The best doer-uppers in Britain: Buyers wanted for 100 historic but crumbling buildings that can be picked up for bargain prices

  • Neglected buildings include cottages and farmhouses, churches and chapels, pubs, and eve a former rifle range
  • All included in a newly compiled 'lonely hearts' list of decaying buildings compiled by Save Britain's Heritage group
  • The amount of work required varies from house to house, from a spot of DIY to a complete structural overhaul

Loving owners are being sought for hundreds of historic but crumbling buildings across Britain in a desperate bid to prevent them from being lost forever.

A host of long-forgotten properties from all over the country feature in a newly-compiled 'lonely hearts' list of once-great places which have fallen into disrepair.

The neglected buildings urgently in need of new owners include listed country piles, cottages and farmhouses, churches and chapels, pubs, shops, a former rifle range and even a WWII anti-aircraft supply depot.

Campaigners are now looking for people to snap them up and breathe new life into them as revamped homes, cafes, pubs and offices.

And because they're in such a bad state they can often be picked up for knock-down prices as low as £160,000.

Buildings open to offers include the abandoned Snowdown Colliery in Dover, Kent, Grade II-listed 19th century stone villa Wilderslowe in Derby, an enormous grain silo at Victoria Mills in Grimsby, Lincs, and Scalegill Hall, a run-down 17th century farmhouse near Whitehaven, Cumbria.

Mike Fox, from Save Britain's Heritage - the group behind the catalogue - said: 'There are hundreds of buildings around Britain that were once great but have been left to decay for one reason or another.

'In some cases they are owned privately and have just been left to ruin, and in others they are owned by councils or organisations who just don't have the time and money to renovate them. 

'The opportunity to turn them into incredible homes or businesses is amazing.'

Despite all being in poor condition, not all are up for sale.

Falling in Love by Save Britain's Heritage can be bought from the group's website for £15.

£260,000, Yorkshire: Beecroft Hall, in Ribblesdale, Settle, North Yorkshire, is selling at public auction of July 21st. The vast estate comes with acres of farmland - but is in need of a huge overhaul

£260,000, Yorkshire: Beecroft Hall, in Ribblesdale, Settle, North Yorkshire, is selling at public auction of July 21st. The vast estate comes with acres of farmland - but is in need of a huge overhaul

£175,000, Alford: This quirky cottage dates from the nineteenth century. Mill House used to be home to the village post office, and comes with lush green gardens. It too required a complete renovation

£175,000, Alford: This quirky cottage dates from the nineteenth century. Mill House used to be home to the village post office, and comes with lush green gardens. It too required a complete renovation

£295,000, Wrexham: Shippon at Brunett Farm. A Shippon is another word for a cattle-shed, and this one at Brunett Farm is an excellent example. Grade II listed, it is timber framed with interesting full height diagonal tension braces, and sits next to a sixteenth-century farmhouse

£295,000, Wrexham: Shippon at Brunett Farm. A Shippon is another word for a cattle-shed, and this one at Brunett Farm is an excellent example. Grade II listed, it is timber framed with interesting full height diagonal tension braces, and sits next to a sixteenth-century farmhouse

£80,000, Liverpool: A poignant reminder of the neighbourhood which once existed around it, the former Athol Vaults pub in Liverpool has certainly seen better days. Georgian in origin, the pub is unlisted but has managed to survive this long despite years of neglect. It could be used for a number of commercial or residential uses

£80,000, Liverpool: A poignant reminder of the neighbourhood which once existed around it, the former Athol Vaults pub in Liverpool has certainly seen better days. Georgian in origin, the pub is unlisted but has managed to survive this long despite years of neglect. It could be used for a number of commercial or residential uses

£10,000-a-year, Swansea: Built in 1826, Swiss Cottage in Sketty was originally a home but it has been used as a cafe and more recently as a storage area. The council property is looking to be rented out as - ideally - a cafe or tea room, and would cost any willing owner £10,000 per annum

£10,000-a-year, Swansea: Built in 1826, Swiss Cottage in Sketty was originally a home but it has been used as a cafe and more recently as a storage area. The council property is looking to be rented out as - ideally - a cafe or tea room, and would cost any willing owner £10,000 per annum

