A gothic-style Victorian apartment in London that could pass for a vampire’s lair is up for auction for £4.5 million (US$5.6 million).

The duplex apartment is housed within two semi-detached villas in the upscale Hampstead neighborhood of the city, which was originally created by famed stained-glass manufacturers John Burlison and his son-in-law, Alfred Bell.

Bell lived in the house where the apartment is located, while his father-in-law lived next door. When Burlison died in 1868, Bell combined the houses into a single residence and tapped British Gothic Revival architect Charles Buckeridge to design the interiors.

Though the building has since been divided into apartments, Buckeridge’s design is still evident throughout the almost 3,500-square-foot flat, which hit the market last week.

“The beautifully preserved interiors of this apartment are like nothing I have seen before,” said listing agent Becky Fatemi, of Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Ornate details like intricate woodwork, hand-painted ceilings, stained-glass windows and elaborate carvings create an atmosphere of grandeur, which are more than worthy of the [city’s] Victoria and Albert Museum,” she said.

The enormous arched windows, antique fireplace, and elaborate cornicing in the grand reception room are among its highlights. Impressive gold detailing, built-in bookcases, and chandeliers are also present.

A second greeting area features striking windows, a massive fireplace, and hand-painted drawings on the ceiling. It is currently used as a formal dining room.

There are six bedrooms, a study, a third reception area that leads to the kitchen, and a patio elsewhere.

“Whether it’s the Houses of Parliament, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel or the Natural History Museum, London is home to some of the finest Victorian interior design and architecture,” Fatemi said. “But rarely is the same caliber of design available in a private home, which is why this jewel box of an apartment is so special.”

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