UK: Stately but unassuming: The Bath House exterior. Prts of the property date back as far as 1871 but the buklding was completed in 1875. Mediadrumimages/Fine&Country

By Alex Jones

 

NO CLOWNING around: This fabulously fun property – complete with its own bowling alley and cinema room – can be yours for a cool £1,500,000.

Prepared to be bowled away by these incredible shots of a converted Turkish Bathhouse which dates back to 1875 to a stunning family home – including a huge reception room filled with natural light, a dazzling circus motif, and the unmissable bowling alley; an industrially-styled kitchen to die for; and a spectacular mezzanine which is perfect for whiling away the afternoon with a good book.

UK: The beautiful home dates back to 1875 and was abandoned for several years before the current owners competed a breathtaking refurbishment. Mediadrumimages/Fine&Country

For those seeking total serenity, head to the luxuriously appointed master bedroom spread over the entire first floor with its striking nickel bath feature and expansive views out over the sea.

The grade II listed four-bedroom detached house is located in St Leonards-On-Sea, a stone’s throw from Hastings, and is currently listed by Fine & Country estate agents with an asking price in excess of £1,500,000.

UK: Ever wanted your own carnival-themed bowling alley? Mediadrumimages/Fine&Country

“They say a picture tells a thousand words. So how do we attempt to describe the indescribable? The Bath House is one of the most historic, cleverly converted homes in St Leonards,” the estate agent’s listing reads.

“Its past tells stories of a school swimming bath, a Church and a glass factory. Completely dilapidated on purchase, our vendors have renovated this wonderous property into a family property with bowling alley and home cinema. With a plethora of fine and fun features, exciting entertaining spaces meet comfortable family living, all under one roof.”

UK: This stunning nickel bath serves as a centralfeature in the enormous master suite. Mediadrumimages/Fine&Country

Even before its dramatic refurbishment, the building enjoyed a fascinating 144-year history.

“The Turkish Baths were built in 1875 but were only open for six years before closing due to competition in the area,” the listing continues.

“Uplands Girl’s school bought the building and built an extension to the rear which housed a saltwater swimming pool. The school later sold the building and during the 1920’s it became a local community hall. During the war, St Leonards Parish Church was destroyed by a bouncing bomb and The Bath House became an emergency church for nearly 10 years playing host to many happy weddings and family occasions. It was then bought in the 1950’s and became a science glass factory (Scientific House) until the late 1990’s when it fell into disrepair. In 2013 the current vendors bought the derelict building and converted it into a spectacular and unique family home.”

UK: The magnificent master bedroom. Mediadrumimages/Fine&Country

Built for entertaining, the house boasts four bedrooms, one capable of sleeping up to seven people at a time and another which can be readily converted into a state-of-the-art cinema room. There are also indoor basketball facilities, a huge storage area where the pool once stood (with access through a quirky ‘secret tunnel’ in the utility room), a sun-dappled private terrace, and even tiles dating back to the original Turkish Baths.

 

For more information, please visit https://www.fineandcountry.com/uk/property-for-sale/st-leonardsonsea/tn38-0na/1383065