This Edition’s Unique Property Feature:-
Stairways To Heaven
From The Liquid Version To The Divine
The Water Tower, Willow Drive, Cheddleton, Leek, Staffordshire
This edition of the Unique Property Bulletin has a lot of stairs in it, hence the eponymous title. We start with a mega-stairmaster job (pictured in the photograph above), and then progress later with the Bulletin Feature to several slices of Heaven.
We start with this spectacular a spectacular conversion of a water tower into an amazing home.
A little background. This tower at Staffordshire was listed on 27th July 2011 for £399,950 (reduced from £750,000, further reduced to £599,950). We add this archived link specifically because it has TWENTY PHOTOGRAPHS in the slideshow which are well worth studying on the weblink below.
Even if you are not inclined to offer on this tower, it can give some idea of what vertical limit style living can provide.
Location: The Water Tower, 61 Willow Drive, Cheddleton, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 7FG
Guide: Currently back up a little in price at £495,000, but remember the £399,950 from a while back. Also important to note, the owner bought the tower for £115,000 and has estimated to have spent £300,000 on the conversion. So this may help inform readers on what price might be acceptable for the seller.
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: To Email – Click Here
The Water Tower, Willow Drive, Cheddleton, Leek, Staffordshire
Other Water Towers & Stairway Property Listed In The Main Body of This Bulletin
Plus A Heavenly Feature Article At The Foot of This Page.
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Gentle Potential
Land & Private Access To The Wet Road: Gentle Adventures – Norfolk
This may not look much to the uninitiated, but it represents a home for what are sublime places to live. Boats.
It is often a very hard thing to find a home to berth your vessel. This may sound strange, but we know from first hand experience with a wide range of maritime abodes that locating a suitable piece of wharfage can be a real challenge. In fact if you don’t have a berth for your vessel you can literally find yourself all washed up. The very essence of those words may come true. This is why, when we do find such fairly pieces of safe harbour we love to feature them.
Please note, this particular waterside berth and land has been in and out of the saleroom like a yo-yo. Earlier being featured for £80,000 at: This Link – Click Here (lovely set of photographs) before being withdrawn from the estate agent and sent across to the auction house – where it has now been moved again. So if you like the looks of this little waterside idyll then perhaps dig a little deeper and you may locate a marvellous place to put your piece of Heaven at a greatly reduced price (the £80,000 has been reduced to less than half of that in the auction guide).
For some ideas of what you might like to place in this relatively nondescript piece of waterside, here are some examples (though not included in the price of the land)…
Click Here To See What Might Be
Location: Vessel Berth & Plot and Land off Priory Road, St. Olaves, Norfolk, NR31 9HQ
Guide: £30,000.
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: Click Here
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Mid Edition Bulletin Update
Heads-Up
For our readers who have a keen interest in UKWMO Bunkers, we have another new addition to the fleet of sales/solds – this one is up north! We will be listing it in the next Unique Property Bulletin due out at 9pm on 28th June 2015.
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Hot Performance Needed
Former National Picture Theatre, Beverley Road , Hull, East Yorkshire
(The Picture House is the building with the advertising board in front of it. Though the Swan Inn to the left might be worth a bid too. Together they could make a very nice project)
This forlorn looking place of theatrical drama has also seen it’s fair share of real life events. Being a fire that has damaged the building. However there is much potential to create a phoenix from the stage boards that once meant so much to so many.
Guide Price Drama – Act 1: £200,000. Act 2: £60,000. Final Curtain: £40,000?
For those curious about this old theatre, and the possibilities of either a new and unusual home, or better a home plus work building, possibly reviving the part of the old theatrical element with say an owner’s flat above for you to reside in, we have a little research indicating what chapters this building has gone through over recent times, and the stories behind the price.
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/commercial-property-for-sale/property-30173430.html
Http://www.auctionhouse.uk.net/hullandeastyorkshire/auction/lot/64062
IMPORTANT NOTE: A repair notice was served on 13 December 2013 with a 2 month compliance period. Hull City Council are considering a compulsory purchase order.
Left of picture is the Swan Inn, former public house: 148 Beverley Road, refronted 1898, now disused. To the right of the picture, number 146, are the remains of the former National Picture Theatre, dating from 1914. This building was badly damaged during a Luftwaffe air raid, 18 March 1941. Although 150 people were sheltering in the foyer, no one was killed.
If this old picture house can survive being bombed in the blitz, then surely it should manage a bit of crispiness. Come on, someone reading this must have a glint in their eye for this old thespian.
Location: Former National Picture Theatre, 146 Beverley Road , Hull, East Yorkshire, HU3 1UX.
Guide Now: £40,000.
