A nineteenth-century Grade II listed former gaol situated just a mile from the border with England in mid Wales has been posted for sale at auction.
Sean Roper, of Newport, Gwent-Based Paul Fosh Auctions, who are selling the historic building, says its rural location and ‘uniqueness’ could make the property, with a guide price of £210,000-plus, a real steal.
The Old Gaol, on Gaol Road, in the county town of Montgomery (Trefaldwyn) dates back to 1832. The imposing property, approached by an arched gateway and surrounded by its own grounds, retains many original features not the least of which is a towering cell wall.
Sean said: “The former gaol, in the ancient border town of Montgomery, is a unique and quirky historic building which will, I would think, appeal to a new owner looking for something that is completely out of the ordinary and that is a little, or a lot, different to anything else on the market. The new owner will most probably be keen to put their own stamp on this wonderful historic property.
“The Grade11 listed former gaol, which is being sold by its private owner, is steeped in history and retains intriguing indications of its past use as a gaol in the early 19th century with, for example, the high walls of a former cell block of the former custodial centre forming an integral part of the building.
“I would think that the property, right in the middle of Wales but very close to the border with England which is about a mile away, could well appeal to someone from the English Midlands, places like Birmingham or Coventry that sort of area, as the road connections to that area are very good.
“It could also be used as an unusual airbnb property or with some investment renovated into a complex of luxury apartments as it’s in such an idyllic, breath-taking location close to Offa’s Dyke.
“It’s a bit of a blank canvas really. This sort of Grade II listed property in its wonderful location close to various areas of natural beauty, the Snowdonia national park is not far from the property, doesn’t come up very often so I’m confident it will create a great deal of interest.
“The building is approached via Gaol Road with the impressive arched grandiose gateway immediately in view, this being a separate property but retaining pedestrian access through the archway to the old gaol. Alternatively there is vehicle access to the right leading to a parking bay and gardens with scope for further parking bays if required.
“The property was previously converted to seven flats by a housing association with a mix of one and two bed units. It now offers scope for improvements and the potential to reconfigure with either higher spec flats, holiday accommodation or even as a single, a large family dwelling (subject to necessary planning consents).”
The former Montgomery gaol, along with some 80-plus other properties is listed for sale online at Paul Fosh Auctions from noon on Tuesday, December 7 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, December 9.