A historic home with ties to Charles Dickens has exchanged hands for the first time in more than a century.

Prospect Villa, a three-bedroom detached property along Minster Road on Sheppey was put up for sale on Rightmove with a guide price of £200k.

The house was once owned by the late Conservative Minster Cliffs councillor Ken Ingleton who died in July and had often spoke candidly of the Victorian novelist’s “Sheppey influences”.

It has been family-owned since 1904 and was offered to the market for the first time last month.

However, it was in need of a full refurbishment or redevelopment and the condition of the property was so poor children were not allowed to attend viewings.

Listed by the Sheerness estate agent, House, it has since been confirmed that the property was sold subject to contract – which means an offer was made and accepted.

The plot also currently has two workshops and parking to the rear.

Following news the house was up for sale members of the Sheppey History group began to dig into its colourful past.

Paul Carr is one of those who looked into the property's history. His interest in the Island’s past stemmed from his childhood – a time he’d read publications by historians Martin and Rosemary Hawkins.

The 55-year-old said: “There is no definitive text regarding the history of Prospect Villa.

“I have done my own research regarding Dickens's association with the house.

“The white cottage was built on the site of the Pig and Whistle public house, shortly after it was pulled down around 1820.

“The great Victorian author Charles Dickens is recorded as visiting his friend Captain Johns at Prospect Villa.”

Paul, from Minster, discovered the information in Bramston's 'A History of the Isle of Sheppey'.

References in the text suggested Charles Dickens had close associations with Minster

It says: “Dickens frequently visited his friend Captain Johns at Prospect Villa and was well known in the village.

“A Mrs Corbishley ( the churchwarden's daughter), recalls as a child, Charles giving her piggy-back rides in the Abbey churchyard.

“Documentary receipts also show that Dickens and friends lodged next door at the George (Prince of Waterloo).

“It has been suggested that part of the ‘Old Curiosity Shop' (1840) was written here.”

Despite its grand history Prospect Villa is not a grade-listed building, which means it is not protected from certain planning applications.

The buyer of the property is not known, however, Islanders hope the new owner knows of and is respectful of its past.

Paul added: “I do hope any potential buyers are aware of the historical significance of this property, to islanders, particularly.

“The estate agents state that ‘inquiries about the potential development of the site should be made to Swale Borough Council’ which is slightly concerning.”

Paul shared his fears of the site being bulldozed on the History Group social media page.

One person replied: “It’s a lovely house. I hope someone renovates it sympathetically.”

Another said: “Please don't knock it down.”​​​

However, some were less fussed by its current standing with one commenting: “Looks like it's falling down to me. Is it really worth saving?

“I don't mean to be dismissive, but it appears quite a dismal place.”

To learn more about the house you can find its listing on Rightmove. For information on the Sheppey History group search for its page on Facebook.