For sale: three-bedroom Gothic-style cemetery lodge in Smethwick, not for faint-hearted
A disused cemetery lodge will go under the hammer with the Gothic-style building expected to sell for between £60,000 and £70,000.
Sandwell Council approved plans for the lodge, on the edge of Uplands Cemetery, in Smethwick, to be sold in December.
Potential buyers will now get the chance to enter their bids for the three-bedroom property at the sale on February 28.
It will be held at the Holte Suite at Aston Villa FC starting at 11am and will be among a number of lots being sold at the event.
Auctioneers CP Bigwood said there had been a lot of interest in the site but admitted the property was in extensive need of upgrading and refurbishment. Spokesman Ron Darlington said:
"There have been a fair number of viewings but the fact it is on the periphery of the cemetery may put some people off. The hairs on the back of your could stand up if it is dark and quiet and you hear an owl hoot."
The Victorian lodge was originally occupied by the cemetery superintendent but once the council had centralised the burial administration it was no longer needed.
The property was rented out for a period but has since been used for storage and bosses at the council decided it was surplus to requirement. The building is set back from the road behind railings and gates.
There are three reception rooms on the ground floor and a canopy porch leads to the hall.
On the first floor there are three bedrooms, a kitchen and the main bathroom. Outside there are extensive gardens and outhouses.
Other buildings owned by Sandwell Council up for grabs at the auction include a commercial development site at Rabone Lane, Smethwick, expected to sell for between £65,000 and £75,000. A development site on the corner of Hargate Lane and Gladstone Street, West Bromwich, is expected to go for £20,000.
