This Edition’s Unique Property Feature Introduction:-
In At The Deep End?
Solent Fort Supremo Selling Stunning Stone Sentinel
Horse Sand Fort, The Solent, Off Of Portsmouth, PO4 9UQ
A bit of a teaser for this Bulletin’s introduction to our feature article.
Here we have Horse Sand Fort – one of the largest of four off-shore man made island defences to protect Portsmouth and mainland Britain against the French in 1880.
Horse Sand Fort Interior
A few years back, the owner of this old structure at Horse Sand also bought the neighbouring fort. He has managed to execute a genuinely stunning renovation at his jewel-in-the-crown effort over at the nearby Spitbank Fort.
It was hoped that this property, Horse Sand Fort would also be in for a major restoration by the gentleman. Sadly no.
Consequently, we are going to have a good look around the near derelict Horse Sand Fort, and it’s neighbour, the remarkably renovated Spitbank Fort to see what can be achieved with these old sentinels. A sort of “before” and “after” comparison between the two. Also asking the question – what might you do, if you took the plunge and bought Horse Sand Fort? This Unique Property Bulletin we go in at the deep end…
The full feature – later in this edition.
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Regular Bulletin Listings Now Follow
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Countryside Chapel For Conversion
Kings Lynn, Norfolk
Sorry – Now Sold
Former Methodist Chapel, West Head Road, Stow Bridge
This edition we start with a cheap and cheerful church building. Former Methodist Chapel which ceased to be used as a place of worship many years ago. Planning was granted for change of use to residential around 2006. This consent has now lapsed. Interested parties should make their own enquiries to the Local Authority regarding the possibility of this planning permission being reinstated.
Interior: Methodist Chapel, Stow Bridge, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
Important note: some of the floors inside the building are in a poor condition and anybody viewing will do so at their own risk.
Address: Former Methodist Chapel, West Head Road, Stow Bridge, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE34 3NL
Guide: £30,000 – Sorry Now Sold – This one made £50,000 on the day: Click Here
PLEASE CAN READERS DOUBLE CHECK ANY GIVEN PROPERTY IS STILL FOR SALE PRIOR TO MAKING A JOURNEY TO INSPECT. MANY THANKS.
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Contact: Brown & Co., Auctions: 01553 770771. Please can folk let the auctioneer know they found this old church for sale in the Unique Property Bulletin. Many thanks.
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Lateral Lake Logic
We ask: Could this be a home for a houseboat?
Ingersley Mill Pond, Ingersley Vale, Bollington, Cheshire
Just wondering, has anyone enquired what would happen if the eventual owner of this small lake were to place a houseboat on the water?
Ingersley Mill Pond – Almost A Lake In Size – Compared To House Plots Nearby
Seemingly off topic, the first edition of the new Grand Design’s series a few days ago showed a piece of woodland that had over a dozen tree protection orders on it and upon which the planning authority said they would definitely NOT be given any planning permission for a home. Yet with perseverance, that is exactly what happened. A remarkable treehouse was built when everyone said it couldn’t. Pretty impressive at that (here).
Ingersley Mill Pond, Ingersley Vale, Bollington, Cheshire
So with this fairly large stretch of water set in a very nice residential area, and with some lateral thought for a unique place to live being applied to this lake – if the right houseboat was placed on the mill pond, what would happen to someone wishing to live aboard? For example this style would appear to fit and sit well…
Aesthetically Pleasing Little Ship of Dunkirk For Retirement
Surely this is something that would lift the area rather than detract from it? We have picked the Little Ship of Dunkirk vessel above as an example. These particular vessels have an incredible history (here). There are of course thousands of beautiful little ships from many backgrounds that could grace this water at Ingersley Mill. If you live in Cheshire and end up buying this small lake, please let us know how you get on (here). Thanks.
Reckon The Wildlife Would Like A Boat To Swim Around
Address: Ingersley Mill Pond, Ingersley Vale, Higher Mill, Bollington, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 5BP
Guide: £ – No reserve. This freehold land with lake over it goes to the highest bidder.
Further Details: Click Here
PLEASE CAN READERS DOUBLE CHECK ANY GIVEN PROPERTY IS STILL FOR SALE PRIOR TO MAKING A JOURNEY TO INSPECT. MANY THANKS.
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact: Click Here. For this freehold lake, please can folk make first approach via Unique Property Bulletin. We are then able to demonstrate to the estate agents selling each property that our not-for-profit websites help their clients, and in so doing can encourage them to support the Bulletin. We monitor our email inbox at least three times per day, so will make the introduction for you promptly. By helping us this way, we can continue to help you. A virtuous circle.
