On the 2nd Dec 2008 officers from the estates department of Plymouth City Council took representatives of Devon Historic Buildings Trust on a tour of properties that were surplus to the council’s requirements.
From all the buildings seen it was agreed by DHBT that Radford Castle had the most potential. At the outset the officers were asked whether there was a problem with the access to the site. They were not sure but said they would enquire into the matter. On this basis negotiations were begun to acquire the property for restoration as a dwelling house.
Over the next year DHBT contacted all their members and associates regarding the restoration of the castle, putting them on hold pending a successful outcome of negotiations that were proceeding, albeit rather slowly. In short a not inconsiderable amount of time and effort was expended by DHBT but still a resolution from PCC did not occur. Time passed.
In November 2009 it became apparent that Wain Homes owned the right of way to the castle and were not prepared to grant it or negotiate further.
In December 2009 DHBT wrote to PCC to say that this being the case there was little point in continuing. Should there be a resolution to the access then they might still be interested.
There were two expressions of interest. One from a company offering unusual holiday lettings and another from an individual who was considering it for a Cafe/Gift shop.
2022-23-24 the Castle was taken over by Jo Radmore and extensive renovations were made with significant improvements and modernisation while keeping the original structure and appearance.
HISTORY
Around 1800 John Harris, owner of Radford House, reached an agreement with the Duke of Bedford whereby they exchanged some lands to tidy the boundaries of their neighbouring estates. John Harris could now realise one of his dreams.
The arrangement with the Duke gave him the land to the East of the tidal creek that ran up to Radford House. Around 1815 he built a dam across the Western end of the creek to create a permanent lake, fed by the small stream. This lake would be used for pleasure, a boathouse and ornamental gardens were added to the West side, and stocked with fish, wildfowl and water plants.
The Dam was built with limestone from nearby Radford Quarry and embellished in the centre with a small mock gothic castle. This was to be a cottage for the groundsman who also controlled the main sluice gate which was built at the southern end of the dam. Opening this would drain the entire lake so enabling cleaning and fishing.
Radford House was demolished in 1937. The only buildings of the estate left in 2014 are the main gate lodge, now in private ownership, the cottage and boathouse on St Keverne’s Quay (now a ruin) and the dam and castle, which eventually passed into Plymouth City Council’s care. Initially it was let to tenants but for the last forty years or so it has been empty except for a brief period as a council store.
It was small, consisting of one downstairs kitchen/diner, toilet/bathroom and two interconnected bedrooms reached via a spiral staircase. At one time a family of ten lived there.
In 2023/24 it was taken over by Joe Radmore and extensively renovated to a high standard making it a unique holiday letting. See www.radfordcastle.com
For more about Radford click on this picture of Radford House
and see Hooelake.org website.