From photos, the lower ground floor apartment at St Mary’s Gate House, Nottingham city centre, looks like an ordinary property. Yes, there are not many windows, but there is a modern kitchen, exposed original brickwork, and an open plan living area. The two-bedroom flat is currently on the market for £300,000 with FHP Living.
In the lounge, however, is a glass doorway. Pass through it, and you will see a narrow set of stairs with a curved brick ceiling, leading mysteriously down below the building.
At the foot of the stairs, the space opens out into a cave —yes, a cave— cut into the sandstone.
Though its ceiling and walls are both carved from the rock, this is no troglodyte cave. Measuring 14.4 square feet, there is a wooden floor, plants, cosy lighting, electricity - even a wine fridge. The space has been turned into a cinema room by the property’s current owners, equipped with four armchairs and a flat-screen TV.
“This great space has been hand-carved into the sandstone and offers the buyers a unique cinema room within one of Nottingham’s many historic caves,” say the agents. “The property has to be seen to be truly appreciated.”
Nottingham is built on a network over 800 caves —the UK’s largest— which have become a popular tourist attraction. Even so, it is unusual for these to be found within residential properties. In 2016, a family home in nearby Mansfield hit the market for £725,000, featuring a giant outdoor cave fitted with a hot tub, sauna, bar and fully-fitted kitchen.
Although it is currently set up as a cinema, agents have suggested several possible uses for the space, including a formal dining room games room or bar. “The developers have even started you off by installing a wine fridge,” said previous agents Liberty Gate in a video tour of the property. “This is the ultimate old-meets-new.”
St Mary’s Gate House was built in 1849 as the French consulate and was converted to a lace warehouse in 1868. In 2019, after almost 30 years of dereliction, the building was redeveloped and converted into 10 apartments. This, however, is the only one with a cave.
Original features like the stone landings and staircase, wrought iron railings and plaster detailing on the walls were reinstated, with this apartment showcasing some of its original brickwork and staircase, previously used by servants. (Now, however, this leads nowhere).
The apartment was put on the market for £325,000 in 2020 with Liberty Gate, and sold to its current owners for £295,000 in 2021, according to the Land Registry. They have rented the property out for £2,500pcm.
In February this year, it was listed anew for £350,000 with FHP Living, and has since had a £50,000 price reduction. Few changes appear to have been made by the current owners.
Covering 1,257 square feet, the apartment has two entrances: one which leads directly to the rear of the property, and one via a staircase from the communal hall.
There are two bedrooms, one with ensuite, a shower room and small study under the original staircase, hidden behind a false wall.
The property is being marketed by FHP Living as an investment opportunity, and has an annual service charge of £1,482.90, plus £250 a year in ground rent.
“Mid 1800s brickwork, original cave and 21st century technology,” said former agent Paul Robinson at Liberty Gate about the last sale. “This place has got it all.”
