NEWLY refurbished city centre, one-bedroom home with sitting room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom - plus annual allowance for soap and mead - available now RENT FREE with no charge for heating.

It may sound too good to be true but that's precisely what's on offer at the picturesque God's House in Winkle Street, Southampton.

And surprisingly, surveyors Holland and Mitchell, who are agents for the property, have had no takers so far for the vacant accommodation.

God's House consists of eight alms-houses - four for men and four for women - owned by Queen's College, Oxford.

To qualify to live there you must:

Be single or widowed.

Be aged over 60.

Preferably be a man as the accommodation is in the men's block (but a woman will also be considered).

Have a long association with Southampton.

Possibly have worked in education.

As well as providing the accommodation free of charge, Queen's College pays an annual allowance for soap and mead, as well as paying for heating - a quaint tradition that goes back many centuries.

"We have tried our best to find someone to take the accommodation but so far we have drawn a blank," Holland and Mitchell director Graham Holland explained.

"Ideally we are looking for a long-term resident of Southampton and if you have a connection with education that would also be of interest.

"We would like the person to be a male - but we do have a woman living in the male accommodation at the moment so a woman would also be considered.

"All the maintenance of the property is dealt with so that isn't a worry either - it really is a wonderful place to live," he said.

Grandmother Sylvia Morris, 78, has lived at God's House for 11 years.

She said: "It's lovely and peaceful living here. Nobody knows where we are - it's like living out in the country."

Mrs Morris used to live in Bernard Street in another property owned by Queen's College - and when she was given the opportunity to transfer to the almshouses, she leapt at the chance.

"It really is the perfect place to live. We can get a free bus into town from the Red Funnel terminal and we all feel safe and secure living here."

"I can't understand why they can't find anyone else to come and live here," she added.

Resident Margaret Mahony said: "For an older person, the apartments are big enough - and we have a wonderful garden and lovely neighbours.

For more details of God's House call Holland and Mitchell on 023 8033 0041.