From A Privy Building
To Privy Counsellor
& Then Onto The Full Prince Purchase!
An Old Public Convenience – Bought By Our Unique Property Club on 9th March 2017
Contrast the one hour we spent inspecting an old 3 room WC building, to the the several days of opulent surroundings whilst surveying the Jacobean pile built by the magnificently named Marquess of Rockingham. Many magical hours onsite at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, South Yorkshire trying to navigate around the 300 rooms – somewhat more than the diminutive loo viewings by Carnoustie golf course!
Wentworth Woodhouse (here) – Wider Than Buckingham Palace
What do these two remarkably different buildings (pictured above) have in common? One is a former public convenience – colloquially known as a privy. The other is one of the largest country mansions in Europe, having 606 feet of façade. Wentworth Woodhouse was home to a Privy Counsellor. Indeed the PC’s son was a British Prime Minister. Both buildings have been, or are unique property club candidates. Quite the spectrum of unusual buildings.
There is a third in this progression from our March 2017 odyssey of privy to prince. More on that in a moment. But for this edition we have several paths, all of which lead to one of the things we hold nearest and dearest…
At the core of what we seek do do here with the Bulletin is this: to help you find, fund and have fun with unique property.
Simple to say: more complicated to achieve.
To start with the events of March 2017, and indeed the earlier tranche of 18 property-clubs from 1998 to 2008; as of last month, our participating property-club members now own the 19th project in this series. Key day was 9th March 2017. Memorable at this end of the keyboard in so many ways. This has caused us to reflect: what do the smallest/worst-v-largest/best unique property club buildings have in common? They help us to help you with this…
Making It Happen: “How To Find, Fund & Have Fun With Unique Homes”
The above quoted excerpt from the front cover of our Unique Property Manual (here) says all you need to know about the essence of this website in just one sentence.
However, every now and then we go from just featuring unusual property, to actually engaging with a real life purchase by our property-club members. Illustrating the mechanics of how to fund these adventures in the process. The logic being that if we can fund unique property purchases, this may assist you to follow your dreams too by helping you grow your funds in a similar and imaginative way.
On 9th March 2017 our 19th property-club came good, and our 4 members are now the delighted co-owners of an old privy of all things!
Spending A Penny, Making A Pound?
Flushed With Success or Money Down The Toilet?
This may seem an obscure building to buy. Indeed it is. Also the worst property we could think of. The idea is if we can rise to the challenge in upcycling an old privy into new life, then we can tackle most things – derelict castles, old lifeboat stations, humongous water towers – many unusual styles of home.
Our unique property clubs buy buildings with the idea we wouldn’t mind end up being “stuck” with the candidate acquisition. However, more often than not, we resell within a few months and all enjoy the journey. Also more often than not we all partake in a respectable profit. Though for the sake of good form and FCA rules, we cannot guarantee this will always happen.
For sure, we are well motivated to resell the old WC building as none of us are wanting to end up stuck with that one. A castle, windmill or a watermill? Absolutely. But an old bog abode. Not a fan.
To this general end: discussing property-clubs and unique buildings, what is the most unusual you can think of? That isn’t a rhetorical question – we are genuinely asking for your suggestions – click here. Almost out of thin air, this cliff house came to mind. It’s an incredibly imaginative concept design. Not quite so impossible. Our next property club is now contracted, and included in the purchase is a cliff of all things. So would you fancy living it this…
What’s Next On The Unique Property Club Menu?
Seriously, this vertiginous cliff house is a distinct possibility – next edition of the Bulletin will feature a cliff, now owned by a unique property club!
Back to the bog building and how that pans out. What we hadn’t expected is within hours of owning the old WC, the founder of unique property clubs was propositioned at the door of the gents toilet!
An Unexpected Proposition At The Door of Our Newly Purchased Gents Toilet
It could have gone either way. Fortunately it turned out to be a prospective buyer.
Within hours of ownership, our participating WC property-club members had an offer which would see each with a 10% net profit each. £7,000 in and £7,700 out. Outside! Our members of this syndicate are not quite decided which way to go on that – yet. 20% net would be nice. A cheque from the solicitor for £8,400 each would be a stonking good start to the rebooted property-clubs. More news, direct from the lavvy club later. Also details of how our reinvigorated property-clubs have gone from a privy to a prince within 28 days appear below. So now the unique property clubs are firmly back on the menu, we are looking for more candidate buildings to consider….
What Would You Choose?
