Penthouse apartments in the city’s costliest block of flats were snapped up before spades even touched the ground, say developers.

Prospective buyers put in offers on the two luxury flats the moment they laid eyes on the panoramic views of the city centre.

One buyer, a local businesswoman who has lived in Canterbury for two decades, has told the KentOnline she has finally found her dream property.

Quinn Estates’ development sees a 1970s office block in Beer Cart Lane transformed into 14 luxury flats and eight office suites.

With the most expensive apartment the first in Canterbury with a £1 million price tag, the converted block offers the city’s costliest flats to date – yet all sold off-plan some time ago.

Roma Kerrison says she fell in love with her £600,000 penthouse flat the moment she stepped over the threshold.

She said: “I’ve wanted a city centre penthouse for a long time but I’d never seen anything like this.

“There are views in all directions that are so breathtaking. I knew instantly this was the one. It’s my dream home, without doubt.”

Ms Kerrison, a former residential lettings agent, has had links with the city since her son attended The King’s School.

She has lived in Station Road West as well as Kingsbrook Park, but always hankered after an apartment with views.

“It was the view that sold it, and the location,” she said. “When I looked, the other penthouse was already reserved.

“I had to get in there quickly and knew straight away it was the right one.

“The building is just a little bit different, which I liked. It’s done to a really high standard.”

Ms Kerrison has been working with designers and the developer to get the flat finished to her exact specifications.

She hopes to move in next month.

Bought by an American, the £1 million flat is actually two properties knocked into one, sat on the floor beneath the penthouse.

Mr Quinn says its record price-tag reflects a growing demand for property in the city centre, particularly from foreign investors.

Mr Quinn said: “It’s an absolutely stunning apartment which wouldn’t look out of place in Mayfair.

“It occupies most of the third floor and hasevery conceivable luxury, with all four bedrooms en-suite, Italian marble throughout and the very best fixtures and fittings and technology. The large private terrace is simply stunning and will be a great place to relax.

“Anyone going in there would be blown away by it.”

Mr Quinn says the development now houses the nine most expensive flats in Canterbury, with two roof top penthouses selling for around £600,000 and the cheapest apartment still a wallet-busting £335,000.

Alastair Cracknell, also of Quinn Estates, said: “The penthouses sold before spades even touched the ground. The views definitely sold the properties.”

Mr Cracknell says the majority of the properties have been bought by foreign investors. Many have ties with the city after their children attended one of the universities.

Several have been snapped up by Middle Eastern and Cayman Island buyers.

Some will only use their apartments personally for one or two months a year, he added.