Anyone for a 1930s time capsule? I have just the thing. This 1930s Wells Coates Sunspan house in Chadwell St Mary, Essex.
Yes, this amazing time capsule is up for sale and not only that, it is also up for auction, which means you might get a bargain as well as a property pretty much unchanged since the 1930s.
Specifically, it goes back to 1936 and a design by Wells Coates and David Pleydell-Bouverie, pitched as a home of the future at the Ideal Home exhibition in 1934.
Sadly, this prefabricated structure never quite became the norm, with a war intervening just a few years later. So we are left with this house and a group of other Sunspan properties. Around 15 in total were built, but less remain.
All share a similar design, one that maximises the sun as well as the style with that curvy exterior (and of course, interior too). In fact, if you want to know all about the Sunspan, have a look round this one, as little has changed over the decades.
When I say ‘little’ I mean things like some of the electrics and maybe some of the windows, as well as some central heating and maybe a bit of painting. Nothing concerning the structure or layout.
So what you have is a property in need of some renovation around those features. Note however that it is a great II-listed property, so you will have to bear that in mind.
As for the features, you are looking at the architecture itself, the period door, that rather interesting fireplace, cupboards in the hallway, sliding doors, a lovely staircase, the bedrooms with more original cupboards and the kitchen and bathroom, both in need of some love I think, although you would want to preserve the original units in the kitchen.
If you want to re-enact World War 2, then there’s another bonus in the garden in the form of the original air raid shelter. Talking of outside, there is 3.5 acres of greenbelt land out there with views of the Thames, as well as a courtyard and a garage.
As for the internal space, that is made up of a ground floor with entrance hallway (and original storage units), a kitchen, dining room, a large reception room with period fireplace and a snug. A pantry and downstairs W.C. completes the floor.
Head upstairs and the first floor has four bedrooms and a bathroom with separate shower room and W.C.
Fancy it? I suspect you are not alone. But you will have to pay close attention, as this is an online auction property, which is open to mortgage buyers.
The starting bid for this Sunspan is £415,000 and the auction starts on Monday 20th August and ends on Wednesday 22nd August 2018. So still some time to sort out the finance. Proper auction too, is if you bid, you buy. No pulling out.
Good luck if you do bid and let’s hope whoever wins looks after this one and its timeless interior.
Find out more at the Hammer Price Homes website
Via the WowHaus site, where you will find plenty more art deco properties for sale.
I am very interested in this property, please could you tell me the guild price. Also would like to view this property as well.
Just to make you aware, there is an overage charge in place by the owners of 15% for 15 years. I spent a lot of money, on quotes and full structural survey ( if you would like a copy, please contact me)
I found out about the overage charge the day before exchange.
I was heart broken, even with all the work that the house is of desperate need, extensive woodworm damage, heating, new roof, drain repair, etc; I was still wanted to take on this restoration. Unfortunately life isn’t fair, and some people are greedy. I just hope that someone will buy it who will bring it back to its former glory.
to answer your question £450,000 for the house, I estimated about £120-150,000 on work.