If You Had The Money, What Is Your Ideal Unique Home?
Photo courtesy of Richard Croft
Why Wait To Win The Lottery?
Whatever Flavour of Unique Property You Choose
Make It Happen By Your Own Initiative.
You are welcome to study our projects and use the information to progress your own property adventure, or indeed become a member and join in with one of our forthcoming outings..
Click Here For Unique Property Syndicate News Updates.
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From Privy – to Privy Counsellor – to Prince.
The Unique Property Syndicate Way!
Literally a privy to a prince by our property club members, all within a jam packed week.
The Full Article Appears Later In This Edition.
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Regular Bulletin Listings Now Follow
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Pumped In Penzance
Former Water Pump House For Conversion
A unique piece of Cornish history. A former water pumping station, with conditional planning permission for residential use.
The Old Pump House, Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall
For full details of the planning permission and associated documents, go online to the Cornwall Council website Planning Section and search on reference PA16/05651.
This former pump house building is now empty of the original machinery. Understood to have been integral to the district’s mains water supply, before Drift Dam was built and brought into service. It is reputed that it provided up to 30,000 gallons of water per day.
The Old Pump House, Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall
Ground floor estimated to be 20′ 0″ x 14′ 0″ (6.1m x 4.27m). First floor circa 20′ 0″ x 14′ 0″ (6.1m x 4.27m) with “Port Hole” style windows at gable ends….
Wooden double gates gives access to the enclosed outside space. There is room for off street parking and a courtyard style garden, which is bordered by traditional substantial stone walls and banks
Location: The Old Pump House, Chywoone Grove, Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 5NU
Guide: £95,000
Further Details: Click Here
Planning Consent Information: Click Here
Archived Planning: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact: 01736 361282 or 01837 55681. Please can folk let the owner/auctioneer know you found this old pump house for sale in the Unique Property Bulletin. This helps us to help you. Thanks.
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Mid Edition Addition
3 to 4 Bedroom Former Lighthouse Keeper’s House For Sale
£99,500
The Modernised Lighthouse Home Has Double Glazing & Oil Fired Central Heating.
Splendidly remote, yet with a very civilised regional airport just 6 fields away. So a commute to London, Manchester, Cardiff, Belfast or Edinburgh is eminently possible and convenient.
Have the best of both worlds. A spectacularly located former lighthouse keeper’s sanctuary far from the madding crowds, yet with excellent connectivity via the local airport which can get you into the heart of the action in a short period of time.
Curious? Just click here for more details.
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Gloucestershire Church For Sale
Former Church, Oldminster Road, Sharpness, Berkeley, Gloucestershire
This large detached church was originally placed for sale in July 2016. Apparently it did not sell then as it was marked up as “withdrawn” from the market.
More recently on 1st March 2017 it was added to Rightmove with a guide price of £200,000 (here). However is has now been placed back up for sale via the auction route and has a new guide at £125,000. Make of all this as you will!
Auctioneer’s Narrative: Former URC Church. Detached Victorian property Conveniently located for M5 access. Suitable for community use. Could convert to residential subject to consent In residential street opposite allotments. The church is located in the small town of Sharpness which is close to the River Severn, but very conveniently positioned for access to the A38 and the M5 motorway leading to Bristol to the south and Gloucester/Cheltenham to the north.
Sharpness itself has basic amenities for everyday use, including convenience store, primary school, parish church and public house.
Interior – Former Church, Sharpness, Berkeley, Gloucestershire
This property is located within a residential street immediately fronting a larger allotment garden area, giving it a very open aspect.
The URC church was originally constructed in 1901 with some later additions. It has brick elevations under a pitched tiled roof and consists of a large main church which is over 2000 sq.ft., as well as a good sized meeting room.
Accommodation: Doors to hallway leading to Chapel 64.6 ft. x 34.6 ft. = 2225 sq.ft. (207 sq.m) with raised Dias and fitted pews with pulpit area.
Rear hall with outside entrance to side and rear.
Vestry 10.3 ft. x 13 ft. = 133 sq.ft. (12.5 sq.m)
Meeting Room 22.8 ft. x 21 ft. + 13 ft. x 13.9 ft. = 655 sq.ft. (61 sq.m)
Kitchen 13.6 ft. x 8.3 ft. = 111 sq.ft. (10.5 sq.m) with single sink and worktop.
Stairs from rear hall to : First floor store 40.6 ft. x 24 ft. = 975 sq.ft. (90 sq.m)
Outside: Parking area to side for 3 vehicles in tandem, rear garden and amenity area.