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Thank You To Our Readers
It is just lovely when someone emails in with a success story. Thank you to our reader who popped this email across…
“Been looking for last two years for premises for my small company, anything industrial was always either massive or had blooming outline residential permission on it. Unique Property Bulletin kept me sane that property within my budget did actually exist and convinced me to hold my nerve. Last week finally became slightly nervous owner of an old railway station yard… 2.5 acres. Derelict brownfield, with 2,500sq ft 1879 stone built railway goods shed for just over £75,000. Thanks in no small part you guys at Unique Property Bulletin.”
We love these emails 🙂
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Cornwall Coastal Coastguard Station
Coastguard Lookout, Portloe, Truro, Cornwall
We have a soft spot for old coastguard buildings. It was in one of these structures we renovated 30 years ago that Unique Property Bulletin was born. You’ll need to be very quick to bid on this. Likely the auction will be over by the time you read these details.
Though with between 10% to 40% of buildings NOT selling at auction on the day, it is VERY worth while doing two things – providing this lights your fire…
1] Check with the auction that the deal actually went through. We have experienced a buyer who bid at auction for one of our buildings – he put a large deposit down. Then couldn’t raise the rest of the money and walked away. So it aint over until the full price has been paid. You may find your persistence pays off.
2] Even if this has sold and been conveyed to a new owner, it may well come up for sale again. The new owner sells within a short while after they buy. Just recall Cantick Head – that came back up for resale 365 days after the buyer completed.
Coastguard Lookout – Sublime Seaview
Alternatively the new owner may consider a quick resale if the secure a modest margin of profit. That sort of deal does happen.
Finally, it is a natural phenomenon that most buildings to come back up for sale – eventually. Either once they have been developed into a residential property, or if/when the owner decides it is time to move on.
So keep your eyes on this whatever happens at the auction.
Of course, if it fails to sell on the day, you are in a very good bargaining position.
Description: A former coastguard lookout station and about 1.66 acres of coastal land. The attractive historic fishing village of Portloe is a small coastal port with a harbour, hotel and public house. The Former Coastguard Lookout Station and coastal slope/cliffs is situated to the east of the village and can be accessed from the South West Coastal Footpath. The village of Veryan is about 1.5 miles to the north-west, the larger village of Tregony is about 4.5 miles to the north and the cathedral city of Truro is about 12 miles to the north-west.
The Former Coastguard Lookout Hut about 11’8 x 7’8 is on a concrete base and comprises in the main a single room. It is believed to have been constructed in the early 1950s and offers potential for a studio or grand chalet subject to all necessary consents and approvals.
Address: Coastguard Lookout, Portloe, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5RD.
Guide: £40,000
PLEASE CAN READERS DOUBLE CHECK ANY GIVEN PROPERTY IS STILL FOR SALE PRIOR TO MAKING A JOURNEY TO INSPECT. MANY THANKS.
Further Details: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact: Click Here. Please can folk make first contact for this old coastguard station through Unique Property Bulletin. We are then able to demonstrate to the estate agents selling each property that our not-for-profit websites help their clients, and in so doing can encourage them to support the Bulletin. We monitor our email inbox at least three times per day, so will make the introduction for you promptly. By helping us this way, we can continue to help you. A virtuous circle
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Old Police Station – FTSAA
West Sussex Nicked After Auction?
The Old Police Station, Onslow Drive, Ferring, West Sussex
FTSAA – Failed To Sell At Auction – Possible bargain time. Negotiating for an old nick. The property is situated in the popular village of Ferring, approximately 4 miles west of Worthing town centre. Goring by Sea railway station is a 15 minute walk away. The building’s frontage is towards the busy thoroughfare of Ferring Street with the parade opposite home to a number of local retailers including Ferring News and John May Butchers.
The Old Police Station, Garden Area & Outlook
A freehold single storey brick built building formerly used as Ferring Police Station. To the front is an open area with a pathway and some planting however it could be used to extend the building line and increase the accommodation. The property would suit a number of uses and would be ideal for an owner occupier looking for office/workspace, a small retail unit or residential conversion.
The internal accommodation provides approximately 200sqft of space to include a wc and wash basin.
Address: The Old Police Station, Onslow Drive, Ferring, West Sussex, BN12 5RP
Guide: £115,000 – Failed to sell at this price (Sept 2016). Maybe offer time. Sub £100k sounds interesting 🙂
PLEASE CAN READERS DOUBLE CHECK ANY GIVEN PROPERTY IS STILL FOR SALE PRIOR TO MAKING A JOURNEY TO INSPECT. MANY THANKS.
Further Details: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact: Click Here. For this old police station for sale, please can folk make first approach via Unique Property Bulletin. We are then able to demonstrate to the estate agents selling each property that our not-for-profit websites help their clients, and in so doing can encourage them to support the Bulletin. We monitor our email inbox at least three times per day, so will make the introduction for you promptly. By helping us this way, we can continue to help you. A virtuous circle.
