Included in the Sunday Times 30 Best Homes in Britain 2015, this Grade II listed townhouse on St James’ Close in Old Town Poole, has a fascinating history.

Built in the 1770s, one of its first residents was a Captain Fussell. A century later the Kendall family moved in and lived here until the 1930s, running a book binding and printer business from the premises.

Great British Life: One of the reception rooms. One of the reception rooms. (Image: Symonds & Sampson)

During the Second World War many local houses played host to billeted soldiers and sailors. And by the 1950s it was a lodging house. A rising interest in this historic part of Poole resulted in the creation of the Old Town Conservation Area in 1974. One of the leading lights in this revival was a builder called Chick Fowler who lived in this house and undertook its restoration. Run as a bed and breakfast from the late 1990s, when the current owners bought the property in 2017, they sympathetically restored it back to a period family home. It comprises five ensuite bedrooms over five floors, attractive reception rooms, a lovely kitchen opening onto a pretty courtyard garden, a garage and off-road parking. This handsome end of terrace townhouse, just minutes from Poole Quay, would suit a large family or could be a stylish B&B.

Guide price: £1,000,000 (Freehold)

Agent: Symonds & Sampson 01202 843190

Great British Life: The large spacious kitchen with double aspect. The large spacious kitchen with double aspect. (Image: Symonds & Sampson)Great British Life: The kitchen opening onto the courtyard garden. The kitchen opening onto the courtyard garden. (Image: Symonds & Sampson)Great British Life: The pretty and tranquil courtyard garden. The pretty and tranquil courtyard garden. (Image: Symonds & Sampson)Great British Life: One of the five ensuite bedrooms One of the five ensuite bedrooms (Image: Symonds & Sampson)Great British Life: One of the ensuite bathrooms. One of the ensuite bathrooms. (Image: Symonds & Sampson)

LOCAL AREA

There’s a lot to consider, if you’re thinking of moving to Poole. It isn’t just about having the second biggest natural harbour in the world, or boasting some of the most expensive properties in Britain.

It’s about using the lovely harbour for sport and relaxation; for sharing exactly the same views as the expensive Sandbanks’ properties – for free; it’s about enjoying a stroll through Poole’s beautiful public parks and gardens or along its sandy beaches; it’s about evenings out at the biggest arts centre outside London; it’s about shopping in the modern all-weather mall or along streets lined with independent shops, some selling local produce and the freshest seafood imaginable; it’s about having a huge selection of schools, an outstanding hospital, and out-of-town furniture and DIY outlets to furnish your new home.

Poole also has a fascinating and rich heritage, the RNLI HQ and national training centre is based here, and both Poole Pottery and Ryvita are made here. What’s more, the Isle of Purbeck is a short ferry crossing away, and Weymouth and London are easily accessible by rail.