Historic convent up for sale with plans to convert into flats

A former convent in Warwickshire, known as The Retreat, is up for sale with plans to convert it into four large flats.

Located on Coventry Road in Princethorpe, about seven miles southeast of Coventry, the property is listed at around £700,000.

David Penn of Bromwich Hardy noted that the building, once part of St Mary’s Priory established in 1832 for French Benedictine nuns, was also used as a school for Catholic girls.

In 1965, the nuns moved to a smaller convent, and the school became Princethorpe College. The building has since functioned as a house of multiple occupations.

Penn said: “The Retreat is an impressive freehold property in an attractive semi-rural location that extends to more than 5,896 sq ft on a site of 0.245 acres. This property achieved planning consent from Rugby Borough Council in April this year to extend and alter the building, including a sub-division to four apartments with associated access and landscaping.

“The building, now vacant, has two substantial wings and an original access to the south, which has retained various period and religious features. Internally, there is an extensive hallway with a grand staircase and its rooms are typically generous in size with high ceilings.

“There are currently two reception rooms downstairs, plus a dining room, kitchen, lobby, boot room, toilet, store, study, utility room and a small basement cellar, with six bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. The property currently forms part of the Princethorpe College Estate and is located immediately off the Coventry Road Slip Road, forming part of the original A423 Coventry Road between Coventry and Southam.”