2 bedroom apartment for sale

A unique multi-level 1/2 bedroom Turret flat forming part of the original Avon Castle, nestling on the banks of the River Avon, enjoying panoramic views across the river and Avon Valley water meadows beyond. No onward chain.

Summary of Accommodation

* COMMUNAL BARONIAL STYLE RECEPTION HALL * COMMUNAL STYLE STAIRCASE TO FIRST FLOOR LANDING * PERSONAL FRONT DOOR WITH SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO SECOND FLOOR * KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM WITH UTILITY CUPBOARD * SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO SECOND FLOOR 2 BEDROOMS & SHOWER ROOM/W.C. * CONTINUAL SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO THIRD FLOOR ACCESS ONTO EXTERNAL RAMPARTED VIEWING PLATFORM PLUS ADDITIONAL STAIRCASE TO UPPER VIEWING DECK * MAGNIFICENT VIEWS ACROSS THE COMMUNAL GARDENS, RIVER AVON AND AVON VALLEY WATER MEADOWS BEYOND *

DESCRIPTION & CONSTRUCTION:
The Turret flat forms part of the original Avon Castle, the former seat of The Earl of Egmont, constructed at considerable cost, between 1875 and 1878, forming part of a large agricultural and sporting Estate of approximately 1300 acres, historically. The property is located in a prime position along the banks of the beautiful Hampshire Avon with extensive lawns to the front, leading down to the river and a mature wooded back drop to the rear placing the Castle in a spectacular setting with uninterrupted views across the river and Avon Valley water meadows beyond. The Castle is built-in the medieval style with mullioned windows, castellated turrets, towers and stone façade. The Castle was converted into 10 residential flats, in 1949, some of which, including the Turret, access their flats via the imposing baronial style reception hall, with its’ fine oak floor and panelling, ornate plaster work and sweeping stone staircase. The Turret flat comprises the whole of the main central tower of the Castle, accessed via its own private circular staircase enclosed within an attached staircase & tower & enjoying complete privacy with no other flats adjoining or beneath it. The flat has 3 storey’s in total offering glorious panoramic views across the Castle grounds, River Avon and water meadows beyond. The flat offers a unique lay-out and location within the Castle and provides an excellent letting potential with no onward chain.

SITUATION:
The property is located within one and a half miles of the market town of Ringwood with its weekly street market and comprehensive shopping, leisure and educational facilities. The A31 and A338 provide road links to the main centres of Bournemouth (12 miles), Southampton (16 miles) and Salisbury (18 miles). The open New Forest is within 2 miles distance.

AGENTS NOTE: The narrow winding spiral staircase (with 76 internal stairs) provides access to the 3 internal floors, plus access onto the viewing platform. This external area of roof has a low conical slatted roof enclosed within a castellated parapet which gives easy and safe access to walk around the perimeter. The previous owner had compiled detailed plans to flatten the conical roof, in order to provide a private outdoor seating area. This tower leads up to the additional upper tower which opens out onto a flat area of roof containing the original Castle flag pole holder, again within a castellated parapet wall with a 360 degree panoramic view across the Avon Valley.

DIRECTIONAL NOTE:
From Ringwood, leave in a westerly direction along the A31 dual carriageway towards Ferndown. After a short distance, take the immediate turning left past the Texaco Petrol Station, sign posted to Verwood. As the road bears round to the right, take the first turning left, immediately prior to the dual carriageway underpass onto Hurn Road. Proceed for approximately two thirds of a mile, taking the fifth turning left, (at the brow of the second hill), through the ornamental gates into Avon Castle Drive. Continue along the Drive for a further half a mile and turn left signposted to number 47. Proceed down the drive, whereupon the main entrance to the Avon Castle building will be found directly in front of you.

THE ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES:

COMMUNAL FRONT DOOR TO:

BARONIAL RECEPTION HALL, SWEEPING SEMI-CIRCUAL STAIRCASE, 16 STEPS TO:

PERSONAL FRONT DOOR LEADING TO:

RECEPTION LOBBY, CIRCULAR STAIRCASE WITH 34 STEPS TO:

SECOND FLOOR LANDING: Aspect to the south west. Storage heater. Built-in shelved store cupboard. Door to:

OPEN PLAN KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM: 19’3” (5.88m) x 13’5” (4.11m). This wedge shape room enjoys dual aspect to the south and north east. View from the southern window across ramparts toward the garden. Elegant marble fireplace, cast iron grate. Without loss of measurement to the room, mirror fronted double built-in utility store with plumbing for washing machine, plus water heater and shelving. The kitchen area has been cleverly designed on an l-shape basis with beechwood work tops, plus inset single bowl, single drainer circular stainless steel sink unit with h & c mixer. Range of drawers and floor storage cupboards. Peninsular breakfast bar. Recess for refrigerator, recess for dishwasher with plumbing available. Built-in Neff 4 burner electric hob. Electric oven beneath. Attractive opaque tiled wall surround. Original cornice 10’ (3.05m) ceiling height. 2 ceiling light points. 2 night store heaters.

