The Old Court in Temple Cloud: former courthouse with jail cell bedrooms and prisoners' trapdoor for sale

An imposing Grade II-listed former court house has been turned into a 10-bedroom home — with jail cells converted into bedrooms.

The former cells still have the hatches that were used to pass food to prisoners and there’s even an original stone spiral staircase, which was used to bring prisoners into the courtroom via a trapdoor.

The Old Court is 30 minutes from Bristol and Bath in Temple Cloud as has been run as a B&B in the past. Now a vast family home, the historic property is packed with original period features and spread over more than 6,600sq ft.

Built in Victorian Gothic style in 1857 as a magistrates court and police station, the original 38ft-long courtroom – with vaulted ceiling – now serves as an impressive main reception room.

The first-floor courtroom is approached via a large entrance hall and staircase and is connected to a separate, 26ft long TV/games room via a glass bridge.

Three of the five en suite bedrooms on the first floor have their own hot tubs, two more on the second floor and the three bedrooms converted from former jail cells on the ground, there’s space for the biggest of families.

There’s a two-car garage and gym and the ground floor contains a large kitchen with separate utility room, study, sitting room, dining room and reception room.

Rightmove’s property expert Miles Shipside said: “The owners of Temple Cloud have had fun restoring this charming building to its former glory – there are entertaining surprises in every nook and cranny. The Gothic design really sets this place apart.”

The property has been listed for sale for £795,000 through Savills.