It was a seaside retreat built for a Prince, but now part of it can be yours – and without the need for a royal multi-million pound budget.
A section of the house that once belonged to the second son of King George III – Prince Frederick, who was known as ‘The Grand Old Duke of York’ – is currently for sale.
The house in Kent’s Margate was built for the Prince in 1788, who used it as his seaside retreat. It was later turned into a hotel, before that was closed in 1909 and the building was divided into flats.
A flat at Royal York Mansions in Margate, Kent, is being sold for £425,000 via estate agents Miles & Barr
The spacious flat has two large double bedrooms that have been colourfully decorated with rich colours
Today, the top floor flat has two bedrooms and is on the market via estate agents Miles & Barr with a price tag of £425,000.
The flat has been restored by its current owners and has a modern feel.
There is a spacious hallway, a living room with views across Margate and two double bedrooms, with the smallest still measuring an impressive 15’7 ft by 14’4 ft.
An immaculate kitchen and bathroom means that the flat is ready to move into. The property is also being sold with the attraction of no chain.
The top floor flat has a contemporary living room with views across the south coast in Kent
Extensive sea views amid the pandemic: The flat has views of the sandy beaches at Margate
The restored flat is part of a grand building in Kent that was built for the prince in 1788
THE GRAND OLD DUKE OF YORK
Pictured: Prince Frederick, the Duke of York and Albany
Prince Frederick, the Duke of York and Albany was born in 1763 and was the second son of King George III.
The prince was a soldier from 1764 to 1803 and the heir presumptive to his elder brother George IV following the death of his father in 1820.
The property in Margate is called Royal York Mansions, having previously been the Royal York Hotel.
The Prince lived there between 1763 and 1827, as mentioned on a blue plaque on the property.
The Prince was mocked in the rhyme ‘The Grand Old Duke of York’ after his military setbacks of 1799.
In past times: The prince lived at the property (pictured) between 1763 and 1827
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There are two bedrooms, with the smallest still measuring an impressive 15’7 ft by 14’4 ft
Designer white subway tiles are on the walls of the shower room in the Margate flat
The building is in the Old Town of Margate, which has a vibrant mix of vintage shops, bars and restaurants.
It is within walking distance of the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery, Dreamland and Margate train station, which has services to London via Kings Cross, St. Pancras.
It also has good access to roads links to the capital via the A299 Thanet Way and the M2 Motorway.
The average price of a property in Margate is £229,970, up more than £11,619 in the past year, according to property website Zoopla.
It compares to the £316,516 average value of a home in Britain today, which is up £17,208 on a year ago.
Tom Parker, of Zoopla, said: ‘If you’re on the hunt for a home with royal links, but without the hefty price tag that comes with many former regal residences, this is the perfect property.
‘This chic apartment not only boasts a modern interior but also has a stunning location overlooking Margate Parade with a sea view.
‘What’s more, it’s also a short walk to Margate train station which has direct trains to London, making it a great choice for London commuters seeking a seaside retreat.’
The subway tiles continue in the kitchen, which has grey cabinets and black worktops
Fifty shades of grey: The designer look continues in the spacious hallway, which has a mirror
Room with a view: The flat is in a stunning location, which overlooks Margate Parade
The trendy area of Margate’s Old Town has a vibrant mix of vintage shops, bars and restaurants
