A stunning Grade II-listed Italian-style villa in the centre of Gloucester is on the market for £1.85million.

Situated on Denmark Road, the 23-room 'Hillfield House' has been transformed by its current owners into a remarkable home.

The eight-bedroom property was originally built in 1867 for timber merchant Charles Walker and before its conversion the villa was not used as a private residence for more than 100 years.

"The four main reception rooms; breakfast room, study, drawing room and sitting room flow off the reception hall that sits at the centre of the house" said Painswick-based agents Moulton Haus, who are marketing the property.

"An equally impressive space is the fabulously grand kitchen breakfast room, also located just off the reception hall.

"The ornate cantilevered balcony with delicate ironwork balustrade provides access to six excellent bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms.

"The lower ground floor comprises four cellars, an excellent addition for any budding wine connoisseur."

They added that: "In addition to the main house there is the 'west wing' which houses two further reception rooms, a fully fitted kitchen, sitting room and two spacious en-suite double bedrooms along with its own private access away from the main house."

During the First World War the house became an emergency war time hospital, caring for around 50 patients and then became a Church House after it was purchased by the Diocese of Gloucester in the 1920s.

In 1933, it was acquired by Gloucester City Council and used as their local government offices until the 1970s. At this point, it passed into the hands of the County Council for use as the base for its trading standards team.

Moulton Haus also mention that there is potential scope within the grounds for a small development of mews style houses that the current owners are exploring with the local planning department.