 First built in 1818-20 by James Louis West, on the site of the farmhouse of Maplehurst, it was bought by Benjamin Harding in 1838, for whom it was remodelled to its present appearance by the architect Edward Buckton Lamb.The existing parkland was also developed at the same time, and the terraced gardens, and entrance lodge on the present B2099, were added.The castle was purchased by Edward Watson-Smyth in 1844, and he enlarged it to the north-east and also further extended the parkland.