Old July 2016 auction details (£175,000): Click Here
Location: Former Church, Oldminster Road, Sharpness, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9NB.
Current Guide: £125,000 at Barnard Marcus Auctions on 10th April 2017.
If you read this after that date, it’s always a good idea to check if the building actually sold. Especially as this apparently did not sell in the 2016 auction!
Further Details: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact Barnard Marcus Auctioneers – Tel: 020 8741 9990. Please can folk let the auctioneer know you found this old church for sale for sale in the Unique Property Bulletin. That helps us, help them to help you. A virtuous circle.
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For The Love of Lighthouses
Stoer Head Lighthouses For Sale
Stoer Head Lighthouses, Raffin, Lochinver
If former lighthouse keepers’ homes are your thing, then good news – we have several on our radar for you to buy in the coming days, weeks and months. Starting at £22,500 for a former “Occasional Keeper’s Bothy” right up to £375,000 for the complete lighthouse compound – in just this one example at Stoer Head…
Stoer Head Lighthouses, Raffin, Lochinver
This particular group of lighthouse keepers’ houses are very fresh to market. The sale only became live a couple of weeks ago and the formal estate agency brochure is still to percolate through the internet search engines.
The good news is that Unique Property Bulletin’s sister website….
www.lighthousesforsale.org
…has a direct line to the owner. So we can arrange for visits and a clear channel of communication should you have any questions prior to going up for a visit.
Stoer Head Lighthouses – Ground Floor Flat At £175,000 – Plan
If the photographs of Stoer Head lighthouses capture your imagination (they are in a good state of repair) then we would recommend you pop across for a week’s holiday. Indeed we would strongly suggest that anyone who is considering the purchase of a lighthouse building spend a week or so living there on a holiday outing to see if the style of lighthouse life suits you and vice versa. A week’s holiday for 2 works out at £600 for the two bed holiday flat at Stoer Head. That equates to £43 per night per person. (Sunday through to Saturday).
To buy one of these 2 bed flats is: £170,000 for the first floor, and £175,000 for the ground floor. The old Bothy is a snip to buy at just £22,500.
Further information on Stoer Head Lighthouse: Click Here.
Stoer Head Lighthouses – Comfortable Interiors
Stoer Head Lighthouse – Example of Bedrooms
Stoer Head Lighthouses – Finely Decorated Interiors
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Other Lighthouses Coming Soon
In more general terms, we have several other lighthouse compounds and also much more affordable single buildings coming up for sale in the next few weeks, so please keep an eye on future editions of Unique Property Bulletin. Whether you fancy owning a lighthouse keepers house, or a converted engine room, even an old foghorn building, or that ultimate and rare beast of a building, the beaming lighthouse tower, we will be featuring examples of most of these in the next few editions of Unique Property Bulletin. So please consider subscribing for email alerts just so you don’t miss out: click here.
Former Engine Rooms Are Relatively Inexpensive: Strathy Engine Room Pictured Above
They make excellent affordable, entry level candidates for conversion. This one at Strathy Point was refurbished and recently the completed home was put up for sale at £90,000.
Former Lighthouse Engine Rooms. This One Will Be For Sale Soon
The old lighthouse engine room for sale looks very utilitarian and unprepossessing, but then you have a study the totally unrestricted views. We’ve seen them and just one word: Wow…
Unvarnished and “as is” before conversion engine rooms go for much less – you can pick up a detached building in the lighthouse compound for around £35,000+
Former Lighthouse Engine Rooms “After” Refurbishment
Some lighthouse buildings that will be placed exclusively with Unique Property Bulletin for sale are to include a detached, former Lighthouse Engine Building at £35,000+. This would be ideal for a builder or folk who like a good and interesting renovation challenge. These can make wonderful homes once completed. We sold one such converted engine room a few miles up the road at Strathy Point Lighthouses last year (click here).
There will be fresh, ready to occupy (with a bit of decoration and cleaning) lighthouse keepers’ homes for sale starting from £89,000 for 2 beds dwellings.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUY A LIGHTHOUSE HOME, WE WILL HAVE SEVERAL COMING UP FOR SALE SOON. PLEASE TEXT US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO RECEIVE UPDATES: 0793 557 2803 OR CLICK HERE AND PUT YOUR NAME AND EMAIL INTO THE “LIGHTHOUSES FOR SALE” ALERT/UPDATE SECTION.
