House without electricity to be auctioned for charity

One of the last remaining houses in the country completely unmodernised and without electricity is set to be auctioned on behalf of Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.

The semi-detached property located in Sevenoaks was visited by residential property business, Ibbett Mosely, for valuation and they reported that it has been unchanged since the 1920s.

Having been in the ownership of the same Baldock family for 70 years, the house will be part of the auction that will take place on November 16 2017 at The Auction House in Sevenoaks, Kent.

Dr Robert Wickham, senior partner for Ibbett Mosely, described the auction of this property as a ‘wonderful opportunity’ for a first-time buyer or someone keen on DIY who is keen to buy for a modest price and enjoy the development of the property.

“We are determined to achieve the best possible price for the charities concerned,” he commented.

“We visit thousands of houses every year and haven’t come across gas lighting for decades and it’s incredible that the former owner was living in the house with no electricity in this day and age.”

He added: “It was particularly surprising to find a completely unmodernised house in central Sevenoaks.”

When fully modernised, houses in the local area typically sell for prices of £450,000 to £500,000, with guide prices ranging from £275,000 to £340,000.

Regarding the aged property, Wickham said: “It has a great garden at the back but no garage at present but room to place a garage at the side of the house. The last resident Ms Baldock left the property to Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.”

The area also includes a nearby development site with full planning permission to build a two-bedroom bungalow with associated car parking, ideal for local developers and investors. The guide price is £120,000 to £150,000. This creates another opportunity to buy an undeveloped site in the southeast.

Open viewing will be arranged by appointment.