FROM THE SECOND FLOOR LANDING, DOOR TO:

SHOWER ROOM/W.C.: Aspect to the west. White suite comprising close coupled low level w.c. Fully tiled shower cubicle with Triton electric shower unit. Wash basin. Double floor storage cupboard. Tiled recess. Fitted shelving. Electric panel heating.

FROM THE SECOND FLOOR LANDING, CONTINUATION OF THE CIRCULAR STAIRCASE WITH 16 STEPS TO:

THIRD FLOOR LANDING: Aspect to the south west. Curved door to inner landing. Door to:

BEDROOM/DRAWING ROOM: This ‘semi-circular’ room measures 18’7” (5.69m) x 10’1” (3.09m). Feature arched window on the south easterly elevation providing panoramic view across the communal gardens, River Avon and Avon Valley water meadows beyond. Marble fireplace and hearth, cast iron wood burner, slate hearth, original cornice 10’ (3.05m) high ceiling.

FROM THE INNER LANDING, DOOR TO:

BEDROOM 2: 14’11” (4.55m) x 9’2” (2.81m). Dual aspects to the north and north west, far reaching views across turreted and ramparted roof toward the River Avon and Avon Valley water meadows beyond. 10’ (3.05m) high ceiling. Original cornice. Electric panel heater.

FROM THE THIRD FLOOR LANDING, CONTINUATION OF CIRCULAR STAIRCASE WITH 17 STEPS TO:

FOURTH FLOOR: Aspect to the north. Door to roof terrace with 20’ diameter. Central dome with slate roof. This turret/roof terrace has a narrow walk-way around the perimeter of the dome providing panoramic viewing platform across the Avon Castle grounds, River Avon and water meadows beyond.

FROM THE FOURTH FLOOR LANDING, THERE ARE 9 ADDITIONAL CIRCULAR STEPS GIVNG ACCESS TO A ROOF HATCH, WHICH LEADS TO THE UPPER PLATFORM WHERE THE ORIGINAL FLAG IS POSITIONED.

THE TURRET FLAT HAS ITS OWN MAINS WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

LEASE DETAILS: The flat is held on a 999 year lease which commenced from 1966 with a £10 per annum ground rent. The lease is on a self-repairing basis with the leaseholder being solely responsible for the maintenance and repair of the flat as demised. The owner is not required to make any contribution towards the maintenance or repair of the remainder of the main castle structure, the costs of which are shared between the 9 flats. As such, the owner has complete control over any expenditure to their own property. The leaseholder does however, contribute 10% towards the shared cost of maintaining the gardens, grounds & communal hallways plus 5% towards the building’s insurance premium. A 5% charge is added to these costs for Management purposes. Full details of the requisite contribution are contained within the lease and will be provided on request.

AGENTS NOTE: The other 9 leaseholders of the main Castle, collectively, share the full cost of maintaining, repairing and renewing the main Castle structure both internally and externally. This would include the foundations, walls, windows, doors, roofs, chimney stacks, drain water pipes, external painting and the communal hot/cold water systems serving the other flats. The Turret flat has no liability towards any of these costs being solely responsible for its own maintenance and repairs.

The whole of the Castle communal electricity system was replaced throughout the building in 2016 with new wiring and a new emergency lighting system with motion detectors was installed in the communal hallways. A communal fire alarm system was installed throughout the building in 2018.

OUTSIDE:
The gardens total just under 4 acres with 230 yards of river frontage. Avon Castle is approached via a private drive which leads down to a large gravel forecourt in front of the Castle used by residents for parking. Steps from the main parking area lead down to the lower grass terrace and river bank.

COUNCIL TAX BAND: B

EPC LINK:

Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
These details are for guidance only and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If there is any point, which is of particular importance, verification should be obtained. They do not constitute a contract or part of a contract. All measurements are approximate. No guarantee can be given with regard to planning permissions or fitness for purpose. No apparatus, equipment, fixture or fitting has been tested. Items shown in photographs are NOT necessarily included. Interested Parties are advised to check availability and make an appointment to view before travelling to see a property.

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