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: 0845 400 9900
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Station Split – Interest Is Growing
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Clock Tower Home
The Kames House & Clock Tower, Furnace Road, Muirkirk, Cumnock
Traditional detached villa with additional building plots. Located within the original part of the village of Muirkirk. This property is visually striking, and we don’t just mean on the hour.
Plus there is the tasty prospect of approximately 7 acres of land into the bargain.
Time to strike a deal?
Guide: £175,000 (please consider checking the Unique Property Manual – Click Here – to research price activity on this building – it may save you thousands of pounds).
Location: The Kames House, Furnace Road, Muirkirk, Cumnock, KA18 3RE
Further Details: Click Here
Contact Tel: 0141 632 6599
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Mint Cake Works
With Tasty Planning
Mint Cake Works, Cross Lane, Kendal, Cumbria
Cumbrian mint cake at it’s best. We have been in former distillery conversions and you still get the breeze of fine whisky in the air. Not sure what a mint cake factory home conversion might remind you of, but perhaps hide the bathroom scales if you do go ahead with this project.
This particular morsel being offered also has planning for conversion to 7 residential units. So you might just end up with an interesting home, plus an investment income from the remaining six properties to create your own unique lifestyle. The Lake District is certainly one of the finest places in the country to do this.
Location: Mint Cake Works Development, Cross Lane, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5LB
Guide: £230,000 – Please Note VAT is applicable on any agreed purchase price for this building.
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: 01228 812517.
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EMAIL ALERTS
If you would like a reminder email each fortnight once each new Unique Property Bulletin goes online, please feel free to join our ALERT list. Just…
Click Here To Request Your Email Alert’s
…fill in the brief form typing the Subject Header with the simple word “ALERT” and we will do the rest 🙂
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Bulletin Fishing!
Today’s Catch…
Port Soderick Railway Station, Braddan, Isle of Man
In the evolution of the online version Unique Property Bulletin we are continually looking to improve the website. So for the next few months we are testing a new element.: Bulletin Fishing! In essence we are having a rummage around the older editions to see what is still for sale, and especially if there has been an appetising shift in price being sought. Today’s catch of the day: possibly saving you £274,000!
Chuffed! An Occasional Visitor (c) 2015 Andrew Abbott
This Bulletin we start off with the picturesque Port Soderick Railway Station which has been converted to a lovely home. Ideal for those who love steam engines, with several heritage locomotives of the bygone era literally steaming by the station.
Over The Tracks At Port Soderick Railway Station, Isle of Man
Originally we featured this former station in the Bulletin edition of 14/7/14….
2014 Bulletin Station Entry – Click Here
This has had a whopping £274,000 sliced off of the guide price. Positively Beeching in cut severity. So some lucky Bulletin reader may just be booking a ferry to the Isle of Man and possibly putting an offer in on this lovely railway home.
Location: Port Soderick Railway Station, Santon Road, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM2 4FK
Guide: Was £699,000 – Now just £425,000
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: Click Here
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Don’t Get Crabby
The Old Crab Factory – Now A Nice Home
Hopefully you won’t be crabby, grumpy, or in any way stressed if you downsize to a more laid back lifestyle with glorious sea views. Formerly a seafood processing building, and now an interesting home. Plus a plentiful 3.5 acres to play with as part of the bargain. Now FOR SALE.
Some background information on this property’s previous incarnation as a holiday destination can be gleaned via…
http://www.cottages4you.co.uk/cottages/the-old-crab-factory-28953
Location: The Old Crab Factory, East Shore Street, Helmsdale, Sutherland, KW8 6LA.
Guide: Offers in the region of £200,000.
Further Details: Click Here
Contact Bell Ingram: Tel 01463 717 799
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Stairs & Style Galore
WOW, What A Spectacular Picture: Bedworth Water Tower, Gatehouse Lane, Bedworth
This is one of the nicest examples of a water tower that have come across. This particular tower was spotted by one of readers (thankyou for emailing it in by the way).
Agency Narrative: An exclusive opportunity to convert a Grade II Listed Water Tower to create 6 residential properties. Far reaching views across Bedworth and beyond. Full Listed Building Consent for conversion into 6 residential units. Property has planning conditions allowing for immediate start. Significant structural work already undertaken.
Location: The Bedworth Water Tower, Gatehouse Lane, Bedworth, CV12 8UE
Guide: POA -Price on Application. But…
This property was reported as being sold for around £100,000 circa the year 2008. The price WITH planning is now anticipated to be a bit higher! Especially as there has been a significant amount of preparatory work completed already. The cost of refurbishment – estimated guide figure as to renovation costs might be enlightened by: Clicking Here.
