Avon Castle Drive, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24

A unique multi-level 1/2 bedroom Turret flat forming part of the original Avon Castle, nestling on the banks of the River Avon, enjoying panoramic views across the river and Avon Valley water meadows beyond. No onward chain.

Summary of Accommodation

* COMMUNAL BARONIAL STYLE RECEPTION HALL * COMMUNAL STYLE STAIRCASE TO FIRST FLOOR LANDING * PERSONAL FRONT DOOR WITH SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO SECOND FLOOR * KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM WITH UTILITY CUPBOARD * SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO SECOND FLOOR 2 BEDROOMS & SHOWER ROOM/W.C. * CONTINUAL SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO THIRD FLOOR ACCESS ONTO EXTERNAL RAMPARTED VIEWING PLATFORM PLUS ADDITIONAL STAIRCASE TO UPPER VIEWING DECK * MAGNIFICENT VIEWS ACROSS THE COMMUNAL GARDENS, RIVER AVON AND AVON VALLEY WATER MEADOWS BEYOND *

Summary

A unique multi-level 2 bedroom flat forming part of the original Avon Castle, nesting on the banks of the River Avon and enjoying panoramic views across the river and the Avon Valley water meadows beyond. The flat has the benefit of a 999 year lease on a self-repairing basis at a fixed £10 per annum ground rent, meaning that the owner has complete control over any maintenance spend on the property. Because of its uniqueness and position within the Castle the flat has excellent letting potential and could provide any future owner with a good return on their investment.

Description

Formerly the home of the Earl of Egmont, Avon Castle sits in a prime position on the banks of the River Avon in one of Ringwood’s premier residential areas. The Building was converted into 10 residential flats in 1949 and sits in gardens and grounds which extend to just under 4 acres with 230 yards of river frontage over which residents have exclusive use throughout the term of their leases.
The Turret flat consists of the whole of the round central tower of the Castle, extending over three floors, and affording outstanding views from the upper floors over the Castle gardens, River Avon and the water meadows beyond. It is accessed via its own private circular staircase and enjoys complete privacy and security with no other flats adjoining or beneath it.

Accommodation

The flat is accessed through the main Castle entrance with its impressive oak panelled hallway, ornate cornicing and sweeping stone staircase. The private entrance to the flat, off the mezzanine landing, opens into a small vestibule which has a useful cloaks/storage area. From here a winding staircase leads up to the first floor landing with access to the open kitchen/living area and adjacent shower room/toilet.
The staircase continues up to the second floor which has two good sized double bedrooms both enjoying far reaching views across the River Avon and the Castle gardens & grounds. The staircase continues up to the third floor where a door opens onto the Turret roof. This has a low conical roof enclosed within a castellated parapet wall allowing easy and safe access to walk around for maintenance and repair. The roof area, which is approximately 20ft in diameter, would be suitable for further development in order to enjoy the panoramic views across the river and water meadows beyond. The staircase continues on up to a hatch which allows access to the flagpole tower containing the original flagpole holder.

Externally

Avon Castle is accessed via the main Avon Castle Drive, which leads down to a large gravelled forecourt in front of the Castle used by residents for parking. From here steps lead down to the riverbank and gardens. Access to the Turret flat is via the main entrance doorway facing the forecourt.

The Lease

The flat is held on a 999 year lease from 1966 with £10 p.a. ground rent fixed throughout the term of the lease.
The lease is on a self-repairing basis with leaseholder being solely responsible for the maintenance and repair of the flat as demised. The leaseholder is not required to make any contribution towards the maintenance or repair of the rest of the main Castle structure including the foundations, walls, roofs, windows, chimneys, downpipes, external painting, etc, the costs of which are shared between the other 9 flats. As such, the owner has complete control over any expenditure to their own property. The leaseholder does, however, contribute 10% towards the shared cost of maintaining the communal gardens and grounds, and communal hallways, plus 5% of the Buildings Insurance premium. A fixed 5% charge is added to these costs for management purposes. Full details of the extent of these liabilities are shown in the lease and will be provided on request to prospective purchases.

Services

The Castle is connected to mains drainage, water and electricity.
The Turret has its own separate mains water and electricity supply.
Heating is by a combination of electric panel and storage heaters.
There are two fireplaces, both of which are open and working – one has had a wood burner fitted.
The whole of the Castle communal electricity system was replaced throughout the building in 2015 and a new emergency lighting system with motion detectors was installed in the hallways at the same time.
A communal fire alarm system was installed throughout the building in 2018 with detectors and sounders in the hallways and individual flats.

The flat is being sold with full vacant possession and no onward chain.

Council tax: East Dorset District Council Band B
Water and sewerage rates payable half yearly to Bournemouth Water and Wessex Water.
The property is managed by Avon Castle Ltd, a residents’ owned management company, which purchased the freehold in 2014 and now has responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the main Castle structure and grounds.

EPC see details

Situation

The property sits in the private Avon Castle estate approximately 1.5 miles from the market town of Ringwood and is within easy reach of the New Forest and the coast at Bournemouth, Poole and beyond. The main A31 dual carriageway runs through Ringwood providing a fast link to the M27 and M3. Bournemouth International airport is within a 20 minute drive.
Ringwood has a weekly outdoor market every Wednesday throughout the year.

COUNCIL TAX BAND: B

EPC LINK:


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