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Unique Thought
Amazon Lease 20 Commercial Cargo Planes
You might ask: Why would that affect me? Apart from an obvious answer that you may receive parcels quicker, there is a much more profound reason why this tangential direction of travel will have a positive impact on the majority of people seeking to live in a unique property.
Answer to this unique thought enigma later in the Bulletin.
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Big Building, Little Money
Capel Ebenezer, Trefriw, Conwy
Photo Courtesy of Eirian Evans
This magnificent looking chapel located in the village of Trefriw, and priced to entice. The property is in need of need of renovation. Would make an amazing home, subject to obtaining the appropriate change of use planning permission etc.
Has a vestibule, large nave with sublime stained glass windows; reception room and w/c on the ground floor. Gallery and seating on the first floor, with a spacious open plan room on the basement level. Surrounding the property are gardens and to the front, countryside views.
Capel Ebenezer & Beautiful Big Interior
Trefriw lies on the edge of Snowdonia, on the B5106 road to the north-west of Llanrwst, and about 4½ miles north of Betws-y-coed by road. It is located on the western slopes of the glaciated Conwy valley, below the ridge of Cefn Cyfarwydd.
BEWARE: Buyers Administration Auction Fees: £594 plus Buyers Premium: £900. This really is a bit naughty and should be discouraged. Buyers hate this way of levying fees. Sellers pay more than enough in commission in the first place.
Address: Capel Ebenezer, Trefriw, Conwy, LL27 0NQ
Guide: £35,000
PLEASE CAN READERS DOUBLE CHECK ANY GIVEN PROPERTY IS STILL FOR SALE PRIOR TO MAKING A JOURNEY TO INSPECT. MANY THANKS.
Further Details: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact: Click Here. For this former chapel for sale, please can folk make first approach via Unique Property Bulletin. We are then able to demonstrate to the estate agents selling each property that our not-for-profit websites help their clients, and in so doing can encourage them to support the Bulletin. We monitor our email inbox at least three times per day, so will make the introduction for you promptly. By helping us this way, we can continue to help you. A virtuous circle.
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Romeo To Juliet: “We Have A Problem”
Hazard To Shipping, Sway, Hampshire
The Tower, Barrows Lane, Sway, Lymington, Hampshire
Seriously, Trinity House Lighthouse Board refused permission twice to the builder (here). The first objection was against a request to put clock faces on the four sides. The second refusal was for the installation of electric lighting throughout the building. In both cases the grounds for refusal were that such installations would be a hazard to shipping.
Elegant Interior Rooms. Surprise: High Ceilings.
An iconic Grade II* Listed New Forest landmark that affords unsurpassed panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, the Solent and Isle of Wight. Looking out from the upper floor is sublime. Just take a moment to consider this as your outlook…
The Views Over The Solent To The Isle of Wight Are Sublime
Though if Shakespeare’s Romeo were replicating the balcony scene with Juliet at this location he might have a problem and it may compromise the dramatic flow if he needed to call Hampshire Fire Brigade to help out with a very long ladder.
The general accommodation is of high standard and includes: 4 bedrooms, 3 en suite bath/shower rooms, sitting room, drawing room, dining room, kitchen, conservatory, swimming pool, tennis court, extensive garaging, gardens and grounds of approximately 0.7 acre.
The Tower, Barrows Lane, Sway, Lymington, Hampshire
Photo Courtesy of Chris Downer
The property has an intriguing provenance and is (or was) the worlds tallest unreinforced concrete structure. Built over a course of a number of years (1879 – 1885) by Andrew Thomas Petersen who, having served in the Colonies as a renowned High Court Judge in India, on retirement returned to the United Kingdom to prove the versatility of concrete as a sustainable building component. The Tower forms the centre piece of his then Arnewood (Drum Duan) Estate.
Left Your Car Keys On The Top Floor?
After going up and down 14 floors twice, a nice dip in the pool is a must
Set in a mainly lawned walled garden, the property features a fine enclosed heated swimming pool, a tennis court and an extensive range of garaging with a sizable home office. The property, with influence from the Indian continent, is constructed of rough cast Portland cement with sand and gravel, much of which was locally sourced from the beach and from Silver Street Farm, marginally located to the beach.
The Tower, Barrows Lane, Sway, Lymington, Hampshire
The accommodation comprises a crucifix ground floor that provides for a characteristic dining hall, sitting room and kitchen with a gardenside conservatory. To one side, a spectacular octagonal tower features a turning stairwell ascending a total of 14 floors topped with a distinctive cupola. The first 4 floors each contain a bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The remaining floors left unoccupied save for 3 of the upper floors currently let to various telecommunications providers as an obvious site for their transmitters.
