"Unique" cottage for sale has 1800s origins - and a hidden trap door

This “unique” village home for sale was once a parish poor house and has a hidden trap door. 

The Old Vestry, in Sandford, is Grade II listed and was built in 1858, having been originally used as a poor house associated with the neighbouring Church of St Swithun. 

The property is constructed of local red sandstone, and in 1990 was restored and converted into a home, while retaining character features such as the original plank door and the mullioned windows. 

Entering the home, there is an open plan kitchen and living room with a new solid oak kitchen featuring integrated appliances. 

In the living room area, there is a large stone fireplace with a wood-burning stove, while hidden in the floor is a trap door, opening to a fixed ladder leading to the lower ground floor.

This space is currently used as an office, or could be used as a storage space, with an external door allowing access for bicycles. 

A solid wood spiral staircase leads upstairs to a large bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, while completing the property is a shower room off the main living space. 

The home is accessed via large stone steps, enclosed by wrought iron railings and a private gate. 

The property is being sold by Helmores for a guide price of £200,000.

The agent described the property as: “A unique detached Grade II listed property built in 1858 of local red sandstone and full of character. 

“Originally a parish poor house, this quaint village property was sympathetically restored and converted into a permanent dwelling in 1990, retaining period features such as the mullioned windows and original plank door.”