How a historic building went from chapel, to school, to Airbnb

The Butts, in Warwick, is made up of the East Gate and St Peter's Chapel and has centuries of rich history.

The gate is thought to date back to the 14th Century, while the chapel above it was built in about 1426.

In that time it has been a chapel, a school, and more recently an Airbnb, having been through several conversions and renovations.

Now, the Grade I listed property is on the market for £600,000.

"Originally, it was just a single storey gate giving access into the walls of the old town," said James Hawkesford, from Hawkesford Estate Agents.

It was rebuilt in the 15th Century, with two arches added.

"The main arch would've been where they drew their carts through... and the smaller one would've been pedestrians."

The building has been around for centuries

"It was a chapel up to around 1545, when the Guild of Warwick ceased maintaining it," he told BBC CWR.

"It fell into disrepair.

"And then, in 1578, monies were found for updating it into a school by King's Grammar School, and later, the gateway and chapel were leased to the town corporation as living accommodation."

In 1700, the chapel was once again converted into a school room, funded by a small charity.

"Then, in 1719, the Bablake charity was formed, and used the building again as a school and they were here until 1875," said Mr Hawkesford, "it was then again leased out as living accommodation."

The site has been a successful Airbnb for many years

In 1916, the building was leased to King's High School, which used to be next door. It was with the school until 2009, when the lease ended.

It was sold at auction in 2010, and converted to its current use as an Airbnb.

"The person that bought it was an expert in older properties, and has modernised it, improved it, and made it fit for the 21st Century," said Mr Hawkesford.

"He reroofed it, he puts mains drainage to it, plumbing, heating.

"Every single door has been handmade, and every single latch has been built in the original gunmetal that would've been done at the time."

'It could be a fantastic home'

Mr Hawkesford told the BBC what sort of person he could see taking the building on.

"It's somebody that wants to take on a very, very historic building - it has, up until recently, been a very successful Airbnb."

"People from all round the world came and stayed here it did very well from people coming across from America.

"I can see somebody either wanting a fantastic weekend getaway, or buying a property to rent out on the holiday let market, or, what a fantastic home."