A dilapidated small building with vegetation all over it, gaps in its doors and broken windows has sold for £50,000.

Auctioneers put a positive spin on the property at East Hill, St Germans, saying: ‘This was an interesting property which has plenty of potential.’

The property is a former coach house with planning consent for conversion into a modest single-bedroomed home.

It has been sold to a local buyer by auctioneers Clive Emson.

Senior auction valuer Katie Semmens said: ‘The new owner has a fantastic opportunity to create an attractive, albeit relatively modest, home in one of the region’s more desirable villages. ‘Alternatively, they may have a different scheme in mind subject to the necessary consents.’