Inside abandoned Edwardian mansion for sale that's been taken over by plants

03 September 2023 , 10:02

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An abandoned mansion in Longstanton will be up for auction next month (Image: Cheffins)

An abandoned Edwardian mansion which has been described as the "ultimate fixer-upper" has been put on the market.

Next month, an empty and disused property found on the outskirts of Longstanton, Cambridgeshire, is going to auction and the lucky winner bidder will be left with a huge challenge to get it back in shape.

Redlands was built in 1905 and hasn't been occupied since the 1950s when it was used for agricultural storage before later falling derelict after multiple fires.

Despite some damage, the core of the building still remains but has been overwhelmed by greenery. The property sits in more than an acre of overgrown jungle-like gardens.

Pictures of the property show what the 16-room mansion looks like and offers an insight into the marvellous building it once was in its heyday.

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There is an imposing entrance with stone steps, a large reception space with mosaic flooring, fireplaces, a cellar, eight bedrooms, and servants' quarters. It had a balcony along the length of the first floor, a tennis lawn, and an orchard.

The derelict property has become overgrown "like a jungle" after being left empty for years (Cheffins)

A major fire tore through the property in 1956 as a result of a suspected electric heater fire ravaged the interior and a large part of the roof, CambridgeshireLive reports.

It is currently owned by Keith Tyker, who had it passed down to him by his father who bought the site in 1959 for £900, and will be auctioned off by Cheffins Auctioneers.

The building was damaged by multiple fires in the 1950s (Cheffins)

Mr Tyler said: "I really hope that someone falls in love with the romance of Redlands. It really is time for someone to take it on and bring it back to its former glory."

The house suffered two more fires, the worst in 1996 which destroyed all the internal floors, and most of the rooms, as well as what had remained of the original roof.

After being left empty since the 1950s, the property has become overgrow with greenery (Cheffins)

Redlands was removed from the rating list in 1996, following the extensive fire damage, and mains electricity, gas and water connections have been capped off.

The property will be sold in Cambridge on September 27 with a guide price of £100,000-£120,000. There is an additional two acres of land, adjacent to Redlands, which will be offered at the same auction with a pre-sale estimate of £50,000-£60,000.

Sean McPolin