Returning to the spectacular location of Stoer Head lighthouses…
Stoer Head Lighthouses, Raffin, Lochinver
Photograph courtesy of Mr Jim Tod
If you would like to be introduced to the owner or arrange a viewing, please get in touch via our contact form: click here.
Location: Stoer Head Lighthouses, Raffin, Lochinver, Lairg, Sutherland, IV27 4JH.
Guides:-
Whole Lighthouse Compound (Excluding the Tower): £367,500
Ground Floor Flat: £170,000
First Floor Flat: £175,000
Occasional Lighthouse Keeper’s Bothy: £22,500
Further Details: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Contact: Lighthouses For Sale – Tel/Text: 0793 557 2803
Contact Email: Click Here
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Property Club Candidates
Please can members keep an eye out for tasty morsels?
Thorne Island Fort – An Ideal Style of Property Club Purchase Candidate
For estate agency details and many interesting photos: click here
With our rebooted Unique Property Clubs now under way, we are asking all syndicate members, and indeed general Bulletin readership to keep their eyes out for possible candidate buildings that our newly reformed and now fully active property-club might consider buying.
Determination Goes A Long Way With Unique Property Clubs
Even if the property in question is under offer! Our property clubs have previously snapped up jewels in the crown of unusual places after a main buyer has dropped out. Not saying that we’ll end up with the likes of Thorne Island Fort, but we don’t give up on these sort of things easily 🙂
If you do spot something that you think might suit, please can you drop us a line…
Contact Page To Advise of Unique Property Club Candidates Buildings: Click Here
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Small Castle Or Big Lodge?
Possibly both! Buy one, get one free – in Warwickshire
Mollys Lodge, Little Wolford, Shipston-On-Stour
This is an attractive Grade II Listed former gate house to the Weston Park Estate. Dating to 1834, the property was designed by Edward Blore who is most notable for his completion of John Nash’s design of Buckingham Palace.
Mollys Lodge – Full of Features
The property features squared and shaped coursed limestone, polygonal corner turrets, embattled parapet, a pyramidal slate roof with carved finial and stone mullion windows. Approached over a gated gravel driveway, access to the property is gained over a paved pathway. A glazed oak door leads to the rear lobby from which can be accessed a bathroom fitted with white sanitary ware and a tiled floor.
Mollys Lodge, Little Wolford, Shipston-On-Stour
A stone archway gives way to the kitchen which is fitted with a range of wall and base units as well as appliances including; Neff halogen hob, high level oven, extractor & Bosch dishwasher. Stone mullion windows overlook a cottage garden with box hedging and a gravelled seating area. The dining room is accessed from the kitchen with stone mullion window, decorative Victorian cast iron fireplace over a stone hearth.
Buy One, Get One Free – The Annexe – Molly’s Mews
Situated adjacent the property is Molly’s Mews, a detached timber framed building incorporating a single garage, two open bay carports and a secure home office. External stairs provide access to a self contained one bedroom annexe with living space, kitchenette, double bedroom and separate bathroom.
Molly’s Mews – Contemporary & Comfortable Interior
One last thing – Unique Property Syndicate members might see the potential in our property club buying this. So just as a taster, we would point out that the estate agent has implied there is some flexibility in the price that may eventually be accepted. Added to that the earlier transactional facts…
If any of our UPS crew live near to this one, perhaps you could do the honours and to to inspect the two buildings and grounds please – let us know how you get on (click here).
Similarly, you are a syndicate member and would consider joining a club to buy this property, please let us know (click here). If there is sufficient interest we will set the ball rolling. Could be an interesting one.
Location: Mollys Lodge & Mews, Little Wolford, Shipston-On-Stour CV36 5NR
Guide: ‘Around’ £550,000
Further Details: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact Iain Powis at Savills – Tel: 01295 228 000. Please can folk let the owner/agent know you found this small castle – lodge for sale in the Unique Property Bulletin.
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Nuclear Bunker For Sale
Deep In Doncaster
Former RAF Nuclear Bunker & Land At Moor Dike Road, Doncaster
Photograph by kind permission of Mr Paul Jacobs (click here).
You will need to be quick as this former nuclear bunker is going up for auction on 5th April 2017. That having been said, it is ALWAYS worth enquiring after the auction if the lot actually sold. We’ve picked up a fair share of post-auction bargains that way.
Former RAF Nuclear, Moor Dike Road, Doncaster
Photograph by kind permission of Mr Paul Jacobs (click here).
