A HISTORIC £1.6 million property, which was once granted to previous owners by Henry VIII, has come on to the market in Weymouth.

The Old Manor House, on Radipole Lane, stands in just over an acre of landscaped gardens and wildflower meadow and offers more than 5,000sq ft of atmospheric living space.

The property has been listed for sale on Zoopla.

Dorset Echo: The terrace area of the house. Picture: ZooplaThe terrace area of the house. Picture: Zoopla

The building is grade II* listed, which is defined as a building or structure that is "of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it". It includes 7 bedrooms, an attached annex and is situated just one and a half miles from the sea.

The house is thought to be at least 500 years old, with the oldest recording of ownership dating back to Humphrey Watkins of Holwell being granted the manor by Henry VIII in 1540.

Dorset Echo: The master bedroom. Picture: ZooplaThe master bedroom. Picture: Zoopla

Elizabeth I then granted him the property for life in 1560, with the right to leave it to his heirs.

The property was altered and extended in later years by his son Richard, whose initials ‘R.W’ can still be seen on the porch above the doorway.

Dorset Echo: Former owner, Richard Watkins', initials remain etched into the house. Picture: ZooplaFormer owner, Richard Watkins', initials remain etched into the house. Picture: Zoopla

It is believed that prior to this, the house was originally a priest’s house or an abbey The house is located behind St Ann’s Church, which itself dates back to the 12th century.

The property boasts 18 rooms over three floors, including a reception hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, a snug, cloakroom, laundry room, butler’s pantry, office, two bathrooms with an additional WC and six bedrooms including the master bedroom with a mezzanine, dressing room and bathroom.

The attached annex also includes a bedroom, kitchen, sitting room and a shower room.

The floors are separated by impressive stone spiral staircases.
Dorset Echo: The 'snug' room. Picture: ZooplaThe 'snug' room. Picture: Zoopla

The main house is defined by its high ceilings, exposed beams, flagstone flooring and stone archways.

Three spacious reception rooms provide a warm welcome as you enter the property, each one reflective of their time with a traditional feel.

For enquiries, please visit the Zoopla website.