Castle Hill House has been upgraded by the Secretary of State, because it is of special interest to the town.

The listed building, in Castle Hill Road, was previously Grade II listed, but now it has been given a star next to its name because of its historical appeal.

Owner Julia Stavrietsky said: “This raises Castle Hill House to the same level of historical and architectural significance as Maison Dieu Hall and Maison Dieu House.”

The document of confirmation came through in September and Ms Stavrietsky said the letter referred to the building as “the grandest C18 house in Dover”.

The letter continued: “The upgrade is a reflection of it being of more than special architectural interest for its quality of composition, detailing, distinctive plan form and outstanding interior decorative features, its degree of survival, its rarity of type in Dover and its historical associations with prominent local and national figures.”