Hilfield Castle

Hilfield Castle is an English country house owned by the Jefferis family in Hertsmere. Its central four-story tower features octagonal turrets, slit windows, machicolations, and crenellations arranged in a Gothic design.

The building was constructed in 1799 by architect Jeffry Wyatville for Hon. George Villiers, replacing a previous structure known as Slys Castle. This project marked a shift from the earlier property to a newly imagined Gothic revival estate.

The estate displays Gothic design choices such as an ecclesiastical-style conservatory and an octagonal breakfast room with a vaulted ceiling. These elements shape how visitors experience the space and reflect the tastes of those who built it.

The property sits roughly one mile southwest of Aldenham and about two miles east of Watford as a private residence. Access is limited to exterior viewing since it remains a family home in active use.

The grounds contain two large reservoirs, one built by French prisoners of war in the 1790s that now serves as a wildlife preserve. This water feature reveals an unexpected historical connection between the estate's past and its role in nature conservation today.

Location: Hertsmere

Inception: 1799

Architects: Jeffry Wyatville

GPS coordinates: 51.65358,-0.33497

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:50