was originally built for Horace Pickersgill in the 1920s. 

In 1950: The property was sold by Pickersgill to Mrs. Dorcas Croft of Birmingham.

Circa 1980–1997: The property was divided for development, with the original house retaining part of the land, while other sections, including the construction of a new home called "Lincombe Keep" (built 1989-1992), separated the estate. 

Castle Tor (The Original House) now named Castelo do Sol, retains the upper garden terrace and the south-west half of the second terrace, including the canal and orangery.

Lincombe Keep: Comprises the lower terraces and a modern residence built in the early 1990s.