A RIVERSIDE property that has spectacular views of a ruined Norman castle and the longest parish church in England has gone on the market for £2.5m.

Bridge Place in Christchurch sits on the River Avon and comes with its own mooring.

As well as water lovers, the Georgian house is perfect for history buffs.

It looks out on to the 11th century Christchurch Priory, the remains of Christchurch Castle and its 850-year-old Constable's House.

The castle was built in about 1074AD and stone hall was added in 1150 and then a keep in 1310.

It was captured by the Parliamentarians during the Civil War when Oliver Cromwell ordered it be destroyed so the stronghold could not fall into Royalist hands again.

The Priory would have been destroyed following the dissolution of the monasteries a century earlier, but the townspeople pleaded with the King Henry VIII not to pull it down.

Today it is the longest parish church in England, with a nave 311ft long.

The current owners of Bridge Place have lived in the five bed house for more than 30 years but are now looking to downsize as their family have grown up and moved out.

Its master bedroom and living room have bow windows that make the most of the views across the river to the listed buildings.

The house has 3,613 sq ft of accommodation with an entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, lobby, sitting room, garden room, five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a double garage.

Lynn Kravos, of estate agents Saxe Coburg said: "The house is right on the water's edge, but not only have you got the spectacular river views, it is also looking out towards the Constable's House, the castle ruins and the Priory.

"It's really picturesque and there's a lot of heritage there as well.

"There are other properties that have the river view, but not all the historic ruins as well, it really is quite special, I don't know of any other property that has that.

"It's a very photographed spot and has been in a lot of magazines.

"The property itself has got an awful lot of character features and would make a pretty special family home or equally a riverside retreat. It would most definitely appeal to an artist or photographer and be a source of inspiration. It's a rare opportunity."