First off – if you do end up buying this old nuclear bunker, please do the honours and send a thank you card (plus perhaps a nice bottle or malt whiskey) to Mr Paul Jacobs (here). Why? Well it was Paul who kindly brought this nuclear bunker to our attention, and if you are reading this, as several thousand will be, and you do stick your paw up into the air and wave at the auctioneer – then end up buying this subterranean sanctuary, it would be comforting to know that someone, somewhere said a thoughtful thank you to Paul for sharing this. Let alone getting you into a whole heap of unique property mischief.
Next…
Auctioneer’s Narrative:
Flat grazing lane
Securely fenced and fully enclosed
Semi-rural location
Ideal for equestrian use
Former RAF Nuclear, Moor Dike Road, Doncaster
Photograph by kind permission of Mr Paul Jacobs (click here).
AVAILABLE UNDER AUCTION CONDITIONS: A parcel of flat grazing land totalling approx. 0.58 Acres which is accessed off Moor Dike Road. The site is secure with recently installed fencing and galvanised steel gates. The site would be ideal for immediate equestrian use and has direct access to Bawtry Road. The site also features a Former RAF Nuclear Bunker and neighbouring underground bunker which comprises of three rooms and a bathroom.
Former RAF Nuclear, Moor Dike Road, Doncaster
No guarantees can be give for current planning permission nor use conditions. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves that the intended use is permissible. That having been said, you might be surprised at what legal exemptions the planning rules apply to nuclear bunkers!
An interesting feature has also appeared in the national media: click here. (archive: here).
Location: Former RAF Nuclear Bunker & Land At Moor Dike Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster, DN7 6DU.
Guide: £25,000
Further Details: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here (streetview doesn’t go this far – the bunker is several hundred yards further along this track)
Google Map Location: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Also Via: Click Here
Archived: Click Here
Contact Regional Property Auctions: Click Here
Telephone Regional Property Auctions: 0844 967 0604 (up to 7p per minute). Please can folk let the owner/agent know you found this former nuclear bunker for sale in the Unique Property Bulletin.
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Railway Station For Sale
Chuffed in York
The Old Station House, Station Rd, Upper Poppleton, York
Upper Poppleton Station House has a lot of rooms: three double bedrooms, three large reception rooms, storage room, out buildings and is set back from the road behind a deep grass verge and has a very private frontage behind mature trees. The front garden is lawned with a driveway to the side providing ample off street parking leading to a detached double garage. There is an extensive rear garden backing onto open fields. The property is actually adjoining the train station platform on the York-Harrogate-Leeds line.
The Old Station House, Station Rd, Upper Poppleton, York
Excellent transport links. No driving licence required. Just nip outside and catch the train.
Location: The Old Station House, Station Rd, Upper Poppleton, York, YO26 6PY
Guide: £450,000
Further Details: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Contact Bridgefords Estate Agents – Tel: 01904 295 186. Please can folk let the owner/agent know you found this old railway station house for sale in the Unique Property Bulletin.
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Unique Interiors
Just for inspiration – fishy bath
Having A Bath – Fish Tank Style
This interesting design feature is not for the overly modest 🙂
A refreshing change in place of the ubiquitous avocado bathroom panels that, even 40 years after they used to be fashionable, still appear in houses that you view for sale. If you have an interesting design feature that has crossed your radar and you would like to share it with other readers, to get in touch please: click here.
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Stone Encircled Chapel For Sale
Located within Wiltshire’s mini Stone Henge. Actually not so mini, some of these blighters are huge lumps of rock!
Within These Rocks – Here – Stands The Chapel For Sale…
The Old Chapel, Green St, Avebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire
A pretty chapel located within the Avebury stone circle. This is demonstrated by the OS plan within the sales particulars that shows the extent of the property edged in red strictly for identification purposes with the site of the ancient monument clearly shown.
The Old Chapel, Green St, Avebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire
The property is suitable for continued community use or potentially it could form a visitor centre or café to serve the tourist industry or would convert to a very attractive single residential property, although these uses would of course require planning permission to be granted. From the Unique Property Bulletin perspective, we believe a hybrid planning application would yield the most viable long term use: turning part of this chapel into a home, and another part as a visitor centre and café. Thereby resolving several local issues at one stroke.
