A fascinating Grade II listed property with historical links to Oliver Cromwell, fears of witchcraft, and potentially Charles Dickens is on the market for offers in the region of £900,000.

Winton Hall, located near Kirkby Stephen, is a five-bedroom property built around the original walls of a medieval Pele Tower.

According to the current owners, the history of Winton Hall dates back to 500AD, when there was possibly a wooden building on the site.

However, the first recorded mention of the hall as it stands today was in 1314, when it was a fortified manor house, or Pele Tower.

Ownership can be traced back to Roger Clifford in 1265, who married his ward Isabella, the daughter of Henry III.

The hall was occupied by Yorkist forces in 1422 but was eventually restored to the Clifford family in 1485, with the addition of the Tudor hall.

During the English Civil War, Cromwell's New Model army overcame Winton Hall and installed the Scaife brothers, Lord Lieutenants of Westmorland, as tenants.

Above the door of the hall, there is an inscription believed to have been placed in 1665, indicating that Cromwell gifted them the ownership for their loyalty.

In the seventeenth century, witchcraft was a concern for many people, including the residents of Winton Hall.

Witch marks, placed to ward off evil, can still be seen at the fireplace in the snug of the house.

The Georgian period saw the addition of the south wing, around 1750.

It is suggested that Charles Dickens based the fictional character of Wackford Squeers, the headmaster of Dotheboys Hall in 'Nicholas Nickleby', on a former resident of Winton Hall.

In 1990 to 1993, the hall underwent restoration with assistance from a grant from Historic England.

It is believed that at some point the hall was used as a school for girls.

Current owners Paul and Kati said: “We love the quirky character and aristocratic provenance of Winton Hall, but it is also a warm and welcoming home which we think is incredibly unique.”

Winton Hall impresses visitors with its imposing stone façade, intricate stonework, and expansive arched windows.

The hall features five stunning bedrooms, each offering magnificent views of the beautiful Eden Valley countryside.

Inside, the grand hallway boasts high ceilings, original panelling, and stone-flagged floors.

Other highlights include a dining room with captivating views from its Mullioned windows, William Morris wallpaper leading to the upper floor, and a bedroom with its own mezzanine.

Additional rooms in the property include a lounge, drawing room, kitchen diner, and an incredible en-suite master bedroom.

Outside, the meticulously landscaped grounds feature manicured gardens, ancient trees, and facilities for horses.

The hall is being sold by Lune Valley Estates.