A miniature 'castle' has been listed for sale in Merseyside.
The five bedroom semi-detached property is on York Road, Birkdale and dates back to the 1800s.
Originally built in 1857, the property was part of the Birkdale Park residential development led by the Weld-Blundell family.
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Due to regulations in place at that time, it is reported that only exclusive 'castles in the sand' could be built in the area for the wealthy to live in the region.
Because of this, the York Road property is finished with 'beautiful' architecture including a turret.
On the market for £550,000, the home boasts highlights such as two lounge areas, a 'generous' garden and a bedroom with an en-suite and dressing room.
Current average house prices in Birkdale are higher than the overall average for the wider Southport region by around £50,000, according to Rightmove.
Most houses sold in Birkdale during the last twelve months were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £228,232.
Flats sold for an average of £173,208, with detached properties fetching significantly more at £528,885.
Similar homes surrounding this York Road property are on the market for varying prices.
Less than a mile away, another five bedroom semi is on the market for £525,000 on Liverpool Road and a detached residence is priced at £440,000.
On Selworthy Road a detached five bedroom property is up for £1,400,000.
Images of the property and the floor plan show that it’s made up of a large entrance hall, bathroom, lounge, dining room and kitchen on the ground floor.
The 23ft lounge is a mixture of modern decoration and charming original features.
It has a central fireplace between two ‘beautiful’ stained glass windows and large bay windows with shutters.
Throughout the home there are period features which include original wood flooring and bell-pushes.
The open plan kitchen and diner is finished with modern fitted appliances and opens out onto the garden.
To the first floor, there are five double bedrooms, one with a private en-suite and dressing room, and a family sized bathroom.
One of the rooms benefits from a window seat in the turret.
Outside there is enough space for multiple cars on a drive for off road parking.
There’s also a semi-detached garage which is shared with the property next door.
In the back is a long front lawn and a raised patio area overlooking the garden.
The listing reads: "Flexi-Agent are delighted to present this beautifully presented semi-detached five bedroom detached property to the open market.
"Located in the sought after residential area of Birkdale, it is surrounded by a wealth of local amenities, is a short walk from local transport links providing easy access to Southport town centre, and is a stones throw from the idyllic Birkdale village.
"The property, built in 1857, was originally purposed to be a gymnasium/dormitory building, and the land regulations during that time meant that only ‘castles in the sand' could be built on that plot, explaining the buildings extravagant appearance."
For more information and images of the property, visit Rightmove here.
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