Former Victorian cell block turned into stunning family home goes on sale for £1million

A former Victorian cell block converted into a modern family home is up for sale for £1 million.

Guard House in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, was built in 1856 as the Cell Block of Shoebury Garrison, a military base used for weapons and artillery testing throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Originally built at the beginning of the Napoleonic era, the barracks is steeped in military history and became increasingly active during the Crimean War.

But the cellblock site has since been redesigned into a stunning two-bedroom period house, perfect for small families looking for a seaside retreat.

There are now two double bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom, a shower room and a built-in airing cupboard.

II. The Grade II-listed house also features wraparound gardens, a grand entrance hall with 10-foot ceilings and a double-aspect lounge and dining room.

The seaside resort on Chapel Road is located next to the former garrison’s clock tower and is close to the area’s many award-winning Blue Flag beaches.

The seaside resort on Chapel Road is located right next to the iconic Clock Tower.

The property’s lounge area is equipped with a stylish fireplace and a large sofa.

Estate agents Niche Homes listed the property with a guide price of between £1 million and £1.1 million, adding that the property was ‘rich with character and heritage’.

The list reads: ‘An extraordinary World War II in coastal military history. The grade-listed Guard House was originally built in 1856 as the Cell Block of Shoebury Garrison.

‘Now beautifully redesigned, this stunning home sits next to the iconic Clock Tower and offers a rare blend of period presence and modern family living in one of Shoebury’s most sought-after settings.’

Upon entering the house, guests are greeted by a large lounge with 10-foot ceilings and comfortable furnishings, including a stylish wooden grandfather clock.

The centerpiece of the home is the duplex lounge and dining room, equipped with a stylish fireplace, large sofa and intricately designed wooden table.

The contemporary kitchen is equipped with tiled floors, stylish wooden cabinets and daily cooking essentials. There is also a full bay window that bathes the room in light from the backyard.

The front door of the much-noted Guardhouse in Southend-on-Sea, Essex

When entering the house, guests are greeted with a large living room with a 3.5-meter ceiling.

A two-way living room and dining room occupy the center of the house

The property also includes a home office area and a separate utility room.

One of two double bedrooms occupying the original Cell Block area at the rear of the house

The original Cell Block at the rear has also been converted into an additional wing of the house, accessible from the living room and dining area.

This space includes two double bedrooms, an en-suite bathroom, a further luxury shower room and a built-in airing cupboard.

‘Externally, a lovely walled backyard and wraparound gardens create a sense of privacy and tranquility, with a separate courtyard terrace to the side, accessed from the kitchen, providing an ideal area for al fresco dining,’ the listing adds.

There is also a detached garage at the rear of the house providing additional off-street parking for two vehicles.