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A British Castle Surrounded By Centuries of History—And 32 Acres of Land

The property on which Otterburn Castle stands can be traced back to William the Conqueror

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Listing of the Day

Location: Otterburn, England

Price: £1.4 million (US$1.81 million)

Though the exact date of construction of the Grade II-listed Otterburn Castle, at the center of this Northumberland property, is unknown, the land itself "has a deep and rich history," said agent Samuel Gibson of Strutt & Parker.

The known history dates back to at least 1076 when the first Norman king of England, William the Conqueror, granted the area encompassing the property to Robert de Umfraville, the first of a long baronial line to lay claim to the area.

Located on the Anglo-Scottish border, the area was ideal for a protective tower, and sometime between the Norman conquest and the 14th century, at least one was built.

In the 1840s, Otterburn was significantly renovated and the estate took on its current Victorian aesthetic. Finally, in the 1940s, the castle was turned into a hotel, which it remains to this day.

While changing the home back into a private residence would require permission from a local authority, "we do not anticipate that being more than a formality," Mr. Gibson said.

Despite its many transformations over the centuries, the estate maintains strong elements of its past, while also offering conveniences of the modern world. Centuries-old architectural features such as stone mullion windows, Ionic columns and wood paneling still stand, but so do a bistro, modern kitchen and bar.

The current owner has put in a large capital investment into all 17 en-suite bathrooms and made repairs throughout, according to Mr. Gibson.

"The great thing about this place is it’s as good as it looks," Mr. Gibson said.

Stats

The 18,671-square-foot main house has 17 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms and stands on approximately 32 acres of land.

Amenities

Since it’s currently being run as a hotel, the property features a bistro, commercial kitchen and a bar. The 32-acre estate includes a stream and a lake.

More:17th Century Wales Estate With 60 Rooms Asks £3.95 million

Neighborhood Notes

Otterburn, which is located in Northern England, is a quintessentially British village centered around the castle. "There’s a good-old traditional pub," Mr. Gibson noted with a laugh, before describing the area as a whole as "a very rural place."

It’s approximately 30 minutes by car to Newcastle Airport, which provides both daily international flights and room for a private jet.

Agent: Samuel Gibson, Strutt & Parker

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