A former mortuary could be turned into “a spooky themed Airbnb” after it sold for double its asking price when it went under the hammer recently.
‘The Morgue’ in the village of Cheddleton, near Leek, in Staffordshire, had a guide price of £55,000, but despite its dilapidated and abandoned state, it sparked a fierce bidding war and was eventually sold by John Pye Auctions for £137,000.
Potential buyers were warned of its awful condition and the auctioneers even highlighted the possibility of demolishing the building, but still bidders were not put off, with the property going for more than double its guide price.
The buyer has not been named nor have they revealed what they are going to do with the building – and its half-acre area of surrounding land – which is in a sorry state of affairs.
Surrounded by overgrown shrubs and weeds, the inside has become something of a dumping ground, with rubbish strewn across the floors, there are holes in the roof, crumbling walls, most of the glass in the windows are missing and it’s quite clearly seen better days.
Surrounded by overgrown shrubs and weeds, the inside has become something of a dumping ground, with rubbish strewn across the floors, there are holes in the roof, crumbling walls, most of the glass in the windows are missing and it’s quite clearly seen better days.
It has not been used as a mortuary for over 20 years and it will need a lot of work to turn it into anything has usable.
Quoted in the Mirror, auctioneer Helen Bingley said: “It’s going to make a amazing project for someone and has huge potential.
“There is quite a market for historical buildings of this nature that people are interested in staying in overnight.
“Other unusual buildings we have had for sale in the past include an observatory, water tower, a former army barracks and windmill, all have proved to be attention grabbers at auction.”
