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Homes with Harry Potter appeal

December 3, 2010 at 2:53 PM Lawrence Hall 5 comments

Inspired by Harry Potter’s Hogwarts: The Galleries, Brentwood, Essex

This is a legacy post from the findaproperty.com blog which is now maintained as an archive within the Zoopla blog. Links have been preserved.

If you’re anything like us, then watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on the big screen has probably made you yearn for your very own stay in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While we can’t help you arrange a sleepover in the Gryffindor House common room, we can suggest a couple of properties which will appeal to anyone who’s fallen under the spell of Harry, Hermione, Ron, Hadrig or even the dastardly Dursleys.

Hogwarts lovers: The Galleries in Brentwood, Essex

These distinctive Grade II Listed buildings feature an array of Victorian Gothic architecture, reminiscent of Alnwick Castle – the medieval castle in Northumberland used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

Currently being transformed by City & Country Group into a residential development, The Galleries in Brentwood are being painstakingly restored and have so far uncovered several gothic features, including decorative stonework, figurative carvings and gothic arched windows, which have all been kept and combined with contemporary architectural restoration.

Harry, Hermione and Ron would feel at home at The Galleries, Brentwood, Essex

As far as we know, The Galleries in Essex have never been home to a witchcraft school. Instead this impressive building first opened its doors in 1853 as a convalescent hospital. It’s now been converted into 100 high quality apartments and homes. There’s even a magnificent cloisters.

Prices start at £310,000 for a two bedroom apartment, £395,000 for a three bedroom apartment and £499,950 for a two bedroom duplex.

Other Harry Potter-inspired properties

For lovers of the Hogsmeade Station, the closest train stop to Hogwarts

Five-bedroom converted train station in Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire

Exterior of converted railway station, now a 5 bedroom house for sale in Brough

This unique property in Brough, within easy striking distance of Hull, was built in 1880 and was officially in use by 1882. It’s an impressive conversion of a former railway station, which was transformed into a residence in 1963 after the line closed in 1960.

The kitchen inside converted railway station, now a 5 bedroom house for sale in Brough

It’s set within 7 acres of established ground and well located for the M62, Beverley, Hull and York. It’s on the market for £795,000 through Carter Jonas.

For lovers of the Dursley’s home at Number 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging

Three-bedroom house in New Haw, Surrey

Harry wouldn’t mind living here: the three bedroom New Haw home

You could almost imagine Harry sending out Hedwig with a message from his bedroom on the second floor of this three bedroom house with driveway and pretty garden. Let’s be honest though, this modern semi looks a lot nicer than the Dursley’s mean old gaff. The shops, bars and restaurants of New Haw are within easy reach, while both West Byflett and Woking aren’t far away.

Nicer than the Dursley’s gaff: Three bedroom house in New Haw is on the market for £279,950

The nearest station is West Byfleet which is on the direct line to London Waterloo. It’s on the market for £279,950 through Foxtons.

For lovers of Hagrids cottage at the edge of the Forbidden Forest

Coldharbour Cottages, Brightling Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex

A bit more genteel than Hagrid’s digs: These two Coldharbour Cottages are on the market for £795,000

We know Hagrid lives in only one rather diminutive cottage on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, but this pair of cottages surrounded by well stocked and private gardens in semi rural East Sussex certainly conjures up mystical possibilities. There are five bedrooms, three reception rooms and three bathrooms, but the gardens form a particular feature of this property and include stepping stone pathways interspersed with willow, bamboo and sycamore and there’s even a secret garden with a grape vine arbour.

Poor Hagrid didn’t get an outside entertaining area

It’s off a country lane within easy access of Robertsbridge which has a mainline station and regular services to London Charring Cross. It’s on the market at £795,000 through Freeman Forman.

Entry filed under: General. Tags: buying and selling, Celebrity, harry potter, Hogwarts, New Homes.