If you study Google maps (link below), this tower casts a shadow like a gigantic sundial. A hidden aspect of how impressive the building is.
Address: The Tower, Barrows Lane, Sway, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 6DE
Guide: £POA – Missing out a guide price on particulars is really annoying. In our experience failure to place a price on estate agency brochure costs sales. We understand the reason why people prefer to retain privacy and that should be respected, but in the open source HM Land Registry system now, it is very difficult to keep these numbers private. So why lose buyers and end up with less than you sought because the law of supply-and-demand have scuppered your original price wish. C’est la vie.
Further Details: Click Here
PDF Format Brochure: Click Here
PLEASE CAN READERS DOUBLE CHECK ANY GIVEN PROPERTY IS STILL FOR SALE PRIOR TO MAKING A JOURNEY TO INSPECT. MANY THANKS.
Further reading: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location – some shadow cast: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact: Click Here. Please can folk make first contact via Unique Property Bulletin regarding this tower for sale. We are then able to demonstrate to the estate agents selling each property that our not-for-profit websites help their clients, and in so doing can encourage them to support the Bulletin. We monitor our email inbox at least three times per day, so will make the introduction for you promptly. By helping us this way, we can continue to help you. A virtuous circle.
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Computer Wizard Needed
Help and assistance now received with much appreciation. Thanks.
Google Adsense or WordPress AdWord Coding?
Computer Literate? Please Can You Help Us?
Even though the Unique Property Bulletin does well in the offsite property adventures, for example click here and here, the main part that you are reading now is run as a not–for-profit publication (here) and run happily by volunteers. It actually costs several thousand pounds per annum to keep the websites going, though we were delighted in the most recent accounting period to achieve our break-even aim to within £1.61 – a fraction of one percent of turnover. In order to balance the Unique Property Bulletin accountancy books, the Adword/Adsense revenue is very important. It ensures over 90% of our online content is free to access. To maintain our not-for-profit principle, we have a modest amount of advertising. Unfortunately, our Google Adsense coding has worn out and become particularly glitchy as to compromise general HTML coding. On top of which our web platform of WordPress have discontinued Google on the .com side of websites so there is a new AdWord thingy to sort out coding for. We have tried to comprehend this. Really tried: here. But alas we are currently without Google Adsense, or any sense on that front. There is a significant revenue loss happening whilst we run with no adverts and our collective brains implode due to HTML code overdosing. Exterminating Daleks have nothing on the way a computer can dissolve brain matter! So in order to encourage a white knight in shining HTML code armour, we are offering a modest…
£100 Honorarium of Thank to IT Helper
Our way of saying thank you for saving old and scarce brain cells. Please can you help us?
If you have the skillset to help, please get in touch? For reasons of security we can only accept general assistance from established readers. This is to ensure coding security and integrity.
If you can help us get Google Adsense or WordPress AdWord up and running this will help keep this website free to use…
IT wizards please click here to get in touch and help us
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The Old Pavilion
Pleasant Plot & Building In Scarborough – £150,000
The Old Pavilion, Belvedere Road and Holbeck Hill, Scarborough
A thank you to one of the brilliantly helpful unique property sleuths from a dozen locations around the country. Sending these properties into the Bulletin to share with everyone else is an ethos we love. Long may this continue.
The current planning consent for the Old Pavilion was granted by local authority in November 2015. This included demolition of the existing building and development of two semi-detached houses. Planning Reference 13/02594/FL. This consent is subject to a S106 Agreement which requires payment of a commuted sum of £11,150 towards affordable housing off-site, plus a £557.50 monitoring fee to the Council for this process.
It always seems sad to lose buildings such as this – it has character and architectural history. Also by the looks of things, quite a bit of local provenance to many in the surrounding community. Perhaps a revise planning application to keep the old building and renovate might be on the cards?
Whatever else, the site seems to be a cracker, and not too far from the sea either.
The Old Pavilion, Belvedere Road and Holbeck Hill, Scarborough
The site is located on the south side of Scarborough in the mainly residential South Cliff area. Scarborough Town lies approximately half a mile to the north. Occupying a prominent corner site on the north-east extent of the playing fields of the former Bramcote School, the property is located fronting the junction of Belvedere Road and Holbeck Hill, Scarborough
Address: The Old Pavilion, Belvedere Road and Holbeck Hill, Scarborough, YO11 2QR
Guide: £150,000 PLUS conditional planning caveat payments if current process progressed.
PLEASE CAN READERS DOUBLE CHECK ANY GIVEN PROPERTY IS STILL FOR SALE PRIOR TO MAKING A JOURNEY TO INSPECT. MANY THANKS.
