The six-bedroom Victorian house opposite the Royal School was built in 1899. It used to the The Headmaster's House, standing on the corner of Penn Road and Lyndhurst Road.

It was first sold by the school in February 2008 and was picked up by 46-year-old Giuseppe Coreeli.

See inside the house:

The living room when the house was sold The dining room when the house was sold The staircase when the house was sold The kitchen when the house was sold The upper landing when the house was sold

His father lived there until he died at the end of 2014, since when it has been empty. The house was sold for £550,000 in March 2017.

New owner Harj Duhra, 49, of West Park, who works in IT, is spending in the region of £150,000 to bring the house back to its former glory.

He hopes to have the work completed by October this year and move in his family.

The exterior of the house now with work underway

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Harj said: "The main thing we are dealing with at the moment is the roof. There was a lot of repairs to do and a lot of structural work. Once that has been done, we'll be able to make a start on everything else!"

The house is filled with period features including stone mullion windows, outstanding stained glass work, circular turret with copper roof, stone work and embellishments.

Harj continued: "We want to bring the house back to what it was like in its heyday, but add in all the modern features that make it a comfortable long-term family home."

The house was built in 1899 and sits on the corner of Penn Road and Lyndhurst Road

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A team of electricians are at work re-wiring the house and Harj has spent months stripping back and enhancing the almost-an-acre garden.

Scaffolding is currently up at the property as the roof is being worked on. The ornate garage block is also being completed.

Harj added: "It's surprising how well the house in known in the area. We do get a lot passers by coming in asking what we're doing with it. People seem to be relieved when I say it'll be a family home and not converted into apartments."

Harj Duhra plans to live in the house with his family

When entering, the home has an expansive reception hall with an oak floor, leading to an impressive turning staircase to the first floor.

The first floor boasts a galleried landing with a large stained glass window and ceiling plaster work. An antique chandelier hangs proudly from the first floor.

Harj said: "We'll definitely be keeping the chandelier. We've just got to get it down to be restored - hopefully it won't like a Del Boy and Rodney moment!"

And who is to get the turret bedroom?

"My son has got his eye on that room," Harj said, although the room won't be painted lavender when he moves in!"