By Rebecca Chitolie
THIS EXTRAORDINARY two-hundred year-old £1.5M four bedroom home has an occult feature with links to King Charles that will leave you spooked.
Located within walking distance of the historic Old Town of Hastings, UK, this unassuming four bedroom home offers three bathrooms, with one being in a vaulted cave with mysterious faces carved into the rock. It is not clear why and by whom the eerie faces were carved, although local legend holds that the St Clement Caves which date back to 14,000BC according to reports could have been used by smugglers or even for strange occult rites.
What is certain is the caves were used as an air raid shelter during WW2, a hospital, a home and a pottery having even been visited by Princess Diana alongside her then husband Prince Charles.
‘West Hill Villa’ is considered to occupy one of the most commanding and elevated positions within Hastings historic Old Town, and was built into the sandstone bedrock of the West Hill in the mid 19th century.
There is versatile accommodation arranged over five floors, with each level providing individual character with both period and contemporary features and with all the principal rooms enjoying inspirational views across the town and the sea.
Highlights of the Grade II listed home include its historic significance, such as the vaulted caves, with one area converted into a bathroom, as well as the lower part of the house the open plan sitting room/kitchen and dining area is situated where the old Hastings Pottery used to be and opens up into a sandstone archway which leads to the caves.
Incredibly, cave drawings and faces which were engraved into the walls many centuries ago have been preserved.
Another spectacular feature is the 90 foot glass house vinery, which houses a variety of exotic plants, grapevines, and banana trees, as well as a fish pool.
The listing is held by Just Property who commented on the listing.
“It is ideally situated within walking distance of the Old Town with its restaurants, shops and sea front as well as Hastings town centre with its amenities and mainline railway station connecting to London, Brighton and Ashford”, reads the listing.
“The gardens extend across the width of the rear elevation with terrace, formal lawned areas and an established terraced vegetable garden, with a raised seating area looking out to sea. In addition there is a garage accessed from Exmouth Place.
“The internal spiral staircase leads to a gallery landing and separate WC with the continuing views over the Old Town.
“On the remaining three floors, occupies the lounge which benefits from a wood burner and large sash windows as well as the four bedrooms, two bathrooms and utility space.
“Enjoying extensive far-reaching views over the Old Town itself and across the English Channel.”
See how our story appeared in Sun Online.
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