Further Details: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact: Click Here. Please can folk make first approach via Unique Property Bulletin in relation to this old pavilion for sale. We are then able to demonstrate to the estate agents selling each property that our not-for-profit websites help their clients, and in so doing can encourage them to support the Bulletin. We monitor our email inbox at least three times per day, so will make the introduction for you promptly. By helping us this way, we can continue to help you. A virtuous circle.
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Try Before You Buy
Please note, this unusual house is NOT currently for sale. It is featured so that readers who enjoy this flavour of abode can stay a few nights to see if they like it, and it likes them.
Here is a short video of an all time favourite unique home that we love. Perhaps take a few moments to watch this beautifully filmed presentation featuring the cave house built by the remarkable and irrepressible Angelo Mastropietro…
Please click on the picture above to view the cave house film
To consider a short break staying in the Cave House…
Click Here
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Regular Updates On Social Media
Please remember that every few days we add an extra unique property to our main social media newsfeeds. So you don’t need to worry about missing out on your ideal home falling off of your radar….
Unique Property Bulletin on Facebook: Click Here
Unique Property Bulletin on Twitter: Click Here
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DIY Unique Property Searches
Turbo boost your own chances to find that special unique home
Sometimes Unique Building Finds Take Extra Effort 🙂
Especially if you are looking for something in your location.
Hundreds of additional unique properties can be available…
…in the geographic area and of the genre that you choose.
Buy at £8,000 to £80,000 or even £800,000
Our extra article will show you how to find these sorts of former municipal buildings…
Click Here For The DIY Search Secrets To Boost Your Chances
You will need a password…
Click Here
Whether you are looking for an old fire station, castle, barn, nuclear bunker, stately home, watermill, police station, water tower, windmill…
There are often dozens upon dozens hundreds of unique properties available…
Locally to you.
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Property Club & Unique Syndicate News
Felixstowe Suffolk – Major Coastal Manor House & 150+ Acres
Former RAF Bawdsey Manor. Almost The First Unique Property Syndicate!
One of our original unique property club members has just tipped us the nod that the former RAF Bawdsey – and manor estate may be coming up for sale.
Click Here For Bawdsey Manor Information
This is 22 years after we assembled what would have been the very first unique property syndicate. Back then £100,000 was a lot of money. Ten of us joined up, each with £100k, to buy this Leviathan and mustered just over a million pounds into the kitty between us all. However, we were outbid by the current owner.
Magnificent Suffolk Manor House: Candidate Syndicate Property?
History would have looked kindly on us had we succeeded. As things turned out, the winning bidder, Mr Niels Toettcher went on to sell several of the estate buildings which more than covered the purchase costs for the whole estate. He basically ended up with a free manor house and what is still a very large residual estate. Even after quite a lot has been sold off…
Still Over 150 Acres & A Dozen Or So Buildings Remain. Syndicated Interest Reignited
That would have been an epic first syndicate, but hey, we’ve nothing to complain about as the results of other property club projects have been just as enjoyable and rewarding. Even so, we know this part of Suffolk very well and are preparing to revisit a second bite at the cherry. Care to look at how things go?
If you would to be alerted for syndicate news, please email the word BAWDSEY to us: Click Here
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Helter Skelter Home For Millionaires
Wonder Tower In West Sussex
Water Tower Cottage, Steyning, West Sussex
A genuinely unique, grade II listed former water tower located in a peaceful, rural setting close to the South Downs and with far reaching views over the surrounding countryside. Set in grounds of about 3.25 acres.
Designed by Maxwell Ayrton, the architect who designed the original Twin Towers at Wembley Stadium, and is constructed of reinforced concrete with an external ‘helter skelter’ staircase and a polygonal roof. It was constructed as an ornamental folly/water tower, with an observatory, in about 1930 for Sir Arthur Howard as part of the Wappingthorn Estate.
Water Tower Cottage, Steyning, West Sussex
The accommodation within the hexagonal external walls is smoothed for internal aesthetic – creating circular rooms inside. The ground floor is arranged as a kitchen/family room, with a fitted kitchen and includes a wood burning stove, with a shower room to one side. There is a charming bedroom on the first floor with a Juliet balcony, on the second floor a void is where the water was stored (considered to have potential to create additional accommodation, subject to all the necessary consents) and on the third floor is a stunning octagonal observatory with large casement windows and the most spectacular, 360 degree, far reaching views over the surrounding countryside, to the North and South Downs and Chanctonbury Ring. A single storey timber clad cottage provides additional living accommodation, including a sitting room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.
Water Tower Cottage, Steyning, West Sussex
Planning consent was granted in 2002 for an extension to form substantial living accommodation, which has since lapsed. It is therefore considered there is the potential for extension to create a very unique country home, subject to all the necessary consents.
