WITH the housing market booming, it’s not surprising a pretty cottage sparked a fierce bidding war and sold for thousands of pounds over guide price at auction.
But the new owners of Church Green Cottage in Kencot, near Brize Norton, which went under the hammer at £328,000, have their work cut out.
The house, which hasn’t been lived in for four years, is not connected to the mains water supply or sewage system, has no central heating and the wiring “needs attention”.
They will also have to install central heating, modern plumbing and fit a new kitchen and bathroom.
Throw in replastering, redecorating and fitting carpets throughout and it’s quite a project.
Sue and Michael Patrick beat three other bidders to snap up the three-bedroom property last week when it was auctioned at the sale in Filkins.
Two former farm workers’ cottages knocked into one, it had been in the seller’s family for generations and was expected to fetch between £280,000 and £300,000.
Auctioneer Mark Hill warned bidders about the electrics and pointed out the cottage would need connecting to the mains, as the only water comes from a well on a nearby farm and that would be stopped once the sale went through.
None of that put off the Patricks, who rent a house near Wallingford and say they can’t wait to start work on it.
Surveyor Mr Patrick, who lectures in real estate valuation at Oxford Brookes University, said: “These are all things that can be sorted out. But it’s uninhabitable now and we won’t be able to move in until next year.
“We’ve got to get the water supply and sewage system sorted out straight away.”
Retired health visitor Mrs Patrick added: “The cottage has great potential.
“It’s a very sweet house and we’d like to see it brought back to life.”
Amy Herring, of auctioneers Moore, Allen & Innocent, said: “We had four open days, at least 40 viewings, and it was very popular.
“At the moment, the water comes from a well, so it probably wouldn’t pass today’s standards.
“There is mains water supply to the road but this cottage is not connected to it.
“I am not going to say how much needs spending on it but it’s a big project, so it will be a lot.”
WITH average house prices hitting £257,000 in Oxfordshire and £355,000 in Oxford, £328,000 doesn’t go far. So, if you don’t fancy a major project, here’s what you get for your money:
- £325,000: Three-bedroom semi-detached in Yarnton with garage and garden
- £329,000: Two-bedroom apartment in an over-55s retirement development in Burford
- £330,000: Two-bedroom character cottage in village near Witney with garden and garage
- £330,000: Newly built four-bedroom terraced house in Witney
- £330,000: Three-bedroom house in Marston
- £335,000: Four-bedroom bungalow in Carterton with garage and garden
- £385,000: Three-bedroom detached house in Botley
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