Further Details: Click Here.
Contact: Click Here.
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Unique Property Competition
Total Prize Fund £220
We have been moved, almost beyond words at the generosity of our annual fundraising effort for the Bulletin’s burgeoning webhosting fees. But recently one of our regular readers has said we need to boost the competition prize from a measly £20. She has taken out a photo-box-ad for a year on the condition we put those funds towards a more handsome prize. So here goes with the new enhanced Unique Property Bulletin competition.
For May + June 2015, the Unique Property Bulletin competition prize is different than normal. First we have a modest prize of:-
A £20 Prize For The Winner Who Identifies This Waterside Location...
Wet Wreck or Waterside Winner?
A second, and additional separate prize draw of £200 To The Winner Who Identifies The Owner of this derelict utilitarian structure -with a lot of potential subject to planning permission and a magician of an architect. C’mon, get your property sleuthing brain into gear. We have two of these £100 notes for the main prize (and £20 for second prize)…
First Prize = TWO of These Notes (or a cheque for £200 if you prefer).
The winner of either/both prizes is the first drawn from our Competition Box on 30th June 2015.
Competition Hint
“An Iconic View – But Not A Bridge Too Far”
We are hoping to encourage the property sleuthing abilities each and every reader has with this edition’s competition. Best wishes and good luck from the Unique Property Bulletin Team
Email free entries to Unique Property Bulletin:-
Click Here For Competition Entry Contact Page
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Old Mill & Fabulous Sea Views
The Old Mill, Fort Green, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
The Old Mill House is a marvellous property with direct sea views. We first featured this building in the old paper version of Unique Property Bulletin almost 20 years ago – it doesn’t seem like 5 minutes! Just shows that it can be a good idea to keep an eye on the Unique Property Archives.
The house is constructed in three main sections being the Tower, the Drawing Room area and the former Gun Tower which is now in need of full renovation and rebuilding. Internally the property has enormous character with many features including a fully vaulted drawing room with a large open fireplace to one end. The circular central tower provides ever more impressive views from floor to floor. The top floor provides a bedroom with French windows opening out to a balcony that provides arguably the best views within the town of Aldeburgh.
Location: The Old Mill, Fort Green, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 5DE
Guide: £1,200,000
Further Details & Many Photos: Click Here
Contact Savills: Tel 01473 234 800 – Peter Ogilvie
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Architecturally Unique
Please note, each edition we feature the work of a unique architect. These properties are usually NOT currently for sale, but are included to help inspire readers as to the talent that abounds when a good architect’s mind meets the imagination of a unique property person, and something that little bit special is created by the synergy.
Raw Steel Home
Robert Bruno’s Metal Mansion, Ransom Canyon, Texas
This edition we feature an unusual home, which was the creation of the late architect Robert Bruno.
PHOTO MONTAGE OF STEEL HOUSE – PLEASE CLICK HERE
There are also some very interesting photographs showing the various phases of construction that this unusual home went through – from foundations, to completion. If you click on Robert’s main web home page …
… Then click onto the “process” link, it will give you a series of pictures spanning 1974 to 1994. I lifetime’s work. If the weblink immediately above doesn’t work on your device, please try this alternate website…
A genuine tragedy that Robert didn’t quite manage to spend time enjoying the house he built. Though by the looks of it, he certainly enjoyed the lifelong process.
Our Top & Commended Architect For This Unique Property Bulletin Is:-
Robert Bruno
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Try Before You Buy
The property included within the try-before-you-buy section of the Unique Property Bulletin – is NOT for sale. Our endeavour is to provide a sample, and actual experience of what it would be like to live in any particular genre of unusual abode. This specific listing is for a short-stay break. Our offering for this edition are the:-
Finding Nemo – Just Look Upwards From Your Bed!
Honeymoon Suite, Conrad at The Maldives
Normally we remain in the UK for experiencing unique places to stay – via holiday. However, one of our best friends is getting married next month and we wanted to suggest a wonderful overseas honeymoon destination….
www.seaboneholidays.com/conrad-maldives-rangali-island
This is truly one of the most amazing places we have seen. This picture speaks the metaphorical thousand words and more. A unique luxury honeymoon suite beneath the waves, surrounded by schools of fish and rays. Part of a hotel complex which also enables you to visit in the world’s first all-glass, underwater restaurant. Amazing.
Contact: Click Here
Office Address: H-Rising Sun, Finifenmaa, Goalhi, Male’ 20014, Maldives.