Address: Water Tower Cottage, Wappingthorn Farm, Horsham Road, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44 3AA
Guide: £1,350,000
Further Details: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact: click here. For this tower for sale, please can folk make first approach via Unique Property Bulletin. We are then able to demonstrate to the estate agents selling each property that our not-for-profit websites help their clients, and in so doing can encourage them to support the Bulletin. We monitor our email inbox at least three times per day, so will make the introduction for you promptly. By helping us this way, we can continue to help you. A virtuous circle.
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Unique Abroad
Arizona Boulder House
Boulder House – Exterior
This edition we have a short film featuring inspiration from abroad amongst the huge boulders of Arizona. This is a pretty amazing house. Recently for sale, but currently off of the market.
Boulder House – Interior – Literally Modelled Around Boulders
Not sure if there are any locations in the UK where something like this would suit the area, but it is definitely something to stick into the ideas bank.
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EMAIL ALERTS
If you would like a reminder email each month, once each new Unique Property Bulletin goes online, please feel free to join our ALERT list. Just…
Click Here To Receive Email Alert’s For Each New Unique Property Bulletin
…fill in the brief form typing the Subject Header with the simple word “ALERT” and we will do the rest 🙂 ensuring that a weblink for each new Bulletin is sent for you to enjoy each month.
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Round Tower
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Round Tower, South Cerney, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
This is definitely a unique property. Modern and contemporary living mixed in to one. Understood to have been a former hunting lodge, windmill and castellated folly. The original round tower dates back to the 18th Century and was originally owned by the Bathurst estate. The property has been conveniently laid out to suit modern day living with a large open plan kitchen, dining and sitting room that is very much the heart of the home. There is a media room on the lower floor of the tower with reception hall, two bedrooms of which one has an ensuite shower room with roof terrace above.
The Round Tower, South Cerney, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Atop the tower there are fine and far reaching views across the surrounding countryside and Cirencester beyond. There are two further bedrooms on the lower floor both ensuite shower/bathrooms, with the master suite having a walk-in wardrobe. Specifications throughout the house are the highest of quality with wireless lighting system allowing one touch operations for numerous effects. Zoned security and home entertainment systems are in place with enhanced media coverage and viewing to name a few. Limestone, oak, marble, slate, stainless steel and glass have all been used to remarkable effect.
The Round Tower Interior – Innovative & Contemporary. Brochure Review Recommended
This castellated home stands in open countryside between the Cotswold villages of Siddington and South Cerney. Nearby Cirencester is in easy reach and has a range of everyday shops and services as well as a number of boutique retailers, well known pubs and restaurants and specialist stores. Siddington is a popular village with a pub, village hall, primary school and village shop/post office. Cirencester is conveniently about 1 mile’s drive and has an excellent range of shops and services as well as restaurants, bars and hotels. The main regional centres are Cheltenham, Bath, Bristol, Swindon and Oxford, all of which are within daily commuting distance.
Address: The Round Tower, South Cerney, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6RH
Guide: £1,750,000
PLEASE CAN READERS DOUBLE CHECK ANY GIVEN PROPERTY IS STILL FOR SALE PRIOR TO MAKING A JOURNEY TO INSPECT. MANY THANKS.
Further Details: Click Here
Google 3D Streetview: Click Here
Google Map Location (shows interesting construction works in progress): Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
Contact: Click Here. For this round tower for sale, please can folk make first approach via Unique Property Bulletin. We are then able to demonstrate to the estate agents selling each property that our not-for-profit websites help their clients, and in so doing can encourage them to support the Bulletin. We monitor our email inbox at least three times per day, so will make the introduction for you promptly. By helping us this way, we can continue to help you. A virtuous circle.
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Unique Property Competition
Sponsored By Scotslion – Real Dragons’ Den
Sponsors Website – Click Here
The current Unique Property Bulletin competition prize is 10% of this note – in UK pound equivalent. We did ask our sponsors to stump up the whole note value as prize fund, but they went a sort of green colour at the discovery of how valuable these things are. Can you guess the name of this castle…
Competition Question…
What is the name of this castle?
Here is a clearer picture…
The winner is the first drawn from our Competition Box at close of competition on 31st December 2016
Email your free entries to us…
Click Here For Competition Entry Contact Page
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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 currently 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.
Knapphullet – Holiday Cabin – In With The Rocks
I think that this piece of architecture appeals so much, because it blends in and is fits so well with the rocks and surrounding natural environment. It is almost an enigma. Can’t quite explain the appeal. Would welcome your views on whether it ticks boxes for you? Contact us here.
