The Prospect Tower, Folly tower at Cotehele Estate, Calstock, United Kingdom.
The Prospect Tower is a three-sided stone tower located at Cotehele Estate near Calstock. The structure rises about 60 feet tall on elevated ground and provides views across the Tamar Valley and the surrounding landscape from its observation platform.
The tower was built in the late 18th century as a decorative garden feature. The National Trust acquired it in 1947 along with Cotehele Estate, marking the first property transferred through the National Land Fund system.
The tower stands at Cotehele Estate and reflects 18th-century fashion for combining viewing platforms with ornamental garden design. Visitors today can stand on the observation platform and experience how people once enjoyed distant views from their estates.
A wooden spiral staircase inside leads to the observation platform at the top, involving a moderate climb. The tower sits on elevated ground within the estate, so visitors should wear suitable shoes for walking over hilly terrain.
The three-sided design creates an optical illusion from certain angles, making it resemble an ordinary church tower. This unusual geometry was likely an intentional trick by the original designers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
