An endangered historic tower is to be restored for £4 million and let to holidaymakers.

Hadlow Tower, a Grade 1 listed gothic revival folly and previously owned by Tonbridge and Malling council, is to become the county's newest tourist attraction, with the promise of luxury accommodation.

It is now owned by the Vivat Trust and will join the Trust's portfolio of 25 smaller historic holiday properties.

Mansell Construction Services and specialist contractors are to carry out the work which includes the reinstatement of missing pre-cast and moulded decoration, and of the lantern.

The ground floor will provide exhibition space where the history of the building and its signifcance will be explained. This space will be opened to the public on a regular basis and is the initiative of the SAVE Hadlow Tower Action Group.

Vivat director Laura Norris said: "We are delighted that the building will be saved and that that once restored, the building will be enjoyed by a wide range of visitors. It will be a landmark that the local community can be proud of once again."

Restoration of a folly built around 1835 marks the end of a campaign to save the building- identified by English Heritage as a longstanding building at risk - and gives it a sustainable new use. In 1998, it was entered on a list of the 100 Most Endangered Sites in the World.

Work is being funded by £2million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and further support from English Heritage, the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Country Houses Foundation and the Monument Trust.