Winner of Channel 5's I Own Britain's Best Home 2008

This Grade II folly looks like a Norman castle. In fact, it started life in the early 19th century as a farmhouse and barn for breeding shire horses. These were converted into a castle by the Shaw family in about 1860. But they never lived there; they simply wanted to create a view and being the owners of one of the biggest woollen mills in Yorkshire, they could afford to indulge their fantasies.

A local historian says: "They wanted a romantic castle in their view, something they could see from their own large house, so they built this. It was a very romantic idea...."

The castle boasts battlements, towers with arrow slit windows and arch headed windows. The ruins of a mill stand in the grounds and there is also a working water wheel.

The castle was bought by Terry George and Michael Rothwell in 2002 and they have since spent, along with the help of Interior Designer Ben Huckerby, almost £1 million modernising it. The four years of renovations have included converting the old stable block into a indoor, heated swimming pool and restoring as many of the castle's original features as possible.

Set in 12 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, once through the private electric gates of the property, you really are lord of the manor. Follow a path up to a lake complete with rowing boat, take advantage of the quiet BBQ area and befriend the local deer in the neighbouring field.

Accommodation The castle sleeps 10 people across it's 5 bedrooms (2 with en-suite) with a minimum stay of a 2 nights.

There is a real feel of continuity throughout the five double bedrooms, offering sumptuous carpets, luxurious fabrics and subtle storage. The master suite has an expansive dressing room and en suite shower room, while the attic room is a veritable den of luxury; from the lounger in the en suite to the cosy double bedroom squirreled away on the third floor (the staircase to this bedroom leads from a double). The other three bedrooms share two fantastic bathrooms; a circular shower room as well as a steam bathroom with TV.

Relax in the 'conservatory' where you overlook the water wheel in the garden. Alternatively, stretch out on the sofas in front of the roaring fire. The indoor pool, gym and outdoor hot tub are perfect to pamper yourself whatever the weather.

Everything from homecooked heat-yourself delicacies to elaborate celebratory meals can be created for you by a local chef. Activities from archery to clay pigeon shooting can be arranged nearby, or spoil yourself and arrange to have an in-house spa treatment; indulge from massages to facials and pedicures.