A grand castle that was the scene of a bloody battle between the English and Scots more than 600 years ago is now on the market for £1.4million.
The current Grade II-listed Otterburn Castle, which sits in 32 acres of grounds in Northumberland, was not built until 440 years after the Battle of Otterburn – but one of the rooms has five painted panels depicting it.
It is being run as a country house hotel, but could be turned back into a private home with planning permission for a change of use. It could also be used for commercial businesses such as a wedding venue or yoga retreat.
But when compared to what it could get you in London, you could pay £1.6million for a four-bedroom terraced home in Peckham, which is most famous for being the working class area in the BBC’s Only Fools and Horses.
The grand castle was built on the scene of a bloody battle between the English and Scots more than 600 years ago
Grade II-listed Otterburn Castle sits in 32 acres of grounds in Northumberland and is run as a country house hotel
Otterburn Castle was built 440 years after the Battle of Otterburn but one of the rooms has five painted panels depicting it
The historic property is currently run as a successful country house hotel, but could be turned back into a grand private home
More than 300 miles further north, the origins of Otterburn Castle date back to 1076 when William the Conqueror’s cousin, Robert D’Umphraville, was given the land in appreciation of his services.
A pele tower was built on the site sometime after 1245 and that building was still there in 1388 during the Battle of Otterburn, part of the ongoing border skirmishes between the Scots and English.
The Scottish, led by the Earl of Douglas, tried to take the tower. Douglas was killed during the battle but the Scots still won a decisive victory even though they were outnumbered three to one.
Otterburn Tower passed to Sir Robert De Umphraville in 1415 and was used as a hunting lodge before passing to the Hall family in Henry VIII’s reign.
There is very little left of the pele tower but the castellated tower on the current building incorporates a Tudor arched entry and was built on the foundation of the original structure, using some of the original stones.
The castle could also be used for a number of commercial businesses, such as a wedding venue or a yoga retreat
The owner is a Malaysian entrepreneur and philanthropist who bought Otterburn Castle to expand his collection of hotels
There is a marquee with its own bar in the garden of the property in Northumberland which can cater for up to 150 guests
The castle has retained lots of historic features such as stone-mullioned windows, carved staircases and intricate plasterwork
The castle based in the Northumberland countryside has 18,671 sq ft of accommodation with a reception hall
The origins of the castle date back to 1076 when Robert D’Umphraville was given the land in appreciation of his services
There is a drawing room with side bar, dining room with a private dining area, breakfast room, bistro and main bar
The property sits in 32 acres of private grounds with a terraced lawn, woodland bordered by a stream, a lake and pasture land
The castle has retained lots of historic features such as stone-mullioned windows, carved staircases and intricate plasterwork.
A room that is currently used as the bridal suite was once the library and has an inglenook fireplace with five painted panels depicting scenes from the Battle of Otterburn.
The castle has 18,671 sq ft of accommodation with a reception hall, drawing room with side bar, dining room with a private dining area, breakfast room, bistro and main bar, a garden/ceremony room, a catering kitchen, refrigeration room and 17 bedrooms all with en suites.
There is also staff accommodation, which includes three flats and a house, and a marquee with its own bar in the garden which can cater for up to 150 guests.
On the grounds of the castle in Northumberland, there is also a greenhouse and polytunnel and a workshop
Sam Gibson from Strutt & Parker, who are handling the sale, said the castle is being run as a ‘successful country house hotel’
The current owner has told how he loves ‘the stretch of river where the castle owns the fishing rights’, for fly fishing
The castle also has a garden/ceremony room, a catering kitchen, refrigeration room and 17 bedrooms all with en suites
The castle is ‘a much loved building in the community’ – and there is also staff accommodation, of three flats and a house
The castle ‘represents extremely good value for money and has huge development potential’, according to Strutt & Parker
The property sits in 32 acres of private grounds with a terraced lawn, woodland bordered by a stream, a lake and pasture land. There is also a greenhouse and polytunnel and a workshop.
The current owner is a Malaysian entrepreneur and philanthropist who bought Otterburn Castle to expand his collection of hotels.
He said: ‘I purchased the castle because of its impressive architecture – my very own Windsor Castle – as well as its fascinating history going back to William the Conqueror.
‘I love the stretch of river where the castle owns the fishing rights. It is reputed as a great fly fishing spot for trout and salmon.’
When compared to what it could get you in London, you could pay £1.6million for a four-bedroom terraced home in Peckham
The home in Peckham looks stylish on the inside, but is tiny compared to what you can get for your money in Northumberland
Sam Gibson from Strutt & Parker, who are handling the sale, said: ‘Otterburn Castle is currently run as a successful country house hotel and retains many of its historic fittings and striking architectural details.
‘These include stone-mullioned windows, oak wall panelling, magnificent fireplaces and intricate plasterwork.
‘The stately reception hall has a carved staircase and timber panelling which creates an impressive sense of theatre upon arrival. Similarly, the principal reception rooms are beautifully proportioned and full of character.
‘The castle is a much loved building in the community and we hope the next custodian of this historic landmark continues to cherish and maintain is architectural value.
‘It represents extremely good value for money and has huge development potential.’
Battle of Otterburn, 1388: How Scots burnt and looted buildings in England during series of cross-border raids
The Battle of Otterburn was fought on August 5, 1388 between the English and Scots in a period of political instability.
The Scots took advantage of a power struggle between the English King Richard II and his barons with cross-border raids.
James, Earl of Douglas led about 6,000 men across the border in to England, where they burnt and looted buildings.
The Battle of Otterburn was fought on August 5, 1388 between the English and Scots in a period of political instability
However, the Earl of Northumberland then sent his son Henry Hotspur Percy to intercept them on their way home.
Percy and Douglas fought hand to hand – and a skirmish that followed saw the latter capture the former’s silk banner.
On his way back to Scotland, Douglas then stopped to lay siege to the castle at Otterburn.
Percy’s arrival took the Scots by surprise, but they responded fast with a counter attack and secured a decisive victory.
Douglas was killed, while Percy was captured along with 21 other knights – but secured his reputation as a heroic leader.