A tumble-down, local stone-built Herefordshire cottage that has not been lived in since the 1950s, offering the chance of a lifetime for a new owner, has sold at auction.

The Grade II-listed farmhouse building, described as a ‘renovation challenge’, was listed for sale with Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide price of £85,000.

The far-from-sold lot, which had to be viewed with an eye of optimism, sold for £95,000 after attracting eight bids from four separate bidders.

Brook Farm, near Longtown, dates back to the 16th century but has been abandoned and empty for almost 80 years.

Now an enterprising and ‘brave’ new owner has grabbed the chance to renovate the crumbling, stone-built property hidden in the heart of Herefordshire.

Olivia Williams, of Paul Fosh Auctions, warned that the project, which is currently securely fenced off, is not one for the faint-hearted.

“They really don’t build them like this anymore; this stone-built farmhouse is a real piece of history,” she said.

“Renovation of this gorgeous old Herefordshire farmhouse will be quite a challenge, of that there is little doubt, but for the person who has a dream of living in the Herefordshire countryside, this is perhaps the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that really can’t be missed.

“And what’s more, full planning permission has already been granted to restore and extend the two Grade II-listed properties on this 1.4-acre plot.

“The plot includes a wooded dingle and small paddock with views of the Black Mountains.”

Full planning permission has been granted for the reinstatement of residential use of the house through its renovation, partial rebuilding and extension, creating a four-bedroom dwelling with a dedicated home office and gym.

Permission has also been granted for the renovation and extension of an outbuilding to form an ancillary annexe.

New mains water and electricity have been supplied to the property.

The next Paul Fosh Auctions sale, when a variety of lots will be offered for sale online, starts at midday on Tuesday, October 6 and ends from 2pm on Thursday, October 8 at: www.paulfoshauctions.com