Telephone: +960 3336920
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This Edition’s Unique Property Feature:-
Stairways To Heaven
From The Liquid To The Divine
Chapel of St Anthony, Cowley, Upton Pyne, Exeter, Devon EX5 5EN
Guide: £100,000 – Click Here
We start this week’s Bulletin Feature with a very popular genre of buildings to convert into unusual homes – former churches. The Heaven part of our stairway theme for this edition. The liquid, of course being the water towers listed earlier.
To start, with we make reference to a Grand Design’s television series church conversion. These videos are excellent, as in just forty odd minutes you can condense months of blood, sweat and tears into a short précis starting with a near-wreck and progress tirelessly to the finished item. Visual anaesthesia for the property-pain that can be a full-on renovation project.
For the particular example that we have in the video clip, Kevin McCloud is usually spot on, but I think he has missed something with the church conversion. He is looking at the building as a “church” following the completion and calls it ugly.
Might we suggest reframing on that. Consider the building with a fresh pair of eyes, and imagine it as a converted Observatory.
Please Click On The Picture Above To See The Video
We have seen a couple of such converted observatory buildings, and were you unaware the building was previously a church, it would look like a very smart and attractive conversion of a classic skyward, star gazing stellar observatory.
Grand Designs St Martin’s Church – Unique Observatory Style Dome Atop
Picture Courtesy of Channel 4
As Kevin McCloud goes on to say: “It’s incredible to have achieved this much with just £120,000”.
We trust that this can give inspiration – both financial, practical and emotional – to any of our readers minded to go in for this style of unique property project.
All that is left for us for this edition is to present an offering of some candidate church properties that are for sale, and might just be of interest to you.
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Former St Andrews Parish Church, Alexandria
First known as Alexandria Church, the original church building opened in 1840 and underwent a small single storey extension to the rear in 1906. The building is Category ‘B’ listed.
Location: St Andrews Parish Church, 215 Main Street, Alexandria, G83 0NU
Guide: £75,000.
Further Details: Click Here
Contact SVA Auctions: Tel: 0131 624 6640
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Former Baptist Church, Coxwell Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
WITH Planning Permission For Conversion SIX Apartments
Location: The Baptist Church, Coxwell Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BQ
Guide: £600,000
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: Barnard Marcus Auctions Tel: 020 8741 9990.
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Location – Spire In Picture – Erskine Church, High Street, Langholm, Dumfries
Gothic Style Church Building with previous Planning Permission for conversion to 4 Apartments. Located Centrally within the town of Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway.
Location: Former Erskine Church, 9 High Street, Langholm, Dumfries, DG13 0JH
Guide: £27,500
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: 0141 632 6599
Close Up Picture – Former Erskine Church, 9 High Street, Langholm, Dumfries
A Big Church For Just £27,500.
Photograph Copyright of Mick Musialowski
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St Matthews Chapel, Holbeach, Lincolnshire (c) 2015 Tim Heaton.
Okay, not all of our churches listed this edition have that that many stairs! But the views out and over fields of green for this former property at Holbeach are a delight. This detached church has, up until recently, had Planning Permission granted for conversion to a residential dwelling. This permission has lapsed through the natural passage of time. However, it is anticipated that renewal should not be too much of a problem.
Location: St Matthews Chapel, Holbeach St. Matthews Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE12 8EQ.
Guide: £175,000
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: Click Here
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Former Parish Church of St John The Evangelist, Broughton, Salford
By the look of this bell tower, there are likely to be a decent number of stairs on the way to Heaven with this particular building. An impressive detached structure, constructed of stone and slate. Built around 1830 with early Victorian additions. There is a large crypt beneath the nave, which may provide significant storage space. The churchyard has been extensively used for burials.
Maybe not such a good idea if you have a Labrador pup that likes digging things up. Understandably, local folk might take exception.
Location: St John’ Church, Murray Road, Broughton, Salford, M7 2DU
Guide: £POA. Please Contact Agent For This.
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: Dunlop Heywood – Tel 0161 817 4840
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Beith Trinity Church & Halls, Beith, KA15 2BA
Price Reduction. Originally we featured this impressive building in the Bulletin last February (Click Here) Guided at £175,000. Since then it has been reduced in price to £125,000. Maybe worth taking a look.
Location: Beith Trinity Church & Halls, Main Street, Beith, KA15 2BA
Guide: Was: £175,000. Now: £125,000
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: 0131 225 5722
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Former St Saviours Parish Church, Bacup, Lancashire
This is a magnificent building and spire. This former church was constructed around 1870 as a place of worship, and is now surplus to requirements. Built of stone and slate, it is set within its own grounds.
Location: St Saviours Parish Church, New Line, Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 0BY
Guide: £POA. Please Contact The Estate Agent.
Further Details: Click Here
Contact: 0161 817 4840
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