Forge Field Hall, Mawla, Cornwall, £100,000
What it is: Forge Field Hall has fallen into such a state of disrepair that the small house is now more of a barn with stairs. Permission has been granted to convert the late 18th-century or early 19th-century property into a one-bedroom home, that comes with as much garden as you can see in the picture.
The house, near Mawla, is two miles from the A30, 2½ from Porthowan, three from Redruth and 12 from Truro, where it goes to auction at 2.30pm tomorrow at the Assembly Rooms, the Hall for Cornwall, on the quayside. The successful bidder can start work before Christmas, on December 15.
The problems: The groundwork has all been done: the vendor has gained planning permission and has installed a septic tank, water supply and electricity cables. However, the planners have stipulated that Forge Field Hall can be occupied only for holidays. There is no limit on how long you can stay there, but it cannot be a primary residence. Conversion costs are estimated to be £60,000-£70,000, to include reroofing the ivy-clad property and making it habitable. The new owner may also wish to submit revised plans to extend the property and gain a second bedroom.
The advantages: Despite its size, Forge Field Hall is a “perfect holiday home and would suit surfers”, according to the selling agent. A property to renovate in Cornwall is an increasingly rare phenomenon, as so many former agricultural buildings and ruined houses have been converted. House prices on the north Cornish coast have risen by an average 5%-10% this year, according to the agent, who estimates that, once converted, the one- bed house could sell on for £200,000. If the holiday restriction were lifted, it could sell for £220,000-£250,000.
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