Can you picture yourself living here? (Picture: Mediadrumimages/Rightmove)
The average house price in the UK stands at £291,000 – and of course, depending on where you’re looking in the UK, that figure can climb to dizzying heights.
So, this two-bed flat in Portsmouth, with mod-cons and modern furnishings is a seems like a steal at just £210,000.
The listing, on Rightmove shows a well manicured apartment complete with one bathroom and a reception area.
But it’s only upon closer inspection you’ll be able to see something a little strange – there are bars on the windows… just like those you might find in a prison.
Yep, this apartment is located behind the walls of HMP Kingston in Governors Walk.
The listing doesn’t hide the abode’s unique history and for some buyers – namely history buffs or maybe Prison Break fanatics – this will be an ultimate selling point.
Remind you of anything? (Picture: Mediadrumimages/Rightmove)
Of course, the prison is no longer open – having closed in 2013 – but at one time, it housed exclusively older male inmates, serving life sentences.
HMP Kingston was home to the M25 three – Raphael Row, Michael George Davis and Randolph Egbert Johnson – who were jailed for life at the Old Bailey in 1990 after being wrongfully convicted of murder and burglary. They were freed in 2000.
Scottish serial killer Archibald Thomson Hall, known as the Killer Butler or the Monster Butler, died at HMP Kingston aged 78, while serving a whole life tariff.
And, the corridors at HMP Kingston housed the late former EastEnders star Leslie Grantham, known as Dirty Den on the soap, who shot and killed a German taxi driver while in the army in 1966.
The exterior of HMP Kingston which has been converted into flats (Picture: Mediadrumimages/Rightmove)
Grantham, who died in 2018, had served 10 years at Kingston, Leyhill and Wormwood Scrubs prisons – and was released in 1977.
However, if you don’t mind a home with a slightly chequered history, then this apartment could be for you.
The listing reads: ‘The site has now been acquired by renowned developers St Cross Homes and the conversion to residential homes is underway.
You wouldn’t know you’re sleeping in a former prison (Picture: Mediadrumimages/Rightmove)
A far cry from its history (Picture: Mediadrumimages/Rightmove)
‘The main prison building and gatehouse are being transformed into 83 beautiful apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, all with an allocated parking space.
‘St Cross Homes’ unwavering eye for detail means that only premium materials, fittings and appliances are selected to ensure the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.’
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It’s got an eventful history…
