A Grade II listed property in the idyllic rural Derbyshire countryside which dates back to Elizabethan times is one of the star lots in SDL Auctions Graham Penny’s Derby auction at Pride Park Stadium on Thursday 13 September.

Wildersley in WIldersley Road in Belper is an attractive farmhouse which requires full renovation and comes with a wide range of outbuildings on a site of approximately two acres. It has a *guide price of £645,000+.

According to Robert Stone, senior valuer at SDL Auctions Graham Penny in Derby, it is one of the most attractive and alluring lots to be offered in a Midlands auction in recent years. “Properties of this character and potential rarely come to market and photographs and a description alone cannot convey the full range of opportunities this lot affords.

“WIldersley is set in a peaceful rural location with magnificent countryside views and has considerable potential for residential or commercial development, subject to planning permission.

“We are informed by the seller that the farmhouse is steeped in history and is said to be one of Belper’s oldest properties. Queen Mary of Scots is thought to have passed by the property on the old Coach Road.

“There has been a dwelling in its present style on this site since Elizabethan times, although a dwelling can be traced back a few hundred years earlier,” he said.

The land was once part of the Duffield Frith and owned by the De Ferrers of Duffield Castle.

The name Wildersley is believed to refer to a clearing in the wood, used as a place to rest and take refreshments during a deer hunt.

The beautiful stone-built former farmhouse has extensive character accommodation arranged over three floors and requires a full scheme of improvement and upgrading throughout. Internally, the property has been stripped out and will require a full programme of renovation. The entrance hall leads to a large sitting room (24’4”x17’) with an open inglenook fireplace. On the first and second floors and in the loft area, there is ample opportunity to create several bedrooms and bathrooms, subject to planning permission.

At the front of the property there are beautiful landscaped gardens with magnificent countryside views enjoying a southerly aspect.

Robert Stone said: “There is also an extensive range of mainly stone-built outbuildings which offer further development and residential and commercial opportunities.”

These include a former pig shed, a stone-built garage with adjoining sun room and store room. There is also a former barn/stables, a separate former shire horse stables and to the rear a dilapidated stone barn with lapsed planning permission.

Located to the rear of the old dilapidated building is an old block-built hay barn which measures approximately 70’ x 15’.

Mr Stone added: “There is also a further three bedroomed dwelling that the owners have lived in for a number of years, but we are informed there is no residential planning approval in place, and prospective buyers are advised to make their own enquiries.

“In our opinion, Wildersley could be used for a number of different ventures, including a small business such as kennels, cattery, a potential bed and breakfast, holiday cottages or conversion into further residential units, all of these subject to planning permission and building regulations.

“We would strongly recommend a viewing to fully appreciate the wide range of outbuildings on offer, the stunning former farmhouse and the beautiful rural setting.”

The next SDL Auctions Graham Penny Derby auction takes place on Thursday 13 September at Pride Park Stadium.