Sold for £3.2m '“ the Southsea home built in 1851 as a '˜model lodging'Â

Built in 1851 by Thomas Ellis Owen as a model lodging house The Friary, the house has been sold at auction.

The price is the highest paid for a residential property offered for sale by auction in the city.

Auctioneers Nesbits organised the sale.

A spokesman said: 'We are very proud to have achieved such a result which is a reflection of investors interest in the city and demand for  such an exceptional building.'

The property has been improved and modernised into 23 flats and a shop. The property generates an income of £180,000 pa.