A secret passage leading to a spiral staircase is one of the intriguing features in a Grade II listed Victorian property once owned by a duke’s daughter.

Barcote Tower, in Buckland, is part of Barcote Park mansion, built for the Duke of Westminster’s daughter Lady Theodora Guest in 1876.

It was mainly used as a hunting lodge before being sold to William West, a director of the Great Western Railway in 1881.

It was later turned into a boarding school before being converted into four houses.

Barcote Tower is ranged over three floors and includes a drawing room, living/dining room with windows on three sides, kitchen, gym, sauna, store rooms and wine cellar, two garages, gardens and access to 20 acres of parkland.

The secret passageway, hidden behind a cabinet in the drawing room, leads up a spiral staircase in the tower to a bedroom.

Kate Pierce Williams, of agents John D Wood, said: “Barcote Park has an interesting history and the communal grounds are wonderful with acres of walks and unusual features such as a Victorian fountain and fern pond.”

John D Wood is also marketing another property on the estate, converted from what was once a coach house and stables.

Westminster Court includes an open-plan sitting/dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, a garage and share of the grounds.

Barcote Tower is on the market for £875,000 and Westminster Court for £595,000.

For more information, contact John D Wood on 01865 311522 or visit johndwood.co.uk