A former Victorian cell block that was converted into a modern family home has gone on sale for £1 million.
The Guard House in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, was built in 1856 as the Cell Block of Shoebury Garrison, a military base used for weapons and artillery testing throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Originally erected at the start of the Napoleonic era, the barracks are steeped in military history and became increasingly active during the Crimean War.
But the cell block area has since been reimagined into a striking two bedroom period home perfect for any small family seeking to retreat to the seaside.
It now features two double bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom, a shower room, and a walk in airing cupboard.
Other notable features of the Grade II listed home are wrap around gardens, a grand entrance hall with an 11 foot ceiling, and a dual-aspect lounge and dining room.
The seaside property in Chapel Road is positioned directly next to the iconic Clock Tower and is located close to several of the area’s award-winning Blue Flag beaches.
This former Victorian cell block which was converted into a modern family home has gone on sale for £1 million
The seaside property in Chapel Road is positioned directly next to the iconic Clock Tower
The lounge area of the property is fit with a sleek fireplace and spacious sofa
Estate agents Niche Homes have listed the property for a guide price of between £1 million and £1.1 million, adding that it is ‘rich in character and heritage.’
The listing reads: ‘An extraordinary Grade II listed slice of coastal military history, The Guard House was originally constructed in 1856 as the Cell Block of Shoebury Garrison.
‘Now beautifully reimagined, this striking home sits beside the iconic Clock Tower and offers a rare blend of period presence and modern family living in one of Shoebury’s most sought after settings.’
Upon entering the home, guests are met with a grand hall, fit with a 11 foot ceiling and plush furnishings, including an elegant wooden grandfather clock.
A dual-aspect lounge and dining room dining encompasses the centre of the house, fit with a sleek fireplace, spacious sofa and intricately designed wooden table.
The contemporary kitchen is fitted with tiled flooring, sleek wooden cabinets, and everyday cooking necessities. There is also a full bay window which immerses the room in light from the back garden.
The front door of the amply named Guard House in Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Upon entering the home, guests are met with a grand hall, fit with a 11 foot ceiling
A dual-aspect lounge and dining room dining encompasses the centre of the house
The property also features a home office area and separate utility room
One of two double bedrooms which occupy the original Cell Block area to the rear of the house
The original Cell Block to the rear, has also been transformed into an additional wing of the home which can be accessed through the living room and dining area.
This space offers two double bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom, a further luxury shower room and a walk in airing cupboard.
‘Outside, wrap around gardens create a sense of privacy and calm, with a delightful walled rear garden and a separate courtyard terrace to the side, accessed from the kitchen, providing an ideal space for outdoor dining,’ the listing adds.
There is also a detached garage to the rear of the house, which provides additional off street parking for two vehicles.
