16th January 2019

Derbyshire Dales barn could become a Grand Design

A countryside barn conversion in the Derbyshire Dales is the dream property of many but it’s rare to find one which has not already been transformed.

Therefore, developers keen to create their own Grand Design are likely to be eager to secure a 17th-century Grade II listed stone barn in Bonsall when it goes under the hammer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s Derby auction at Pride Park Stadium on Wednesday 13 February.

The two-storey barn, off High Street, Bonsall, Matlock, which has a *guide price of £225,000+, has a garden and grass paddock, with the plot extending to 1.2 acres. Planning permission was granted to convert the property into a three/four-bedroomed dwelling (application number 15/00311/FUL) but this lapsed in December 2018. An alternative scheme of planning may well be considered.

Dating back to the late 17th century, the barn was originally a three-storey home. It has also been used as the village workhouse, a public hall and, by the early 20th century, by Bonsall Urban District Council.
Now a two-storey building, the barn is currently laid out on the ground floor as a garage, stable and large store. The first floor has one large room, with a smaller adjoining space. A further room, with an original fireplace, can be accessed via an external staircase.

In accordance with the lapsed planning permission, If the proposed plans are accepted, the barn could comprise three ground-floor bedrooms, two with en suite facilities. Upstairs, plans have been submitted for a large living area with a door to the garden, an open-plan dining kitchen, a double bedroom with access to a Jack and Jill-style bathroom, and a further bedroom/snug.

However, the size of the property – which extends to approximately 25.63m x 5.92m (84’1″ x 19’5″) – provides the flexibility to accommodate a number of different layouts, subject to the necessary consents.

Outside, the garden area has views over the surrounding countryside and a grass paddock with vehicular access. Electricity and water supplies have been disconnected but it is believed that mains services are within the vicinity.

Robert Stone, senior valuer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny, said: “The sale of this barn is a wonderful opportunity to create a beautiful home in a delightful Derbyshire village. This is a really spacious barn with a huge amount of scope for creating a truly unique dream property.”

Bonsall is a highly desirable village on the edge of the Peak District National Park. It is most famous for the unique tradition of hen racing; the annual World Championship Hen Race takes place each August at the Barley Mow pub. As well as the pub, the village has a shop, primary school and church.

The village is convenient for Matlock and Wirksworth and is commutable to Bakewell, Ashbourne, Chesterfield and Derby. It is an hour’s drive to Sheffield and just over half an hour’s drive to Buxton, while trains run to Derby and Chesterfield from Matlock Bath and Cromford.

The property is freehold, with vacant possession upon completion.

Entries are still being accepted for the auction, at Pride Park Stadium on Wednesday 13 February. Click here or call the team on 01332 242 880 for a free auction appraisal of your property.

* Each property is subject to a Reserve Price which may be different from the Guide Price. For full definitions see www.sdlauctions.co.uk/glossary.