This Edition’s Feature…
Helping You Find Your Unique Home
Local Authority Sleuthing
This week we do our best to help you find something unique, and close to your ideal location using your own endeavours. From small buildings to very big properties:-
Castle Toward For Sale – We Are Sleuthing This Week (c) 2015 William Craig
As featured in the television series Raven. This week we utilise local authority/council information and other techniques with you, our reader to find YOUR unique property.
Feature details at the foot of this page.
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Broadchurch House For Sale
Broadchurch/Britbank House, River Brit, Devon.
Agency Narrative: The opening shots of the second series of television series: Broadchurch start with a scene of Detective Inspector Alec Hardy [actor David Tennant ] sitting on the steps of Britbank. A very unusual Edwardian seaside home right on the riverbank of the River Brit and only a few yards from the sandy beach and the iconic Hamstone cliff which also featured in the series on location in West Bay.
Broadchurch chalet Britbank has successfully been a holiday let for the past two years and is proven as a popular destination for a seaside break and for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of life. The owner is an artist and sculptor and his influence is found throughout the chalet which makes it unique. The property has all the comforts of home: central heating, double glazing. Along with essential such as mains drainage! It is unusual as it is a freehold title and does not suffer the restrictions associated with a lot of park, static and holiday homes which come with associated costs for maintenance, nor ground rent. As such this property can be occupied all year round.
This building was spotted by Chris Chibnall, the creator of Broadchurch, who lives in nearby Bridport, when he was writing the first series in a local café. At the time, David Tennant’s character was still being developed and it is thought that much of the second series was then created around the idea of the Jurassic Coast chalet as Tennant’s brooding base. Chibnall has said the chalet “holds lots – if not all – of the secrets”.
Guide: £275,000
Click Here For Further Details
Contact – Lyme Coast Holiday Co., Tel – 01297 791792
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Broadchurch: House For Sale
Broadchurch: Leading Actors – Olivia Colman & David Tennant
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Castle Ruins & Readied Renovations
Blenkinsopp Castle, Home Park, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7JS
The best of both worlds. A castle ruin including an old Peel Tower, along with a restored part ready to move into.
Agency Narrative: A Grade II listed Castle with medieval roots. Blenkinsopp Castle dates from the 13 century with a Peel tower which was later incorporated into a 19th century mansion. During the 20th century the manor house was used as a hotel but was severely damaged by fire in 1954. The castle ruins still stand with a wing currently being occupied as an imposing family home. The house is Grade II listed with the ruins being noted as a scheduled monument. The house itself enjoys a high degree of versatility providing two reception rooms, dining kitchen, study and four bedrooms, one with en-suite facilities. The sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire a unique property and a piece of history and fokelore
Guide: Offers in the region of £325,000
Click Here ForBrochure & PHOTOS OF COMPLETED INTERIORS
Contact – Smiths Gore Tel: 01434 632404
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There’s Been A Murrdr
Neilston Police Station (C) 2004 D.A.W.
Former Strathclyde Police Station, Station Road, Neilston, Glasgow, G78 3EE
This edition of the Bulletin is still dwelling upon potential abodes with a fame via television theme.
This time we have an old Strathclyde Polis building for sale within the beat of the dour Scottish detective. The spelling of murrdr is correct. In fact it is the spelling that has been murrdrd!
As Taggart would often say: “There’s been a murrdr”. In the long running detective series this is the correct pronunciation. As for this diminutive building? A single storey property around 900 square feet in area. Comprising of an open plan office area, separate kitchen, 2 smaller offices, toilet. Also has a polis garage adjoining the main building.
Sited within the Taggart police jurisdiction. The price is interesting, and the building has potential – subject of course to planning permission etc.
Yours? A steal at £39,000 or thereabouts.
Contact:- Click This Link
PLEASE also let us know which building you are enquiring about in the “Subject” line as we answer a lot of questions about a broad spectrum of properties. Thank you.
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What An Amazing Space
The Penthouse, Hardwick House, King Street, Norwich, NR1 1DB
Okay, so you can buy a small castle for the price of this flatted conversion, but if you have the money and live/work in Norfolk – especially if it is needed to be in Norwich town centre – what an amazing space to consider taking up residence within?
Features….
