David Penn, a partner with Bromwich Hardy, explained how the historic property was once part of St Mary’s Priory, founded in 1832 for French Benedictine nuns from Montargis, and included a school for the daughters of wealthy Catholic families.

In 1965, the nuns moved to a smaller convent and closed the school, which became Princethorpe College, and The Retreat building has more recently been used as a house of multiple occupation.

Mr 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 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.”

For more details about the retreat, see more details about, visit: https://www.bromwichhardy.com/property-search/property-details?id=3746&details=the-retreat-coventry-road-princethorpe-rugby-cv23-9qf-other.