The Neolithic Henge At Avebury (click here). A World Heritage Site
Location: The Old Chapel, Green St, Avebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1RE
Guide: £150,000
Further Details: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact Perry Bishop Agencies – Tel: 01285 411034. Please can folk let the owner/agent know you found this old chapel for sale in the Unique Property Bulletin.
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More Railway Station Buildings
Station Buildings, Ruthven Road, Kingussie
Photograph courtesy of the Carlisle Kid
All right, it may take a bit of travelling to get here, but the train does stop outside your front door. In fact several of our readers are specifically looking for remote places to live. Not sure if it’s mother-in-law-itis or some other contagious disease, but enough folk are seeking to escape the hurly burly of high pressure, high volume, full on city buzz for us to believe it is worthwhile including this station building for you to consider. You would need to obtain planning permission to change the use, but with over 2,400 square feet to play with, there is room for a nice house, or even a smaller abode and some home-office work space.
Station Buildings, Ruthven Road, Kingussie
Possibly think about an internet cafe to work form. That way instead of tapping away at the keyboard in the study where there is a certain monastic existence, you can enjoy the company of visitors. Just throwing some ideas out. The important point is you have something interesting to consider. How this place might fit in with your own situation, plans and desires is unique to yourself.
If this building does start to tick your boxes, and if you do decide to buy it, please let us know how you get on? We’d be chuff chuffed to hear 🙂
Location: Station Buildings, Ruthven Road, Kingussie, PH21 1EW
Guide: Around £180,000
Further Details: Click Here
Brochure: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Station Buildings: Click Here
Contact – Station Buildings Tel: 01463 231173. Please can folk let the owner/agent know you found this former railway station master’s home for sale in the Unique Property Bulletin. Thanks.
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Try Before You Buy
Please note, the unusual property in this listing that follows is NOT currently for sale. It is featured so that readers who like this flavour of abode can study whether it is possible to live here for a while, and if that works out, then graduate to somewhere that you can buy and live permanently. From experience Unique Property Bulletin believe it is important to stay a while at the more exotic or remote places to establish whether such a lifestyle suits you and vice versa.
Wiltshire Chapel – AirBNB
This is The First AirBNB We Have Featured
This edition of the Bulletin we have a first – and AirBNB property. In fact this was an accidental discovery, and very nice it looks too. Just check out the photographs on the link: click here and then…
We recommend this destination especially if you are considering the purchase of the other chapel (unconverted) nearby, and which we have listed earlier in this Bulletin.
Avebury, Marleborough – AirBNB Accommodation To Rent
The guide is £99 per night.
Please study the AirBNB terms and conditions. None of us at Bulletin HQ have tried an AirBNB property yet. This one has a top feedback rating so looks a good place to visit. Please let us know how you get on as this village looks picturesque in so many ways. For starters you could read the National Trust information: here.
If the AirBNB chapel is fully booked, here is another one you might like to consider staying at for a visit: click here.
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Unique Property Competition
Sponsored By Our Sponsors: The Real Dragons’ Den – Click Here
Guess The Name?
If you can email the correct name of this ball topped tower to us by 30th April 2017 you will win one of three copies of Unique Property Manual. Trebling your chances of a prize from previous competitions. What is the name of this unusual building…
Click Here To Enter Unique Photo Competition Entry Contact Page
The first three correct answer drawn from our competition box after midnight on 30th April 2017 will win.
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Architecturally Unique
Please note, in each edition of the Bulletin we feature the work of a unique architect. These properties are usually NOT for sale, but are included to help inspire readers as to the talent that abounds when the mind of a good architect meets the imagination of a unique property person. Something that little bit special is often created by the synergy. Also please don’t worry if the architect is a long distance away from your building site – modern technology has systems expressly designed to bridge what were once significant obstacles to remote design. With broadband, you can acquire international flavour in the blink of an Ipad. Enhanced by Skype and CAD, most things are now possible.
The Cliff House
Would This Work? Further Details: Click Here
Photographs & Graphics Courtesy of Modscape Pty Ltd
Our Commended Architect & Design Organisation
For this Unique Property Bulletin is…
Modscape
Click Here To See A Portfolio of Completed Modscape Projects
The Modscape design ideas come from a team effort: click here.
Artist’s Impression of Modscape Cliffhangar Living – Sublime Views
The Fact Our Unique Property Club Will Soon Own A Cliff Presents An Interesting Situation!
Click Here For Further Details of Modscape Ideas
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Feature Article…
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From A Privy Building
To Privy Counsellor
& Then Onto The Full Prince Purchase!
