The Deanery, circled, next door to Winchester Cathedral - ahei

A cathedral has opened up its deanery to short-term holiday lets at the rate of £4,500 per week.

The residence at Winchester Cathedral dates back to the reign of Henry VIII and features a large gallery created to entertain King Charles II.

The five-bedroom home in Hampshire has been made available to tourists for the first time until the new dean takes residence next year.

Customers will be able to live in the property for £4,500 a week, although the fee rises to £5,500 per week during the Christmas period.

The property is available to book for three nights or longer - Georga Pead/Solent News & Photo Agency

Catherine Ogle, who was dean of Winchester Cathedral from 2017, retired in May, and a new dean will be appointed next year.

The 16th century house sleeps up to 10 people, but while there is no dean in residence, the property is available to book for three nights or longer.

The holiday let has five bedrooms and can sleep up to 10 people - Georga Pead/Solent News & Photo Agency

The house, situated in the inner close of the cathedral, has several historic features, including a 70-foot-long gallery and a Roman mosaic in the porch.

Other artefacts include a regal coat of arms overlooking a fifteenth-century archway, artworks from former deans and a fourteenth-century sculpture.

There is also a plaque which commemorates a meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and Anthony Eden that took place in 1956.

An American family has already booked to stay in the property for 10 weeks - Georga Pead/Solent News & Photo Agency

Alasdair Akass, director of development at Winchester Cathedral, said: “This is a quintessential British home that has been brought bang up to date with the support of many valued suppliers.

“Renting the deanery is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming families to enjoy its tranquil and beautiful setting.”

Money raised from the rental will be put towards the preservation and development of the cathedral - Georga Pead/Solent News & Photo Agency

Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director at French Bedroom, who helped work on the house, said: “Being invited to contribute to the styling of the Deanery at Winchester Cathedral is both a creative privilege and a personal joy.

“As one of the most historically and architecturally important residences in the country, it provides a unique setting that perfectly complements the timeless and enduring spirit of our designs. Most importantly, this collaboration is about purpose.

“By booking a stay at the Deanery at Winchester Cathedral, guests are directly supporting the maintenance and operation of the cathedral.

“Their stay will help to preserve this extraordinary place of wonder, beauty and inspiration for generations to come, and we are honoured to play a role in this.”

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