Bellister Castle, a Grade I-listed medieval property in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, England, has been listed for sale at approximately $3.34 million by real estate agency Sanderson Young. However, the transaction is not a traditional freehold sale but rather a leasehold arrangement with the National Trust, which holds the property’s lease until 2145. The castle, dating back to the 12th century, is believed to have been constructed using stone sourced from Hadrian’s Wall, a Roman fortification built in the second century to protect the northern borders of Britannia from the Picts.
The property boasts over 4,778 square feet of living space, with a two-bedroom lodge repurposed from a historic gatehouse. It features decorative ceilings, an ornate drawing room, a renovated 19th-century fountain tub, and six bedrooms alongside three bathrooms. The estate spans approximately 4.51 acres, including a walled garden, an orchard, and pasture, with a tree-lined driveway leading to the castle. The listing highlights the rare combination of modern comfort and historical significance, emphasizing its unique status as a preserved example of a medieval fortified mansion.
According to the National Trust, the lease agreement allows for the possibility of extending the lease when it expires in 2145. The National Trust spokesperson noted that while the property is being leased, it provides an opportunity for the next owners to live in an extraordinary historical building and ensure its preservation for future generations. The listing also points out that the National Trust will need to be involved in the transfer of the lease, as most long-term leases are for residential or farm properties. This unique arrangement underscores the challenges of acquiring and maintaining historically significant properties in the British real estate market.
Recently, a similar property, St. John’s Jerusalem, a medieval monastery in England once used by crusader monks, was also listed for sale at around $4.4 million, with a lease ending in 2122. The National Trust’s involvement in the transfer process adds an additional layer of complexity to these transactions, as they require careful negotiation and adherence to the terms of the lease agreements. These listings reflect a growing trend in the UK of historic properties being auctioned or sold through leasehold arrangements, driven by their historical and cultural value, as well as their unique appeal to collectors and heritage enthusiasts.