This restoration project featured in BBC1’s Countryfile. Catch up on the episode here.

The only remaining semaphore tower in Britain

A unique remnant from the Napoleonic era, the Grade II* listed brick structure is the only surviving semaphore tower in Britain. It was once a cutting-edge building at the forefront of technology and design, a vital link in a signalling chain that transmitted messages from Admiralty House in London to Portsmouth Docks in just a few minutes. But in recent years water ingress had been threatening the structural integrity of the tower to an alarming degree, and its future had been uncertain until Landmark took on the project.

Thanks to the generosity of over 1,000 supporters to our public appeal, experienced contractors Valley Builders began work in spring 2020 and are now are well underway sympathetically and sensitively restoring the structure. We believe it will make a magical Landmark for up to four guests, the renewed roof a wonderful spot to enjoy 360 degree views across to London and the Home Counties, the refurbished machinery a living lesson in technological and engineering history. The five-storey tower will have a kitchen, sitting room, double bedroom and twin bedroom, plus a bathroom and a shower room.

In the heart of a nature reserve

Chatley Heath itself is a nationally important site for dragonflies and damselflies, with twenty species recorded. It also attracts many rare birds. The tower is surrounded by 800 acres of woodland and heathland that can be explored by the many footpaths and cycle paths. The basement will provide a bike store for those keen on exploring the area by bike. We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far for holidays and free open days on completion.