Not quite by Royal Appointment to Gents & Ladies, but…
An Old Public Convenience – Bought By Our Unique Property Club on 9th March 2017
Pretty place for a pee. For all the puns, this diminutive building has been powerfully good for us. It has provided “proof of concept” for the rebooted unique property clubs. Plus it looks like making a 10% to 20% net profit for each of the participating members.
A long way from an almost delusion of grandeur candidate property we were faced with several years ago. The longest house in Europe hove into view following a bank repossession of it…
Wentworth Woodhouse (here) – Wider Than Buckingham Palace
As our introduction at the top of this page described – these two polar extremes in building vernacular and size, have a commonality in that they both have been candidates for our unique property syndicates. This illustrates the fabulous and diverse range of unusual projects we have tackled and move forwards to consider more interesting adventures with the Unique Property Clubs.
A key part of the raison d’être for these property-clubs is to enable colleagues and friends to progress individual nest-eggs to the point where we can each achieve ownership of a dream home. A block on these unique property dreams is often the ubiquitous issue of funding. That is the reason we started unique property clubs way back in 1998. To date there have been 18. Not every one successful. But always interesting; 14 made a profit, 2 broke even and 2 made a loss. A decent batting average over time. One of the reasons we took a sabbatical from the property clubs in following a decade of success by 2008 – apart from the horrendous banking crisis and worldwide financial upheaval – was that we had all grown our respective funds and were able to go and buy that unique home. For cash. No mortgage. Job done.
In 2012 we then placed this Unique Property Bulletin online. The 2,500 to 3,500 circulation of our paper version went off the charts. Now we have 25,000 to 35,000 regular readers. It is a source of consternation that from here…
From This Keyboard: Over Two & A Half Million Page Views Since 2012.
Unique manglers of the English language, but with the aim of ensuring our readers actually get to buy the home of their dreams.
Some 2,602,843 pageviews have been made by readers such as your good selves to the output of our small group of volunteers and friends. Regularly we mangle the English language in a way that would make William Shakespeare, Robbie Burns, Dylan Thomas, and my old school English teacher turn in their literary graves. Since 2012 there has also been a significant increase in the number of folk asking is we could reboot the unique property clubs. It’s averaging one a day now. Doesn’t seem a lot, but over a year that mounts up. Since our IT wizard and good friend Steve B., has sorted out the email alert forms, the rate of new folk joining our unique property syndicate alerts (click here) has increased from 1 a week the current level. It is showing in the numbers already…
Unique Property Clubs. Growing Interest Has Had Results: Now At 327.
If you’d like to receive unique property syndicate updates, please click here.
Long story short, after 16 months of hard work, the theory to reboot these unique property clubs is being transformed into real bricks and mortar projects. On 9th March 2017, against all odds, we received the keys to the first building. But here’s the thing, within the same month, we’ve gone from a privy, to a prince. Strange but true.
Keys To The New Kingdom?
On 9th March 2017, we collected these keys on behalf of the members of unique property club 19.
Literally within seven days from collecting the keys to the loos, we were off for a reconnoitre at the next syndicate venture. An important building inspection to progress the 20th unique property project for that syndicate to have a legally binding contract. Whilst studying the lighthouse structures – the floors, walls and ceilings etc., – this picture on the wall of one of the buildings prompted the question: is that who it looks like?
Patron of The Charity That Owns Our Next Property Club Purchase
From Privy to Prince in Seven Days!
The answer came as a surprise. Not just the future King, but also technically the owner of the buildings we are destined to buy next for up and coming series of unique property club purchases. A curious fact that these refreshed property clubs can have you skulking around an old urinal one minute and the next literally rubbing shoulders with Royalty. A funny old world.
Whilst this is in and of itself an interesting sequence of events for our syndicateers, just wait until we can publish the pictures of the actual buildings at the next project. They are iconic and set in a spectacular location. To whet your appetite, the purchase includes a large expanse of cliffs – both vertically and horizontally. During the assembly of this Bulletin the idea of a cliff house came to mind. It’s a bit pie-in-the-sky just now, perhaps even house-on-the-edge, but our next property syndicate will own exactly the sort of real estate needed to build something like this…
Cliff Houses! – You’ll Need To Wait Until The Next Bulletin Edition
A literal cliffhanger. Will these high level houses figure in our plans for the cliffs that our property club just bought?
Even a “small” concept cliff house to trial the idea might be on the cards for our rugged granite cliffs.
