DISNEY fans in the UK have been seeking out a special building that they claim looks like some of the castles from their favourite fairytales.
While not affiliated with Disney in any way, the similarities between the property and those from the film studio’s animations are pretty obvious.
The likeness can especially be seen in the pointed tower standing tall above the rest of the building, while its clean white walls and ornate turrets don’t harm the comparison in any way either.
The building is Strawberry Hill House, found in Twickenham, West London.
It’s considered to be Britain’s “finest example of Georgian Gothic revival architecture” according to Lilium’s Compendium, who also described its collection of art “increasingly important”.
The publication was referring to its extensive bank of paintings and sculptures, but the building itself is something of a work of art too, with Disney fans in particular enjoying its aesthetics.
One of whom was Instagram user Aleksandra Aknin (@aleks_london_diary), who described it in a video as “London’s real-life Disney Castle”.
One of her followers said: “It’s like from a fairytale.”
Another agreed, adding: “It really is Disney’s castle.”
The story of the house, which is now Grade-I listed, is fascinating too and dates back as far as 1747.
The building was originally named “Chopp’d Straw Hall” and was actually a collection of small cottages.
However, it was found by writer and historian Horace Walpole, who had much grander ideas in mind.
He bought the land and turned it into the castle-like building that stands there to this day, with its towers, turrets and extensive gardens, drawing inspiration from Gothic castles throughout Europe.
The home was seen as a something of a novelty even back then when it first opened and tourists made the trip to Twickenham especially to visit. However, they could only do so on Walpole’s strict terms.
Look Up London explained: “You must book in advance, in a maximum group of four and strictly no children.
“Occasionally Walpole might take you around the house, but usually a servant would take you on a tour.”
Best Castles in the UK
The UK is home to some amazing castles - here are some of the best
Bamburgh Castle
This medieval fortress is built overlooking the stunning Northumberland coast, offering a wonderfully picturesque place to explore some of England’s history.
The castle itself is incredibly well preserved and dates all the way back to the 11th century.
Kenilworth Castle
Brits can find out about sieges and royal scandals at Kenilworth Castle, one of the most famous forts in the country.
The medieval castle has had a fascinating history and was even transformed into an Elizabethan palace.
Today its keep, its Tudor towers and Elizabethan garden are among the sights people can explore.
Dover Castle
This fort rises high above the famous white cliffs, providing another stunning sight for visitors.
Another 11th Century build, constructed soon after 1066, it has been the site of some historically important moments, including the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Allied troops from the beach of Dunkirk.
Among its top features are its Great Tower, with a recreated medieval interior, which people can climb to the top of and enjoy the surrounding views.
Today, the rules for visiting are a bit more relaxed, with kids under the age of 16 even getting free entry.
It hosts concerts and performances in its five-acre gardens, with the likes of Shakespeare´s The Comedy of Errors and New Orleans-style big band The Swing Ninjas among several shows this summer.
Meanwhile, tours of the gardens and house take place regularly, with plenty to explore, including ornate rooms, stained glass windows and grottos.
Tours of the insides take place on the second and last Sunday of each month, while garden tour dates can be found listed on the house’s website.
However, visitors are able to go walk around themselves the rest of the time.
The house and shop are open from Saturday – Wednesday, 11am – 4pm, while the garden & garden café open earlier at 9am – 4pm on the same days.
The garden is free to enter, while the house costs £14.50 for adults, with children under 16 getting in for free.
Meanwhile, these are real-life Disney locations that can visited in the UK.
And this country has castles that are said to have inspired the real Cinderella castle at Disneyland.
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