Generally the only kind of property you're likely to find sitting in the middle of a 13th century moat is a very large castle - which is why a new development in Wickford is so intriguing.

Berne Hall Court is a community of six-bedroom properties, all surrounded entirely by water.

Fittingly for their environment, the properties themselves are also an unusual find.

Each house has six bedrooms, three floors, three reception rooms, a large utility room, a double garage and a large breakfast room/ kitchen.

The master bedroom has a large en suite bathroom as well as a walk-in dressing room.

There are four properties on the site, which are only accessible via electronic gates on the moat's bridge.

One property is already occupied. Development has just been completed on the remaining three houses.

"There's nothing else like this in Wickford," says Matthew Byatt, from selling agents Strutt and Parker.

"I think they'll appeal to local people who grew up in Wickford.

"You find that a lot of people from around here tend to have to move out to somewhere like Billericay if they want a larger house - but not everyone actually wants to leave."

If the lure of beautiful, large, new houses doesn't raise your interest in Berne Hall Court, then a previous inhabitant might.

Rumour has it that King Richard III once lived within the square moat.

Evidently it proved to be a perfect place for him to stop unwanted guests from getting to his property.

The same emphasis on security remains in place today. The gated style of the development means each homeowner can screen potential visitors via a personal intercom system.

This kind of set-up has been used in America for years, and it's now catching on this side of the pond.

"These gated developments have been going up in north London for a while now," said Matthew.

"They're usually found in Notting Hill and Islington, though, not in Wickford."

Matthew thinks gated communities will become increasingly popular for homeowners.

"People work hard for their money," he says.

"And they want to invest it somewhere where they know it will be safe."

Prices start at £685,000 for the houses.

Call Strutt and Parker on 01245 254603 for more information. Berne Hall Court is being sold in conjunction with Beresfords.