One of the few habitable English castles still with a functioning moat, Caverswall Castle combines authentic historic features and modern luxuries with its convenient location on 20 acres near two tributaries of the River Blythe in the lush Staffordshire countryside. A building of exceptional historic interest, the castle-besides being a prime example of the architectural design of its era-is valued for its striking appearance and fascinating history. Sir William de Caverswall was granted a license in 1275 to create a moat and build his castle upon the remains of an Anglo Saxon manor. The castle passed through the hands of several noble families until it was refurbished in the 1600s by the mayor of Stafford, who built a three-story formal Jacobean estate in a castellar style upon the foundations and within the walls of the bailey. He kept the great tower, walls, and turrets, which became garden pavilions along with the gatehouse, and since that time the overall layout has remained relatively unchanged. The castle has been host to various orders of nuns, and has been owned on three separate occasions by the Wedgwood family, which added the decorative Wedgwood ceiling in the library. In 1891 a new wing called The Moathouse was added. The castle has more recently undergone major restoration and renovation, bringing it into the 21st Century, yet retaining its historic interiors. The main entrance is approached via a sweeping drive to the double-round arched bridge that spans the moat and leads through a typically Tudor entry with studded oak door, the gateway flanked by an octagonal gatehouse opening into the bailey. Built from sandstone on solid bedrock, the enormous manor house comprises more than 70 rooms in all, including 18 bedrooms-among them the Princess Suite, Queen's Suite, King's Suite, Regal Suite, Prince's Suite, Knight's Suite and Knave's Suite-nine reception rooms, 13 bathrooms, a drawing room, library, billiards room, chapel room, kitchen, dining room, games room, gym, and cellar. The furnishings are in keeping with the castle's storied heritage, some of the highlights being intricately carved four-poster beds, huge sideboards, and an impressive suit of armor; one of the rooms features an original 1890s bath. Outside the manor yet within the bailey are a converted gatehouse, an orangery, a workshop, and a Medieval dungeon. The extensive mature grounds are abundant with wildlife-nightingales and woodpeckers can regularly be seen from the river terrace-and the moat and lakes are stocked with trout. Views from the roof terrace carry out beyond the verdant gardens and parklands to the lakes and farmland beyond. Caverswall Castle, an outstanding residential country home, also has tremendous potential for reimagining as a luxury spa hotel, wedding and event venue, business headquarters, or wellness retreat.