A former coaching inn where notorious highwayman Dick Turpin stayed has gone on sale as a five-bedroom house for £700,000.
The Grade II listed detached property in Little Stukeley, Cambridgeshire, was built as a coaching inn in the Tudor era.
It is thought that Britain’s most notorious highwayman Turpin, who robbed travellers all over the east of England during the Georgian era, stayed at the property.
The new owner will purchase five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a detached cart barn at the centre of the quiet Cambridgeshire village.
Pictured, the former coaching inn where notorious highwayman Dick Turpin is said to have stayed
The Grade II listed detached property in Little Stukeley, Cambridgeshire, began life as a coaching inn
There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor and another two bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor
It is thought that Britain’s most notorious highwayman Turpin, who robbed travellers all over the east of England during the Georgian era, stayed at the property (Stock image of an illustration depicting Dick Turpin)
Branch administrator of Fine & Country St Neots, Katie Lockwood, said the property belonged to a small family who had decided to downsize.
Adding: ‘It’s a good-sized home across three floors with a nice double garage and car port in a great location, you can get to Huntingdon town centre very easily, and there are good transport links to Cambridge and London, so I think it would suit a young family, or people who love the idea of village life.
‘It would also be perfect for anyone who’s wanted to live in a period or historic home as it has so many original features but is very clean and simple to live in.’
There is also a large patio and gardens, which are mainly lawns, with a selection of mature trees
The new owner will purchase five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a detached cart barn at the centre of the quiet Cambridgeshire village
Pictured, a stunning modern bathroom with original wooden beams on the walls and ceiling
The property still retains many of its period features, including inglenooks, beamed walls and a secret passageway under the stairs, leading to the hallway and eaves beyond.
It has 2,422 sq ft of accommodation with an entrance hall, a kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and pantry, sitting room, dining room and bathroom on the ground floor.
There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor and another two bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor.
Outside, there is a large gravel driveway with parking for several cars and a double garage with a carport.
There is also a large patio and gardens, which are mainly lawns, with a selection of mature trees.
It has 2,422 sq ft of accommodation with an entrance hall, a kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and pantry, sitting room, dining room and bathroom on the ground floor
A dining table is seen with a wood burning fire/stove in the background as well as original features such as the brickwork
Highway robber Turpin’s exploits in the 1730s were greatly romanticised after his execution in April 1739 for horse theft.
Turpin was a member of a violent Essex-based gang. He became a highwayman after the gang split up.
He was feared and reviled while he was alive, known for violence and brutal methods of extortion.
The only mourners at his execution were professionals who Turpin paid.
After his death, he was portrayed as dashing and heroic in ballads and theatre in the 18th and 19th centuries as well as in film in the 20th century.
The real story of Turpin is very different to the one depicted in many books and on television.
A plaque that shows it is an historically listed building. The property still retains many of its period features
Some of the original features include inglenooks, beamed walls and a secret passageway under the stairs, leading to the hallway and eaves beyond
Huge modern kitchen that blends with some of the property’s original features, such as the back door
Branch administrator of Fine & Country St Neots, Katie Lockwood, said the property belonged to a small family who had decided to downsize (Pictured, the lounge area)
The son of a farmer and publican from rural Essex, Turpin was born in 1706 and probably became a butcher’s apprentice on the outskirts of London.
His life as an outlaw began when he was caught stealing two oxen and fled into the countryside to escape arrest.
He tried his hand at smuggling before teaming up with a gang to carry out more serious, violent and unpleasant crimes.
The gang targeted isolated farmhouses and terrorised and tortured the occupants into giving up their valuables.
In one raid in Essex, Turpin heard of an old woman rumoured to keep £700 in the house. She refused to divulge the hiding place until Turpin hoisted her into an open fire.
Turpin and his crew robbed their way around the home counties, frequently torturing their victims.
Also, far from being a dashing, good-looking man, Turpin’s face was riddled with pockmarks and had very average features.