It’s a grand country home that commands a superb position, located above the River Severn in Coalport.
But Sweyney Cliff House, which has lain empty for about five years, was severely damaged by fire in 2011 and its condition has deteriorated since.
Although it was sold to the current owner in 2013, who has since then spent considerable sums drawing up architect plans to restore the property to its former glory and to add an extension, the baton is being passed on after he decided to sell.
It means there is a rare opportunity for a buyer to put their own mark on the historic house.
While existing plans are sympathetic to the original design, there are all the hallmarks of it being an incredible Grand Designs-style development for anyone who has significant funds to pump into the residential project.
The home is being auctioned on Wednesday, July 27, by agents Nock Deighton LLP – and if the guide price of £375,000-£400,000 suggests that it is a bargain, you are right.
If you consider that a new property costs about £100 per square foot to build, this 5,600 sq ft house will require the new buyer to have very deep pockets to get it structurally safe and habitable. That’s before you add the deluxe kitchen and bathrooms, and start to restore the seven acres of overgrown grounds.
It is believed that the house was originally built in the early 19th century by William Horton, who helped to develop the Coalport China Works with William Reynolds, and it was then known as The Rock House.
As well as being a generously proportioned family home with impressive gardens and grounds, The Rock House was also a mill and the workings were driven by a 76ft diameter water wheel, which is long since gone.
Since the fire and subsequent attacks by vandals, this once glorious rural retreat, which lies at the end of a long, private driveway, is now just a shell, waiting for someone to breathe new life into it.
And Rob McCabe, partner at Nock Deighton estate agents, which is marketing the home for the third time in about 15 years, said anyone who buys Sweyney Cliff House, which is just two and a half miles from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ironbridge, could create a stunning place.
“In its day, Sweyney Cliff House was a very grand house,” he said. “There is no listing on the property, although the proposals that have been drawn up are very sympathetic to the original design of the building.
“There has been significant amounts of money spent on planning works so far, which means that very little work is required to repackage the planning application and submit the necessary reports. I would say 90 per cent of what’s required to put in application is there and so far the proposals have been received positively by the authority.”
There’s also potential to create gorgeous gardens on this riverside setting. In its heyday, there were walled gardens and there are still overgrown mature shrubs and trees with level and riverside lawns. A few outbuildings and part of the former mill are still in evidence, which could provide useful further storage or there is potential for development, subject to usual permissions.
As well as a small woodland, with a variety of mature trees that offer privacy, there are also pools, which are fed from a small stream, and a gravity-fed fountain. In addition, the new owner can take advantage of the fishing and mooring rights on the river.
It’s not surprising that the potential for such a striking home means that the property is already attracting attention from potential buyers.
“It’s a very nice location and secluded, and offers an opportunity to redevelop with a scheme of renovation and extension devised and discussed with Shropshire Council,” said Rob.
Sweyney Cliff House is due to be auctioned on Wednesday, July 27 at 6:30pm at Bridgnorth Livestock & Auction Centre, Tasley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, unless a buyer is found before then.
For more details or to arrange a viewing, telephone Nock Deighton on 01746 762666.