Communal Entrance with Lift
Reception Room
Open Plan Living With Vaulted Glass Roof
Bathroom & Two En-Suites
Three Double Bedrooms
Converted Grade II Listed Building
Guide: £499,950
Click Here For Online Brochure
Contact – Savills Tel: 01603 229 229 – Tamara Greener
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Price Not Stationary
Former Railway Station Longacres, Banavie, Fort William, PH33 7NG.
Almost exactly one year ago since 23rd February 2014, when we originally featured the former railway station home as pictured above here is an update. The price then was £340,000.
We include it in this edition of Unique Property Bulletin for two reasons. Firstly it is still for sale, but with a cool £20,000 shaved off of the price. Given the time the property has been for sale, possibly more can be negotiated from this figure saving you significant amounts of money.
The second reason is we thoroughly recommend delving into past issues of the Bulletin just to see what older listings are still available, along with any price reductions to be achieved for buyers.
Click Here For Online Brochure
Guide: Was: £340,000 – Now £320,000
Contact MacPhee & Partners Tel: 01397 702200.
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DON’T RISK A NEAR MISS
It is a good idea to regularly check back and keep an eye on the Unique Property Bulletin website…
JUST IN CASE…
…we happen to find and feature that very special place that you have been looking for.
A UNIQUE HOME IN A UNIQUE LOCATION FOR YOU.
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Unique & Contemporary
Woods End, Hargham Road, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 1AZ
Agency Narrative: Woods End is a wonderful contemporary home, set beside a meandering stream, and enjoying a convenient yet private setting within 1 mile of the A11 providing good access to Norwich and Cambridge.
Set in approximately 2 acres (est) of landscaped, wooded grounds, the house has been designed by award winning architects Roderick James to be in close harmony with the surrounding landscape. Traditional building techniques were employed using contemporary methods resulting in a marvellous fusion of style, tradition and aesthetics. Architecturally, part of the brief was to take full advantage of the marvellous Norfolk light and ensure the accommodation became a light filled, welcoming space. Ingeniously these have all been brought together under gently curving roofs topped with flowering sedum, providing a delightful display of white and pink flowers during the summer.
Guide: £1,250,000
Click Here For Online Brochure
Contact – Savills Tel: 01603 229 256 – Ben Rivett
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Buffering?
Is Our Website Slow To Load?
Kevin Bacon Alerting People To Slow Loading Buffer Issues
Recent television adverts have featured the actor Kevin Bacon with the theme of Buffer Face. This being the phenomenon of a blank expression whilst mobile device users can have a long delay when large data packed webpages take quite some time to load.
At Unique Property Bulletin we make strenuous efforts to avoid this problem. Especially as over 30% of our readers access this website via mobile phones etc. We resize photographs and take measures to reduce loading times.
However, if you experience slow load times on your reading device, please let us know? We can easily split the weekly Bulletin into two pages, which should cure any possible problem of Buffer Face and slow website loading issues.
You can let us know if this slow website loading issue affects you by:-
Emailing Us – Please Click Here
Many thanks.
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Unique Property Competition
For January + February 2015, the Unique Property Bulletin competition prize is:-
A Nice Note From The Bulletin To One Of Our Readers
This Is Our Modest Prize. Unless Requested, Payment Will Be Made By Cheque.
Competition Hint
“Anything In Common Founder”
Can You Name This Unique Property ?
The first correct entry for the name of unique property – out of the hat – wins the prize.
PLEASE NOTE: The prize is NOT the building, just the £50. Sorry we haven’t reached the level of prize value that enables real buildings to be awarded to winners. Yet!
For our previous competition in November/December 2014 we featured the MOST obscure unique building that we could find. The reckoning was that nobody would manage a correct answer. We even featured the pre-renovation photo. But still there were 4 correct entries!
Our conclusion? There is now a very substantial knowledge base amongst our readers that pretty much covers most of the UK. In a Feature Article soon to be published in the Bulletin we shall see if there is any way our philosophy of sharing details and news of unusual property between readers can be expanded in to help those who are actively on the hot trail of finding and securing their dream home. However, for now and this competition, we have had to halve our prize fund as it is looking a little dry with all of the very well informed readers winning each round. Even so, we hope it still appeals to those that enjoy this element of our publication.
Best wishes and good luck from the Unique Property Bulletin Team
Free to enter. Just let us know have your competition answer by 28th February 2015. Email free entries to:-
Unique Property Bulletin Competition Entry Contact Page
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Architecturally Unique
Please note, each week we feature the work of a unique architect. These properties are 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.