Knapphullet – Holiday Cabin – Nice & Clean Architectural Lines
Knapphullet – Holiday Cabin – Bright Interior. Almost Perfect Sanctuary
So our
Commended Architect
For this Unique Property Bulletin is:-
Lund Hagem
Click Here For This Architect’s Dedicated Website
To study more about this architect’s style, click here for a head start.
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FEATURE ARTICLE…
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In At The Deep End?
Solent Fort Supremo Selling Stunning Stone Sentinel
For Sale – Horse Sand Fort On The Solent
Between Portsmouth and Southampton on the way to the Isle of Wight
This Unique Property Bulletin feature is very much a “before” and “after” piece. For sale is a near derelict old Solent fort requiring a lot of work. This is the “before” property we are featuring. It is currently available to buy. The “after” element to this feature is nearby Spitbank Fort which has been completed. It is renovated to a very high standard and now operates as an amazing hotel. Spitbank is NOT for sale, but it is very well worth a visit. Not just for interest and inspiration, but the sublime pleasure of enjoying time on a genuinely unique location. Though whether it remains unique in the strictest sense is open to debate – if Horse Sand Fort becomes a similar hotel restoration to Spitbank, then there will be two near identical properties, so technically not as unique as might otherwise be the case. But we are splitting hairs. From our perspective the ideal for Horse Sand Fort would be to renovate it into what the lapsed planning permission of 2004 specified: Consent granted for the creation of 14 luxury apartments. We are tempted to suggest perhaps revising that planning permission to accommodate 28 modest apartments. But there is an elephant in the room whatever the new owner does. One word: cost.
Old Gun Emplacement – Would Make An Interesting Lounge or Bedroom
There is a reason that our multi-millionaire friend, Mike Clare and his Clarenco Group (here) are selling Horse Sand Fort. We aren’t exactly sure of the details. Mr Clare can certainly afford to renovate Horse Sand Fort. No doubt there is a story behind his decision to sell. For now, the reason Horse Sand Fort is being sold is unknown. But it does open up an exciting opportunity for somebody, or even a group of folk.
Currently Horse Sand Fort is for sale at £875,000.
Old Corridors Go Round In Circles. Literally
Just out of curiosity we checked to see the original build costs for these amazing structures: Spitbank Fort was the first to be completed in 1878 at a figure of £167,300. St Helen’s Fort followed with a price tag of £123,311. No Man’s Land Fort and Horse Sand Fort were both finished in 1880. Because the latter two forts were situated much further offshore, they were also more expensive – Horse Sand cost £424,694 to build in 1880. That is 136 years ago. Today some algorithm’s have the equivalent build costs of £424,694 (1880) at £38 million (2016) here. No Man’s Land a further £462,500. Anyone care to work out what the 2016 cost of building Horse Sand Fort would be? A prize copy of Unique Property Manual for the best answer (click here to enter).
Horse Sand Fort, The Solent, Off Portsmouth, PO4 9UQ
We have considered a unique property syndicate bid for Horse Sand Fort, but our rebooted property club is not yet back up at the heady times when a million pound purchase could be rustled up in a week or two. We reckon it will take a huge sum of money to bring Horse Sand Fort back to meaningful life, but anyone who visits it’s neighbour at Spitbank will see how beautifully these projects can be managed.
Look At The Ladder Below. This Shows The Scale & Size of This Project
If you do take a visit, and especially if you bid on Horse Sand Fort, please let us know (click here)? We have a television company keen to chat with you and feature the renovations on the small screen for millions to join in with you.
Address: Horse Sand Fort, The Solent, Off Portsmouth, PO4 9UQ
Guide: £875,000 – NEWS UPDATE – Failed To Sell At Auction: Click Here
Further Details: Click Here
Archived Details For Future Reference: Click Here
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Solent Fort Construction…
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Part 2 of This Feature – Spitbank Fort
This adjacent island fort at Spitbank is not for sale, but you can holiday as it is a popular luxury holiday retreat. Also get a pretty good idea what potential lays within the circumference of the impressive masonry walls of Horse Sand Fort which is for sale at this time.
Whether you can manage a similar endeavour at neighbouring Horse Sand Fort, is the big question. Are you ready to jump in at the deep end with a major multi million pound renovation project? Alternatively if/when smaller flats are available for sale at Horse Sand Fort, then that may well be something many of us can afford.
