AVAILABLE FOR SHORT LET UP TO 3 MONTHS
The Tower combines contemporary luxury with an abundance of original character, creating an unforgettable living experience. Arranged over eight floors, the accommodation begins with a spectacular double-height entrance hall leading to elegant reception areas, ideal for both relaxation and entertaining.
The stylish kitchen/breakfast room is flooded with natural light from a striking roof lantern and opens directly onto a private patio, perfect for al fresco dining.
The upper floors provide versatile living space, including a utility room on the 1st floor, home office with a balcony for morning coffee and generous drawing room on the 2nd floor. The guest bedroom suite occupies the 4th floor, the principal suite occupies the 5th floor and features bespoke storage, exquisite interiors and an open-plan bathroom, the 6th floor has an impressive sitting room with separate WC and the remaining 2 bedrooms and bathroom are found on the 3rd floor.
To avoid you getting dizzy, the lift runs from the 2nd floor to the 6th floor, to enable easy access to the main floors. Crowning the property are two remarkable roof terraces, including a stunning entertaining terrace with outdoor kitchen and bar area. From here, residents can enjoy breath-taking panoramic views across Surrey and towards London's skyline. Available fully furnished for stays of up to three months, Ruxley Tower is ideally suited to those seeking a prestigious temporary home, relocation base, or luxurious lock-up-and-leave residence. A truly one-of-a-kind property that must be seen to be appreciated.
The Story of Ruxley Tower -
Ruxley Tower is one of Surrey's most remarkable and recognisable landmark homes. Rising more than 80 feet above the surrounding countryside, this extraordinary Gothic Revival tower was commissioned by Lord Foley in the 1870s as part of an ambitious transformation of the Ruxley estate. Its dramatic architecture features vaulted ceilings, a striking spiral staircase, arched doorways, arrow slits, castellated parapets and distinctive dragon gargoyles, creating the appearance of a medieval fortress in the heart of Surrey.
Today, the Tower enjoys spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across London and the Surrey Hills. From its private roof terraces, landmarks including The Shard and Wembley Stadium can be seen on a clear day, reinforcing the property's unique position as one of the area's most exceptional residences.
Historic Origins
The wider Ruxley estate traces its roots back to the Tudor period and occupies land long associated with the former hunting grounds of King Henry VIII. Local history suggests that a hunting lodge once stood on the site, forming part of the royal deer park that stretched across this part of Surrey.
The estate entered a new chapter in 1872 when Henry Thomas Foley, 5th Baron Foley of Kidderminster, acquired more than 600 acres of land around Claygate and Chessington. At its centre stood Ruxley Lodge, a substantial country house which Lord Foley dramatically enlarged. He commissioned the magnificent octagonal tower as a romantic gesture for his wife, Lady Evelyne Vaughan Radford, creating the distinctive Gothic structure that remains today.
Inspired by 15th-century Gothic architecture, the design incorporated turrets, gargoyles, arrow loops and ornamental stonework, transforming the original house into the grandly named Ruxley Towers.
The building became one of Surrey's most striking Victorian architectural statements and remains Grade II Listed in recognition of its historical and architectural significance.
Lord Foley and the Development of Claygate
Henry Thomas Foley inherited the title of 5th Baron Foley in 1869 and was a prominent landowner and developer. Beyond Ruxley Towers, he played a significant role in shaping modern Claygate, particularly following the arrival of the railway. Many of the area's residential streets, including Foley Road and Fitzalan Road, reflect his influence and legacy.
The battle for architectural and geographical dominance
Ruxley Tower's commanding position on Ruxley Ridge has long invited comparison with The Belvedere at Claremont, another of Elmbridge's iconic hilltop landmarks. Built over 150 years apart, both towers were designed to maximise their elevated settings and enjoy sweeping views across Surrey and towards London.
Constructed in 1717 by Sir John Vanbrugh, The Belvedere at Claremont was created as a grand viewing tower and folly, offering far-reaching vistas that once stretched as far as Windsor Castle and St Paul's Cathedral. Ruxley Tower followed in 1870 when Lord Foley commissioned the dramatic Gothic Revival structure as part of his expansion of the Ruxley estate. Rising more than 80 feet and adorned with turrets, battlements and dragon gargoyles, it was designed to make an equally bold architectural statement. While The Belvedere is celebrated for its Georgian heritage and royal associations, Ruxley Tower stands apart for its height, striking Victorian Gothic design and fascinating history. Its elevated position later proved strategically important during the Second World War, when it served as an observation post and military headquarters.
Together, these two landmark towers represent a unique chapter in Surrey's history, each built to dominate its respective ridge and capture some of the finest views in the county.
Wartime Importance
Ruxley Tower's commanding position proved invaluable during the Second World War. In 1938, as tensions across Europe increased, the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) relocated their headquarters from London to Ruxley Towers. During the Battle of Britain, the tower served as an important observation post and military monitoring station. Its elevated position allowed observers to track aircraft movements across the skies of southern England, and the rooftop lookout offered exceptionally clear views across the surrounding landscape. On favourable days, activity across the English Channel could be observed, making the site a valuable component of Britain's wartime defence network.
A Home of Notable Residents
Over the decades, Ruxley Tower has attracted an array of distinguished residents and visitors. It is said that Queen Victoria once took tea within the property, while former Prime Minister Harold Wilson was among its notable residents during the 1970s.
The Tower's appeal has also extended to the world of music and entertainment. In more recent years, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood famously rented the property, further enhancing its reputation as one of the country's most unique and glamorous homes.
Preservation and Modern Living
Although the original Victorian mansion was eventually demolished, the tower itself survived and was carefully preserved. In the late 1990s, it was converted into a collection of unique residences, retaining its remarkable architectural character while being adapted for modern living.
Today, residents enjoy a home unlike any other, with octagonal rooms, dramatic proportions, original Gothic detailing and spectacular elevated views. Combining royal associations, wartime history, architectural significance and celebrity connections, Ruxley Tower stands as one of Surrey's most fascinating and distinctive landmark properties.