Whitechapel Hill Cottage, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, £115,000
The 18th-century property hasn’t been lived in for more than 60 years, and since then has been used mainly to shelter cattle. Now that its agricultural use is minimal, it is being sold off, with less than an acre of scrubby surrounding land.
It also comes with a range of stone outbuildings — including a traditional hay barn — and a garden area.
It is three miles from Haydon Bridge, nine to Hexham, and three from Bardon Mill, where it goes to auction at the Twice Brewed Inn at 7pm on Thursday, September 28.
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The problems: Estimated costs for the conversion of the traditional stone property, which has a Yorkshire-slate roof, are at least £100,000. This could easily double following a full structural survey.
The surrounding land is still a working farm, and the farmer, who is also the vendor, wouldn’t mind the new owner keeping pets such as dogs, but not horses.
The advantages: Close to Hadrian’s Wall, Whitechapel Hill Cottage is in an isolated spot with views south to the River Tyne. With only two bedrooms, it has a limited sell-on market, according to the agent, at £250,000-£300,000.
The owner could also try and gain residential planning consent for the outlying hay barn to gain a third bedroom and a study, which, once restored means the house could sell on from £350,000 to £400,000.
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George F White, 01665 603 231, www.georgefwhite.co.uk