Historic Castle for Sale in Northumberland
A remarkable castle has recently become available on the UK market, though it’s not your usual freehold deal.
Bellister Castle, a Grade I listed property located in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, is now listed by estate agents Sanderson Young.
With origins dating back to the 12th century, the castle features its oldest part, the Peel Tower. The main castle spans approximately 4,778 square feet and also includes a two-bedroom lodge of 1,159 square feet located in a refurbished historic gatehouse.
Interestingly, it is believed that the castle was built using stones sourced from Hadrian’s Wall, which was constructed in the 2nd century as a defense against the Picts in what is now modern-day Britain.
The property boasts six bedrooms and three bathrooms, alongside intricate decorative ceilings, a stunning drawing room, and a renovated fountain bath dating back to the 19th century.
The grounds cover about 4.51 acres, featuring walled gardens, orchards, and meadows. A picturesque tree-lined avenue leads up to the castle itself.
The listing describes the property as “offering a rare combination of modern conveniences and comfort while showcasing outstanding historic character.”
Details reveal that there’s meticulous attention to detail throughout, marrying the luxuries of current living with a grand example of a historic fortified mansion rich in heritage.
However, it’s worth noting that the property is leased by the National Trust, meaning the new owner won’t be able to claim full ownership. The lease is set to expire in 2145, with an asking price of £2.5 million, or about $3.34 million.
A representative from Sanderson Young mentioned that this listing presents an “extremely rare” chance to rent out the castle, which has a historical connection with the National Trust.
Most leases of this sort are usually for residential or farming use, and the lease agreement stipulates that the National Trust must be involved in any transfer. There may, however, be a possibility for an extension once the lease concludes.
Ultimately, owning Bellister Castle is portrayed as an opportunity to inhabit an extraordinary historic building that could be passed down through generations.
This listing follows the trend of similar properties recently hitting the UK real estate market. For instance, St. John’s Jerusalem, a medieval monastery that once hosted Crusader monks, was put up for sale earlier this summer with a lease expiring in 2122, priced around $4.4 million.
