Barnard Castle's oldest house where Oliver Cromwell once dined is on market for £500,000

Blagraves House, in Barnard Castle, is a Grade I listed building which dates back to the 15th Century.

The building boasts a colourful history originally being gifted by Richard III to Joan Forest, the wife of the Keeper of the Kings Wardrobe, Miles Forest, who was alleged to have disposed of the two young princes at the Tower of London, along with John Dighton.

The house then became the Boar’s Head inn during Elizabeth I’s reign with the cellars, which once housed a brewery, being rumoured to have been used as dungeons and a passageway is believed to lead to either Eggleston Abbey or the town’s castle.

It was then in 1648 that General Oliver Cromwell held a council and dined at the house while on his way to Richmond.

The house takes its current name from the Blagrave family who took over the building in the 17th Century and is currently used as a restaurant.

The mid-terrace, four-storey property retains many of its original features, including heavily beamed, crested ceilings and large open fireplaces.

The ground floor entrance leads to a lounge and a courtyard which is home to a statue of Charles I.

An oak-panelled banqueting hall is also used for private parties.

The dining room is on the second floor and the property boasts a rooftop garden where the owners have their own accommodation.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to sell the freehold property.

Business agent, David Cash, who is handling the sale said: “Blagraves House is a truly unique building and the sale presents a rare opportunity for someone to acquire a highly historic site of national importance.

“The current restaurant business is very well-established having been owned by the Marley family for 28 years, so this would suit an existing operator or a first-time buyer looking to take over a truly historic restaurant with lots of potential.”

For more information visit christie.com or call 02072270700.