Spitbank Fort, The Solent (c) 2014 AmaZing Venues
In the original paper format Unique Property Bulletin we did cover some pretty unusual folk that came across our bows. However, the online Unique Property Bulletin is an evolution of much greater networking, and has, with the wonders of the internet, brought onto our radar some: Unique Architects; Unique People & Unique Organisations. One of which is a company called AmaZing Venues – that buys and operates many genuinely unique properties. This island fort in the Solent – that has been exquisitely restored to a very high standard – is one of them. So Unique Property Bulletin readers who would like to take a very special holiday break here are met with a fortification set on the sublime glistening Solent with what can be best described as a wonderful surprise given it’s previous use as an island defence structure – and now renovated with an inspirational and luxurious interior for holidays, weddings and special occasions:-
Spitbank Fort – A Renovated Gem In The Solent (c) 2014 AmaZing Venues
Fine Dining In Beautiful Surroundings (c) 2014 AmaZing Venues
Then Retire For An Evening of VIP Comfort (c) 2014 AmaZing Venues
AmaZing Venues was founded by by Mr Mike Clare, and has grown this unique portfolio into a very interesting endeavour. From the outset, it is clear that the range of venues are absolutely the ones we would happily tick off of a wish list here at the Bulletin. The brilliant thing is readers from any part of our spectrum can visit and enjoy what is by any standard an extensive and full range of unique places to experience. It also has some very decent founding principles and balances one part of the organisation decently with another. The philanthropy balance being accomplished via:
http://www.theclarefoundation.org/
At the Unique Property Bulletin it is important to feature these sort of unique people and organisations, as it allows some of our spectrum of readers who are at different stages of the “property ladder” to study and take part in the real as well as the virtual property world; to understand a little more of how things are, and how processes work. On top of which, it is very, very important to get away from the keyboard and computer from time to time, and actually go and look at some of the unusual buildings – especially if you can find the genre that really does it for you.
Spitbank Fort Landing Facility (c) 2014 AmaZing Venues
Anyone who owns, rents or holidays on an island will soon understand how important a good quality landing area is. This is one of the best equipped that we have seen.
Hopefully for some readers, AmaZing Venues have a sample to suit all tastes from their broad menu of unique properties. We thoroughly recommend having a pleasant read of their website, and if the urge takes you, go visit. It is a core belief here that property eccentrics of a certain flavour [in this case, both reader, writer and all contributors of this page] can do a lot of good by sharing property details, interests, and experiences.
Over to you.
For this part of the current Bulletin we would certainly recommend you have a look at Spitbank Fort for a unique island experience to see if you like the lifestyle and whether the lifestyle likes you.
Unique Evening – Unique Place – Spitbank Fort (c) 2014 AmaZing Venues
Spitbank Fort – Historic Summary:-
Man Made Island Fort – 162 ft in diameter at base. Walls 48ft thick at base. Single gun floor.
Now: 9 Bedroom luxury exclusive use venue with sauna, hot pool, function suite, three luxury bars and sun decks.
Further details and booking, please:-
Click Here For AmaZing Venues: Solent Forts
Spitbank Fort Sunset (c) 2014 Diane Sambrook
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What is in one of these forts? Well Spitbank, which is currently NOT for sale had a series of visitors. So to give you an idea of what the currently derelict Horse Sand Fort MIGHT be transformed into, please check out the visitor videos for neighbouring Spitbank Fort…
Spitbank Fort
If you do end up buying Horse Sand Fort, please consider getting in touch with us here at Unique Property Bulletin. We would love to know how you get on. with this incredible island fort.
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Unique Thought
Amazon Lease 20 Commercial Cargo Planes
Earlier we floated the brief subject of Amazon leasing dozens of cargo planes and how this might affect you. About 25 years ago when Unique Property Bulletin was in it’s infancy, a major obstacle that blocked the path of many of our readers who wished to move into an unusual home was work. How to commute from a place of employment, often located in a major city or large town – to that beautiful, but often remote idyll. Most of us need to earn a living. Even those who are financially independent risk going insane if a life of indolence is followed. We know having seen friends have serious problems when there is less and less with which to fill their days with after retirement (and that includes the lucky ones who retire at 45).
So our point? A significant answer to the dilemma of living in a unique home, for example, a remote lighthouse and how to earn a living, or how to undertake a meaningful vocation now has a very big answer? E-commerce. Just spend half an hour seeing the trends – huge companies that didn’t exist 25 years ago when we were trying to figure out the answer of a question many readers kept asking us – how to live and work remotely. It may have taken us a while to prove it – okay 25 years is a little long to answer the question – but here is just one anecdotal illustration: On 5th July 1994 Amazon was established. Now, 22 years later it employs 268,900 people in 2015 declared an income of US$107 billion. That’s billion with a ‘b’, not million with an ‘m’.
So, as one of our good friends is discovering, if you are starting the next seedcorn business and the challenges seem so much harder because you are far away from the madding crowd, think on: would you rather be here and work from an old garage…
Steve Jobs Startup of Apple From A Garage
or this…
Startup of The Next Apple Corporation From A Lighthouse Office
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