From a nuclear bunker to an ancient tidal mill, Clive Emson Auctioneers has offered some exceptional lots to suit those looking to buy a piece of history, writes Sam Kinloch, director and senior auction valuer
The auction room provides a high-profile, transparent arena in which to buy and sell some of the country’s most interesting investments and developments. In most cases these are not available by any other means.
Looking back at land and property sold by Clive Emson Auctioneers over the past 27 years reveals some interesting lots that prove the UK has an eye not only for investment but also for the weird and wonderful structures that tell the story of the UK’s long history.
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Spitbank Fort, the Solent, 2009
Guide £700,000-£800,000
Sold for more than £1,000,000
This Victorian sea fort was built in 1860 as part of a chain of forts to defend Portsmouth and its dockyard against a possible French invasion. A museum for many years, the fort obtained planning permission for a single dwelling and for a mixed‑use development including residential accommodation, bar/restaurant, offices, residential school, hostel, nightclub/casino, recording studio and micro brewery. With some considerable foresight, the new owners went on to create a luxury private island hotel.
102 Gloucester Road, Brighton, 2016
Guide £625,000-£650,000
Sold £840,000
This is a fabulous mixed residential and commercial property situated in the heart of Brighton’s bustling North Laine. The property eventually sold to a local investor who had viewed it only the day before the auction. It has an estimated rental income of £60,000 per annum.
Vale Royal Methodist Church, London Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, 2016
Guide £500,000-£600,000
Sold £900,000
This landmark building of late Victorian origin overlooking The Common was sold to a Kent-based developer in the June 2016 sale. Offering huge development potential, the former church holds a prominent position in the town and has a gross internal area of more than 11,000 sq ft.
Prince of Wales and Trewarmett Quarries, Tintagel, 2015
Guide £40,000-£50,000
Sold £81,000
Disposed of on behalf of the Duchy of Cornwall, the site has a waterfall and refurbished and preserved 1871-built Woolf engine house. This hauled slate and pumped water and is the only one preserved in north Cornwall. The sale saw fierce bidding in the room from buyers looking to own part of Cornwall’s coastline.
UK Warning and Monitoring Organisation bunker, Roding Valley Nature Reserve, Chigwell, 2015
Guide £15,000-£20,000
Sold £20,000
This subterranean nuclear bunker accessed by ladder was one of 1,500 Cold War monitoring posts, some of which were used until 1991. It was sold to a private buyer.
Palace Court, Hastings, 2013
Guide £1,100,000-£1,300,000
Sold £1,600,000
This substantial Grade II listed landmark seafront building was built in 1886 in the French chateau style as a hotel. It was later converted into 15 luxury seafront apartments, while retaining a language school, five commercial units and caves to the rear. Palace Court was producing £124,086.28 pa at the time of its sale to a local developer who specialised in student accommodation.
The Mill, Birdham Pool Marina, Chichester, 2012
Guide nil
Sold £61,000
The last working tidal mill in Sussex was built in 1768 and used until 1935. The Mill was in need of considerable repair and sold by the Marina to a private developer.
