A unique four-bedroom residence in Barnstaple, Devon, has been listed for auction following its transformation from a subterranean Victorian reservoir. The property, which features distinctive arched brickwork, is being offered at a guide price significantly lower than the average cost of a London apartment.

The £400,000 reservoir vs. the London flat average

The property in Barnstaple, Devon, is currently being offered with a guide price between £400,000 and £450,000. This price point presents a stark contrast to the metropolitan real estate market, as the report notes that the average sold price for a flat or maisonette in London reached £420,635 in February, according to Moneyweek.

This price discrepancy underscores a growing trend where buyers seek unconventional, high-character properties in regional areas to escape the cramped constraints of the capital. For the price of a standard London apartment, a buyer in Devon can acquire a four-bedroom home with significant land and historical significance. as reported by the original source, the reservoir's value lies in its ability to provide substantial living space and unique architectural features that are rarely found in urban centers.

Arches beneath a half-acre of Devon countryside

The architectural identity of the Barnstaple home is defined by its origins as a subterranean Victorian reservoir. The conversion has preserved the signature arched brick ceilings, which now serve as a backdrop for a modern interior. Key features of the residence include:

  • A reception hall, kitchen, sitting room,and utility room.
  • Three bathrooms integrated into the unique layout.
  • Large, wide-paneled windows and a traditional Roman numeral style clock.
  • Lamps hanging directly from the brick ceilings to highlight the arches.

    • Beyond the interior, the estate includes over half an acre of countryside and a Mediterranean-style brick-floored courtyad. a particularly unique feature is the ability for residents to walk across the roof of the home, which is covered by a patch of grass that provides views of the surrounding Barnstaple landscape and the patio below.

    Jackson-Stops' June 18 auction at Digby Hall

    The sale of this unique Devon residence will be conducted via public auction. Jackson-Stops, the auctioneers managing the property, have scheduled the event for June 18 at 2:00 PM. The auction is set to take place at Digby Hall in Sherborne, Dorset, and will also be available via livestream for remote bidders.

    Jackson-Stops has characterized the conversion as an "absolutely stunning and characterful" space, highlighting the blend of traditional red-brick Victorian aesthetics with contemporary living requirements. the auction provides a platform for collectors of unique architecture to bid on a property that deviates significaantly from standard residential builds.

    The unknown maintenance costs of the Barnstaple reservoir

    While the aesthetic appeal of a reservoir conversion is undeniable, several practical questions remain unaddressed by the current listing. It is unclear how the conversion manages long-term moisture control and insulation,which are common concerns for subterranean or semi-subterranean structures. Additionally, the source does not specify if the "walking on the roof" feature includes specialized drainage or structural reinforcement to support the weight of the soil and grass.

    Prospective buyers may also wonder about the specific maintenance requirements for the brickwork and the Mediterranean-style courtyard. Without further technical documentation, the long-term costs of maintaining such a specialized architectural footprint remain a significant unknown for those looking to bid at the Sherborne auction.