By GLEN KEOGH, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Published: | Updated:
If you’re hooked on this year’s Celebrity Traitors and wondering how you could ever replicate its gothic grandeur at home, there may now be a golden opportunity.
For those with deep pockets, a stunning eight-bedroom castle set in four-and-a-half acres of land has gone on the market – for the price of a central London townhouse.
On sale for offers over £2million, those wishing to emulate Traitors host Claudia Winkleman could own their own medieval castle (the Traitors castle in the Scottish Highlands is a mere 300 years old), built of stone from nearby Hadrian’s Wall.
Bellister Castle, in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, dates to the 12th Century and sits on an elevated motte within 1,200 acres of National Trust parkland.
The Grade-I listed castle, which was owned by the Blenkinsop family until 1697, is set over an impressive 4,778sq ft, surrounded by mature trees and is a short drive to the Lake District, rural Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
Estate agent Sanderson Young, which is selling the property, says that ‘attention to detail is in every aspect, combining all the luxuries of modern-day living set within a superb example of an historic, fortified mansion with rich provenance.’
The listing adds: ‘The rarity of such an opportunity is self-evident and is presented to a superb standard throughout. It is an opportunity for a purchaser to buy into the fabric of England.’
In addition to the castle, buyers would also be taking ownership of a two-bedroom lodge, with courtyard outbuildings.
Bellister Castle in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, is on the market for offers over £2million
It comes with a number of outbuildings and a two-bedroom lodge
Its manicured gardens are set within 1,200 acres of National Trust parkland
The castle has been lovingly restored by its current owners, offering 'modernity... against a backdrop of outstanding historical features'
Current owner Andrew Greening said there is ‘significant potential’ for buyers hoping to make it their own rural haven
The castle was substantially renovated and rebuilt by renowned architect John Dobson in 1826 and since then has been brought back to its ‘full glory’ by the current owners who have endeavoured to mix the rich history of the castle with modern living.
Current owner Andrew Greening, who made the castle his family home with wife Jacqueline, said there is ‘significant potential’ for buyers hoping to make it their own rural haven.
‘Anyone who wishes to experience the majesty and excitement of waking up in a historic English Castle would not be disappointed,’ he said.
‘Deer are to be seen roaming the grounds in the early morning, beautiful swathes of bluebells in the spring, and the peace and tranquillity of being surrounded by National Trust Ancient Woodland and the bordering Bellister Estate farms, guarantee private and tranquil living for the future.
‘Whilst we have much enjoyed returning the castle and lodge back to their former glory, there remains significant potential to further develop the farmhouse and stables into a secluded multi-generational haven, if desired.’
He added: ‘Chosen for its location, we have enjoyed easy access to essential communications via road, rail and air, yet marvelled at the privacy and calm that only Northumberland can still deliver in England.
‘Our time here has seen the integrity of the building painstakingly maintained, but also achieving very comfortable modern living, with stunning architectural features such as decorative plaster ceilings, beautiful wood panelling and a magnificent mahogany staircase.’