HOW much would you pay for a derelict, pre-fabricated home in the middle of a field?

Well, thanks to the boom in demand for rural getaways after the coronavirus pandemic, one such property on the Devon/Somerset border drew an enormous amount of interest and bids.

And when the bids were counted, the rural property at Hele View, Clayhanger, sold for a whopping price of more than £300,000.

A spokesperson for Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH), which marketed the property, said: "Set in glorious, unspoilt countryside it has an unusual planning permission Q that allows a rebuild on the footprint of the existing structure.

"Offers in excess of £300,000 were invited for the site."

The firm held more than 30 viewings at the site, near Wiveliscombe, with eager buyers keen to check out the single-storey frame dwelling, which was built in the 1930s and last occupied in the 1960s.

Graham Ford, a partner at GTH, oversaw a number of busy viewing days - and there was even interest from an unnamed celebrity keen on an away from it all location to create a unique hideaway.

The viewings translated into 10 serious bids with interest from self-builders wanting a project and to create a fabulous country getaway.

Somerset County Gazette:

Some wanted to live there 24/7, while others saw a business opportunity and wanted to create a property to appeal to the booming staycation market.

However, the successful bidder is moving from South Devon and is looking forward to enjoying the seclusion and the wonderful views.

Hele View is set within an unspoilt valley close to the Devon/Somerset border, with views across the hamlet of Clayhanger, 20 minutes from the M5 and rail links to London at Tiverton Parkway and Taunton.

Mid Devon District Council granted permission in 2020 for the main building to be a home under Class Q and agreed a second application for change of use of the land to a domestic garden.

Together, these permissions permit the structure to once again be used as a private residence.

For more information about similar opportunities, contact Graham Ford on 01823 334466, or email landplanning.taunton@gth.net