Unique Windsor flat which housed one of Henry VIII's wives is up for auction
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A property in Windsor is heading to auction this week, which will have particular appeal for Tudor history buffs.
The three-bed, split-level maisonette is in Queen Anne's Court, a building that dates from the 16th century and is named after Anne Boleyn.
It is just one of the string of unusual properties cropping up at auction, with experts saying buyers can sometimes capitalise on quirky homes that others may shy away from.
The ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII is believed to have lodged in the building while she was secretly romancing the King, during his previous marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
This courtship started around 1526 and lasted for seven years, during which time Henry VIII fought the church to secure a divorce from his wife.
Nearby Windsor Castle was a favoured royal residence of the King.
The property, which measures approximately 960 sq ft, is located in the centre of the historic Berkshire town and is being sold by Auction House London with a guide price of £325,000.
Period: The building in which the maisonette is located dates from the 16th century
It is packed with period features, most noticeable of which are the wooden beams which adorn the ceilings.
But in terms of decor the property is presented as a blank canvas, meaning a buyer could put their own stamp on it.
Anne Boleyn was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536, when Henry VIII, who had since started a relationship with his next wife Jane Seymour, ordered Anne to be investigated on charges of high treason.
She was found guilty, though historians now suggest she was innocent, and sentenced to death by beheading in 1536.
The story of Henry VIII's wives has gained new relevance in recent years as the subject of the hit musical, Six.
The property is being auctioned by Auction House London via an online and in-person sale on 2 July.
Those wishing to visit the property can still do so, with an open viewing being held on 1 July.
Character: The rooms in the three-bed property are all adorned with wooden beams
Blank slate: The property is plainly decorated to allow a buyer to make their own mark
Living space: The spacious main room is partitioned by more wooden beams
Modern: Despite the property's age, the bathroom is clean and neutral
Central: The home is located close to Windsor's shopping area and train stations
Roomy: The maisonette is split over two floors and has three bedrooms
Buying at auction can be a way to get more for your money - but there is sometimes a trade-off to be made, for example that the property needs serious renovation.
This is why it is vital for buyers to do as much research as possible before bidding, including reading the legal pack supplied by the auctioneer, viewing the property and getting a survey if appropriate.
It can also be more challenging to get a mortgage on an auction property.
'Usually, auction properties go for about 20 per cent lower than market rate and this discount is apparent across the country,' says Andrew Binstock of Auction House London.
'The biggest saving most likely is a detached house but it's predominantly due to the condition of the property, rather than the type of property.
'So for instance, probate properties, repossessed properties, houses of multiple occupancy, shops with uppers and land with planning permission might all be offered at keen prices.'
Joe Labelda, auction specialist at Auction House London, said: 'When you set foot inside this gorgeous timber-framed building, you instantly step into the past.
'With its exposed beams and characterful features, it’s easy to imagine retracing the footsteps of one of England’s most famous historical women, who continues to hold a fascination for us nearly 500 years after her death.
'This is a rare opportunity to seize a slice of history and live in a place that remains steeped in romance.
'If you are a history-lover seeking to become a custodian of a piece of 16th century history, this is the property for you.'
The maisonette is located in central Windsor, with transport links available at both Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside train stations.
It located close to the Windsor Royal shopping centre, which is home to brands such as The White Company, Ole & Steen and Oliver Bonas, as well as the Alexandra Gardens park.
It is being sold leasehold, with 997 years remaining on the 999-year lease.
Those considering buying it should request details of the lease and any service charge associated with the property, as well as reading the legal pack thoroughly.
They should also make sure they understand the auction bidding process and the differences between buying at auction and via an estate agent.
According to Rightmove, the average house price in the flat's postcode (SL4) over the last year was £576,602.
This was 4 per cent down on the previous year, and 11 per cent down on the 2022 peak of £650,799.
Flats in SL4 sold for an average of £368,827 over the past year.
Mortgage rates have risen substantially over recent years, meaning that those remortgaging or buying a home face higher costs.
That makes it even more important to search out the best possible rate for you and get good mortgage advice, whether you are a first-time buyer, home owner or buy-to-let landlord.
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