House in the Clouds

“House in the Clouds is one of the UK’s most unusual hotels. It offers European comfort in… a former water tower.

History

Imagine walking through a small Suffolk town, tucked away in its own green grounds. Next to it you see a babbling brook, a spinning windmill, small houses and gardens encompassing a picture worthy of an artist’s brush. Suddenly, when you look up, you notice a house that’s literally hanging over the treetops of the tallest trees.

Don’t rush to call a doctor and diagnose yourself. This is not a hallucination but a real structure which is now one of the most unusual hotels in England.

In 1803, a windmill was built in the village of Torpeness. In 1923, a water tower was built next to it. Initially its appearance did not bother anyone, but over time the villagers began to complain that the engineering structure spoiled the aesthetic appeal of the village.

As a result, a decision was taken to modernise the tower by decorating its facade with fake windows and doors. With the appearance of centralised water supply, interest in the tower disappeared altogether. But not for everyone. Stuart Ogilvy became interested in the unattractive engineering structure. The Scottish landowner, playwright and lawyer bought the old water tower. Stuart Ogilvy was able to see the tourist potential in this unremarkable structure.

Thanks to the efforts of engineers and architects, in 1979 the old water tower became a charming hotel in the form of a house floating above the trees.

A house in the clouds today

Nowadays, travellers can stay in the unusual hotel. It offers its guests a tranquil stay in the classic English style. On the ground floor of the building there is a dining room, an entrance hall, a cloakroom, a toilet and other utility rooms.

The first floor has a spacious living room, two bedrooms, bathroom, shower and toilet. The third floor is a spacious bedroom with a huge bed, a bathroom, a roomy wardrobe and a sleeping area for a child. A fourth-floor apartment is available for guests.

The top floor five has a games room with a pool table and other paraphernalia for an enjoyable holiday. The floors are connected to each other by stairs.

The architects kept the water tank, converting the space into a ‘Room at the Top’. Early morning guests can admire the wondrous dawns and vivid scenery.

The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay with all the comforts of home:

• microwave oven;
• washing machine and dishwasher;
• refrigerator;
• gas central heating.

The area around the house has also been designed with guests in mind. There are purpose-built areas for traditional English sports such as croquet and tennis. And walking in the picturesque countryside is an integral part of the classic English daily routine.