Victorian ferryman's cottage that was once Britain's most expensive council house goes up for sale for £1million

A Victorian ferryman's cottage once dubbed 'Britain's most expensive council house' is on the market for £1million.

The historic Ferry House sits on the towpath of the River Cam in Cambridge, with stunning views over the river and Midsummer Common.

It was last sold by Cambridge City Council almost a decade ago when it was so popular it went to sealed bids and went for £777,888.

The current property is believed to have been built in 1894, but a house has existed on the site much longer.

There have been ferrymen on the River Cam since the 1700s. Outside the house, there are steps down to the water where the public would have queued to be taken across.

Originally the ferryman would have rowed or poled people across, but eventually a wheel and chain system was installed.

In 1927, a footbridge was built across the river, with the ferry sinking shortly before it opened.

When Jack Foxall bought the property in 2017 it was in a rundown state, having been leased to a charity and run as a hostel for some years before being left empty for at least a year.

He modernised and refurbished the house, which has 1,034 sq ft of accommodation with a kitchen, living room and dining room on the ground floor and three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. 

The property has an enclosed walled garden and residents' parking close by and is less than a 15-minute walk to the city centre.

It has a front-row seat for the spectacular Bonfire Night fireworks display on the Common and the annual Midsummer Fair, which was first granted a Royal Charter by King John in 1211.

Holly Billingham, from estate agents Cheffins, said: 'Ferry House is a one of a kind opportunity. It's the only house right in the middle of Midsummer Common.

'It's got a fascinating history as well as a cannot-be-beaten location right on the towpath in one of the city's most picturesque areas.

'Riverside living in Cambridge is few and far between so we would expect this house to get quite a bit of interest from buyers looking for a townhouse with a stunning location, while also being still within easy reach of the city centre.

'The market for Cambridge continues to be dominated by those who have moved to the area either for work or for the lifestyle the city offers.

'While property prices are high in comparison to some areas in the rest of the country, the schooling and lifestyle on offer is unmatched.

'Ferry House has the ability to create a stunning family home with a spacious garden as well as the opportunity to extend the house, subject to planning permissions.'