Ice House Architect
Laird Henderson’s Ice House With Architect George Clarke
Note: Beautiful clear, clean lined ice style extension.
Well, it is mid-January and a bit frosty outside, so let’s enjoy the ice time.
To our understanding, this seasonal Ice House conversion was a collaboration between owner/designer Mr Laird Henderson, and our favourite architect:-
Mr George Clarke
The latter being well known for television programmes such as The Restoration Man. The Unique Property Bulletin has been lucky enough to assist researchers on George’s prodigious television output and it has been a delight to see the finished result. George makes very good unique property programmes. Though we are a little bias here at the Bulletin.
If you would like unique architect George Clarke to consider and assist with your architectural needs:-
George Clarke Office – Click Here
If you would like to contact George Clarke or you are interested in commissioning George and his architect team to be involved with your building project, then please contact him via:-
home [at] georgeclarke.com
…with details of your project.
Also further details about seasonal ice buildings at our 30th December 2012 Bulletin:-
Please Click Here For Some Seasonal Ice Buildings
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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 is:-
Martello Tower “Y” Suffolk
Stylish: Ultra Modern Atop Ancient Historical Structure
Martello Tower “Y”, The Ferry, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 9RZ
This spectacular Martello Tower is in Suffolk on the road to Felixstowe Ferrywith the actual ferry across the River Deben to our beloved Bawdsey Manor [A Unique Property Syndicate which we had been pipped to the post by another bidder!]
So if you fancy a few days in a remarkable Martello Tower to soak up the inspiration of what a unique building has to offer, we heartily recommend Martello Tower Y.
At £284 per person per night, for a four night stay it is a little juicy, but if you study the photographs on the holiday company website..
Click Here For Martello Tower Holiday Rental Details
… it is understandable that a lot of time, money and loving care has been spent on this former Napoleonic Fort’s restoration.
Possibly a honeymoon destination, or place to spend that little extra for a significant wedding anniversary.
Contact – Suffolk Cottage Holidays Ltd., Tel: 01394 389 189.
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Unique Property Bulletin Main Article
This Edition’s Feature
Helping You Find Your Unique Home
Local Authority Sleuthing
This week we do our best to help you a unique building in a DIY manner, and close to your ideal location using your own endeavours. From big buildings to small properties.
The concept on how you can do this is relatively straight forward.
First select the local authority within which you live, or alternatively where you want to live.
Then go onto their property website to see what is for sale. Most local authorities in the United Kingdom are currently selling off all sorts of unusual buildings that are surplus to requirements in order to arrange funds to plug austerity driven cuts.
If you have difficulty locating the “council property for sale” webpage within your local council’s website, it can be an idea to try lateral thinking. For example Google…
“North Yorkshire County Council” and “property for sale”
…in the same web search line. It is best to use inverted commas to quote the exact search terms or you may receive a lot of irrelevant/random results that don’t hep progress your interests.
The search example as described then leads directly to the local authority website. Or you can hit the jackpot with the listings that Google return. In this first example we can spot the sixth item down the Google list as an interesting local authority property already headed for the sale rooms….
Netherside Hall, Threshfield, Nr Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5PP
A prime example of our “Sleuthing Local Authorities” feature. This is one such type of property being divested. Here we have North Yorkshire County Council offering a former residential school, set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park approximately 11.71 hectares (28.93 acres).
Originally a Country House constructed around 1820, the property was most recently used as a residential school by North Yorkshire County Council. The property comprises the Grade II Listed Hall, The Coach House, Netherside Lodge together with assorted outbuildings. The landscaped grounds extend to approximately 11.71 hectares (28.93 acres) including a walled garden, lawns, woodland and grassland. The Jacobean style Hall stands at the top of a wooded escarpment on the bank of the River Wharfe. Accommodation is arranged over two floors together with an attic and basement. The Coach House, most recently used as teaching accommodation and Netherside Lodge, a residential house are grouped near the main entrance.
Guide: £855,000.
Click Here For Local Authority Propert Sale Listing
Contact – Pugh Auctioneers Tel: 0844 2 722444
Okay the price is a little on the handsome side for this example, but there are other buildings around the £10,000 to £20,000 if you get right into the Inspector Morse mindset and look really hard.
