Seaside castle flat for sale with private beach and famous former owner

A flat in an old seaside castle with its own private beach is selling for £800,000. The luxury three-bed apartment is inside an historic Grade II Listed building that has a very famous former owner.

Netley Castle was built by Henry VIII around 1542. Originally a military stronghold, the site also hosted his daughter Queen Elizabeth I. It is located in Southampton and in 1832 was famously sketched by artist J.M.W. Turner.

The building was transformed in the Victorian era with castellated towers and Gothic wings - before being converted into apartments in 2000. Measuring 1,776 sq ft, it includes a sitting room with a central fireplace and a balcony overlooking the sea.

• UK households told to open windows at exact times to stop common autumn problem
• Coronation Street's Betsy Swain 'in danger' as she realises mum is 'back from the dead'

It has a well-fitted oak and granite kitchen, two en-suite bedrooms, and a versatile third room to be used as a family room or study. The flat is one of ten renovated homes within the property, which was built by the wife-beheading king using stone from the recently dissolved Netley Abbey.

Residents of Netley Castle share use of the historic Great Hall for functions, while the grounds extend to 3.4 acres and include direct access to a private beach. The property also comes with a garage, guest parking, and outdoor storage, as reported on Luxury Property News.

The apartment - listed under Council Tax Band G - is being sold with a share of the freehold and a newly extended 999 years on the leasehold. Savills estate agent Giles Muddle said: “It is a fabulous opportunity to live in one of the south of England’s historic waterfront castles. A truly beautiful apartment with views over the water.”

The listing reads: “Netley Castle was built as part of Henry VIII's coastal defences in 1542 from stone from the recently dissolved Netley Abbey and was visited by Queen Elizabeth I. It was transformed in the 1880s to a Victorian Gothic style castle, adding the castellated wings and towers on each side.

“In 1832, Netley Castle was the subject of a series of sketches by JMW Turner. In 2000, the castle was converted into ten luxury apartments.

“The apartment is exceptionally well-appointed and comprises a delightful sitting room with a central fireplace feature. And doors out onto a balcony which offers some fabulous views out over Southampton water.”

It adds: “The kitchen/breakfast room is well equipped with a number of fitted appliances and a bespoke range of fitted oak units. Comprising cupboard and drawer sections with quartz granite work surfaces over.

“A family room or study is a really versatile space, being formerly the main bedroom adjacent to a separate cloakroom or shower room. This room is great for everyday living and relaxing, and could be a formal dining room if that is one's preference.

“The principal bedroom comes with an en suite bathroom, fitted wardrobes, and there are views out over the grounds and Southampton water. The guest bedroom also has an en suite shower room with views over the front lawn.

“The property offers tremendous storage, parking, garaging and the use of a unique dining hall, which is part of the original castle and can be utilised for functions and meetings.”