Relaxing on The Side of A Cliff! Looks like fun.
This is a real place by the way: click here
Although our mini cliff house would need to be accessible in a far easier way than that shown immediately above. When you have to get your crampons out just to go to bed, that’s a step too far for many of us here.
Back to the core aspect of this feature – funding unique property and how to help readers in this respect. What you don’t see, is that after years of bodily abuse, I’m pretty knackered. Have a season ticket to the local hospital for a dose of different surgeries. If I can manage this, then surely you can have a good go. Seriously: old bashed up buildings can lead to very real and spectacularly enjoyable adventures….
Unique Property Syndicate: Ailsa Craig Island Lighthouses.
An amazing adventure. This one, pictured above, was made real, because we managed to sort out the funding from very small financial acorns at the start.
Photograph courtesy of Ian Johnston
About 16 months ago, when we looked into restarting the unique property syndicates, it has taken most of that time to wade through several hundred documents of Financial Conduct Authority/PERG and Financial Services & Markets Act rules and regulations that we now need to comply with to get the point where our “beta test” building got the green light. So as advised, on 9th March 2017 our 19th property-club came good, and is now the delighted owner of an old privy of all things! It’s difficult to hold back the enthusiasm as personal circumstances can be quite challenging, but that is another amazing aspect at what these property-club adventures bring about. New friendships with like minded people. Many of whom have a brilliant lateral thought process to find solutions to problems. A great thing when you are battling to get up a flight of stairs through premature decrepitude and a little lack of sense keeps propelling the group to buy buildings with 300 stairs in them! Back to our revitalised property-club pioneer project. Alliterating with the letter P. Apt!
Spending A Penny, Making A Pound?
Flushed With Success or Money Down The Drain?
Inside the Unique Property Club’s rebooted syndicate purchase. An unusual start/re-start!
This may seem an obscure building to buy. Indeed it is. Also the worst property we could think of. The idea is if we can rise to the challenge in upcycling an old privy into new life, then we can tackle most things – derelict castles, old lifeboat stations, humongous water towers – many unusual styles of home.
Within a few days, we went from the old loo to our Waterloo. Heaven sent. Our next unique property club is a magnificent lighthouse compound with 8 buildings/land thereon. This club has had the formal offer accepted. Although the main tower is still retained by the lighthouse board, around 35 acres of land and several buildings, such as former lighthouse keepers’ homes are included.
Tower NOT Included – But Pretty Much Everything Else Is
This is the view from Unique Property Club 24. The lighthouse keepers’ houses are being sold by HRH Prince Charles. Not bad, when in the same month, our previous property-club high point was a privy!
So for this Bulletin we are delighted to advise the rebooted 2017 (and beyond) unique property clubs have passed the “proof of concept” hurdles with the old WC Building and are now proceeding at a rate of knots with the next project. There are still relatively minor roadblocks, but we have passed all the major obstacles.
The point?
This means we now stand a very good chance of illustrating real life examples in the Bulletin for readers to follow. How, from first principles, it is possible to grow small financial nest eggs to the point where each member can realise their dream. The above lighthouse being the ideal home location for at least three of our writers here at Bulletin HQ. Quite the trip from an old privy to a towering beacon owned in trust by a prince. The photograph above was taken on the 16th March 2017 and is part of the view from the front doorstep.
The bête noire when readers come away with the mantra: “I’ll buy my dream home if I win the lottery” is actually distressing for us to read. There is far more fun and enjoyment to be had creating something good and interesting from very little in the way of resources. The buzz when we see folk actually realise that long held wish of a home that fits with their dearest of wishes is a great feeling.
To conclude this Bulletin’s odyssey: From Privy To Prince – via unique property clubs, we now would like to ask our many readers for help.
In your time online, if you see an unusual property that you reckon may be an ideal candidate for a future unique property club, please can you let us know? Thank you.
Please Click Here To Nominate Potential Property Club Candidate Buildings
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Making It Happen
Unique Property Syndicates
Not just dry land – Floaty McBoatface Also Givbes Good Results
Not Just Dry Land Adventures – This Was Our Beloved MV Lochmor
MV Lochmor – Unique Property Syndicate Number 4
Photograph courtesy of Arnie Furniss
A Fine Adventure It Was Too. Here Is MV Lochmor Just Off The Island of Rum
Photograph courtesy of Mr Neil King
If you would like to join our unique property club mailing list, please….
Click Here To Subscribe For Unique Syndicate News
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