CONVERTED from the carriage house of magnificent Thurland Castle, this luxurious three-bedroom property offers 21st century living in historic surroundings.

Ruskin House is one of five individual and beautifully presented homes set around a landscaped courtyard with a private terrace and garden running alongside the moat.

Sumptuous interiors and ten acres of shared grounds with a tennis court are among the highlights of this exclusive estate at Tunstall village.

Ruskin House is named after Victorian art critic and writer John Ruskin, a regular visitor to Thurland Castle, and is on the market with Davis & Bowring for £725,000.

The Grade II*-listed moated castle has a rich and dramatic past dating back to the 15th century, and was purchased and converted into 12 houses and apartments 18 years ago.

Ruskin House is described by the agents as “great for everyday and extra special for entertaining”. The rooms on the ground floor are enhanced by decorative glazing with views out to the landscaped courtyard.

A stylish breakfast kitchen is well equipped with SieMatic units, granite worktops and built-in appliances, and it opens onto a light and sunny breakfast area with French doors to the courtyard.

The morning room off the dining room also has doors to the courtyard, and the spacious drawing room features a lovely leaded and stained window which lets coloured light flood in. Leading off the drawing room is a useful library and home office.

Ruskin House offers three double bedrooms, including a sumptuous master suite fitted with bespoke furniture. Adding to the feeling of luxury are three well-appointed bath/shower rooms.

The private front garden is easy to look after and includes a lawn, fountain and flagged terrace, giving a secluded space that enjoys all-day sun. The garden is open to the general courtyard and provides an impressive approach to Ruskin House.

At the back is a private flagged terrace bordering the moat, and there are 10 acres of shared grounds to enjoy - maintained by the castle gardeners - and a recently resurfaced hard tennis court.

Completing the picture is a double garage, allocated private parking and shared visitor parking.

Ruskin House has Calor gas-fired central heating with radiators on the first floor; and underfloor heating on the ground floor and in the master bedroom en-suite. B4RN hyperfast broadband is available, and there is a wired network throughout the property with a B&O audio system.

Ruskin House is being sold on the balance of a 999-year lease (from 2003) with a quarterly maintenance charge of £989.18 from April 2018. Carpets, curtains, blinds, curtain poles, light fittings, B&O equipment and integral white goods are included in the sale.

www.davis-bowring.co.uk; tel 015242-74445.