Historic Smethwick Toll House snapped up for £215k
An historic Black Country landmark has sold for more than four times its asking price.
The Toll House, in High Street, Smethwick, could now be brought back into use after being snapped up for £215,000.
The building, which has been a fixture in the town since the early 19th century, was sold at auction by SDL Bigwood.
Expectations were fairly low with the Toll House, which was most recently used as an art gallery and glass making studio, given a guide price of between £44,000 and £48,000.
It has been suggested the Toll House, which features a blue plaque in recognition of its historical significance, could be converted for residential use but council bosses in Sandwell have said they would prefer it to be saved for community use.
The landmark was described by auctioneers as a ‘little piece of history’. It was built around 1820 on part of the Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Dudley turnpike which operated from 1760 to1876.
Major changes to the building are not expected, especially as it is Grade II-listed.
Council bosses said a ‘schedule of works’ had been prepared that the new owners will have to comply with. Planning permission will be needed before any work is carried out.