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To help – here is the gateway list to assist your DIY research in finding a local authority of your choice – and importantly the exact name to search….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_local_governments_in_the_United_Kingdom
Maps too…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_England#Regional_authorities
More forensic analysis honing in on a major region…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unitary_authorities_of_England
So lets try another unique property sleuthing example – by random selection. Google search…
“Plymouth City Council” and “property for sale”…
First item returned in the Google search gives us the exact council page we need…
http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/business/landandproperty/landpropertyforsale.htm
Immediately the eyes – from this end of the keyboard – alight upon …
Former Ringmore Way Family Centre, West Park, Plymouth.
Sadly the pdf file, when downloaded, shows a fairly ordinary looking building. Yes it has potential, but we know that there are dozens of local authorities with dozens of more interesting properties to detect in our forensic forage in amongst council disposal of unique property.
The majority of our readers – around 90% are from south of Hadrian’s Wall. There are many unique properties to find if you start looking in council property for sale pages.
However, just to show that there are some truly unique finds, we will give a couple more examples where we have already trodden the work path to find to the north of Hadrian’s edifice:-
“Highland Council” “property for sale” Google search. This leads us straight to the page we need to study….
http://www.highland.gov.uk/directory/24/property_for_sale
Clicking onward subsidiary links we find…
http://www.highland.gov.uk/directory/24/property_for_sale/category/39
Leading to…
Former Mortuary, Glen Nevis Mountain
Eeeek, not sure about you, but this isn’t the sort of unique we like – having already discovered an old generator station bought by our syndicate several years ago was a former mortuary in the war. So this building and site, whilst interesting to some, is a bit too spooky for us. Maybe okay if you or your kids are Goths and like the Addams family lifestyle!
Going back for a further look in the council property sale section we find…
http://www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/43006/brora_-_former_goods_shed/category/44/sutherland
Bingo. A former railway goods shed!!! Many of our readers and certainly ourselves just love former railway buildings…
Former Council Railway Goods Shed With Potential
[subject to planning permission]
Local Authority Sleuthing Point Made? We hope so.
Not sure what this unusual property would sell for, but probably just a few thousand pounds.
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It is also a good rule for you to check – perhaps on a monthly basis – your favourite local authority property disposal lists – as new, and many unique buildings are regularly added.
Also, please don’t be afraid of travelling beyond your own local authority. Almost a “must” are the council areas adjacent to where you want to be. After you have had your detective gumboots all over the close by surrounding area, think about going further afield.
All of this can become a pleasure – almost addictive. In writing here, we spent an enjoyable hour or two going over public domain property disposal information listed on many council websites. One of our favourites building genres was discovered on the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council website. A gem of a little unique building…
Former District Office and Library, Rawmarsh Hill, Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6DS
Click Here For Rotherham Council Library Sale Detailes
No price, just a telephone number: 01709 254037 and to ask for Sharon.
Regular Unique Property Bulletin readers will know of our abiding love of libraries. Coupled with the sadness that many are being closed. This is closure of public libraries corrosive in some ways, as the next generation may be deprived of a valuable resource in education. Though of course we must move with the times. The internet, Kindle, E-books and many other modern media are an unintended consequence of library closures. Though education is thriving even with all of this upheaval, so there is good in all of this.
We haven’t yet bought a former library at this end of the Bulletin [though they are on our wish list]. But our hope is to purchase an old library and refurbish it to part home, and part former function – a library with an internet cafe added on. We know these work as an old derelict public house bought by our lot was transformed this way, and did so much business it almost caught us out. An overwhelming £40,000 worth of coffee sold in the first three months. That is twice what we paid for the building! More information for those curious can be found on one of the Bulletin’s sister websites:-
Click Here For The Bulletin Internet Cafe Project Adventure
A New Internet Cafe
If We Can Do It – You Should Manage To Do It Too? Surely?
Turning an old disused building into a home AND a job.
Anyways, back to this Bulletin edition and the local authority property sleuthing article as a DIY help for you, our friends, readers and site/syndicate members. To finish off how we started, we are showing what another council is selling. A marvellous castle and at offers over £750,000 could be quite interesting…
Castle Toward For Sale – Sleuthing Feature This Week (c) 2015 William Craig
With hundreds, possibly thousands of council properties for sale, there must be a unique property in there that does it for you? So come on Sherlock Holmes, get the magnifying glass out.
Perhaps let us know how you get on!
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