£3million, Truro: It is time for some divine intervention at the abandoned St Paul's Church in Truro. The building is threatened with destruction if not snapped up, but is in need of substantial work. It comes without a guide price, but interested parties are asked to declare their plans for the church and their financial backers - as the renovation alone would cost at least £3million

£3million, Truro: It is time for some divine intervention at the abandoned St Paul's Church in Truro. The building is threatened with destruction if not snapped up, but is in need of substantial work. It comes without a guide price, but interested parties are asked to declare their plans for the church and their financial backers - as the renovation alone would cost at least £3million

£170,000, Richmond: High Smithy Holme  offers spectacular views over the countryside from its position high up a grassy verge. The three bedroom property comes complete with it's ancient dry stone walls

£170,000, Richmond: High Smithy Holme offers spectacular views over the countryside from its position high up a grassy verge. The three bedroom property comes complete with it's ancient dry stone walls

£125,000, Dorset: A mid-nineteenth-century watermill, Grimstone Mill is in desperate need of a new owner who can carry out essential maintenance and repairs. The selling agent are looking for offers of around £125,000

£125,000, Dorset: A mid-nineteenth-century watermill, Grimstone Mill is in desperate need of a new owner who can carry out essential maintenance and repairs. The selling agent are looking for offers of around £125,000

£400,000, Penzance: Even the silver car hiding in the bushes is too ashamed at the state of disrepair Roscadghill House has fallen into. The five bedroom home could become the ultimate country retreat

£400,000, Penzance: Even the silver car hiding in the bushes is too ashamed at the state of disrepair Roscadghill House has fallen into. The five bedroom home could become the ultimate country retreat

£200,000, Leicester: Fancy spending the rest of your life in jail? That's what's on offer if you snap up the former police station in Asfordby Street, Leicester, which is currently on hold but will be selling soon

£200,000, Leicester: Fancy spending the rest of your life in jail? That's what's on offer if you snap up the former police station in Asfordby Street, Leicester, which is currently on hold but will be selling soon

£40,000, Darlington: This red-bricked farm house on Little Burdon Farm is perfect for families. It went on the market three years ago, and was snapped-up for the bargain price of £40,000

£40,000, Darlington: This red-bricked farm house on Little Burdon Farm is perfect for families. It went on the market three years ago, and was snapped-up for the bargain price of £40,000

£490,000, Cornwall: Although it make look somewhat unwelcoming in its current state, the four bedroom, freehold detached cottage - which is a Grade-II listed former barn - could, with a little elbow grease - become your new country abode

£490,000, Cornwall: Although it make look somewhat unwelcoming in its current state, the four bedroom, freehold detached cottage - which is a Grade-II listed former barn - could, with a little elbow grease - become your new country abode

£420,000, Oldham: Spread over 1,200 square metres, the four storey property comprises of a substantial former office building which is in need of renovation

£420,000, Oldham: Spread over 1,200 square metres, the four storey property comprises of a substantial former office building which is in need of renovation

£50,000, Carharrack: One property developer is in the process of transforming God's house into his own home, after paying just £50,000 for Carharrack Chapel

£50,000, Carharrack: One property developer is in the process of transforming God's house into his own home, after paying just £50,000 for Carharrack Chapel

£450,000 Silloth: The grand old Skinburness Hotel is on the market after its owners went bankrupt. The original building was designed by local architect Charles Ferguson in 1878 and was fully operational as a hotel until 2006. More recently, planning permission was granted for the demolition of the hotel and the construction of a 64 bedroom nursing home with landscaped grounds and parking, which expired in 2013

£450,000 Silloth: The grand old Skinburness Hotel is on the market after its owners went bankrupt. The original building was designed by local architect Charles Ferguson in 1878 and was fully operational as a hotel until 2006. More recently, planning permission was granted for the demolition of the hotel and the construction of a 64 bedroom nursing home with landscaped grounds and parking, which expired in 2013

£650,000, Cornwall: This stunning Victorian mansion, with pillared front patio, would make a dream family home for anyone looking to settle in the south-west

£650,000, Cornwall: This stunning Victorian mansion, with pillared front patio, would make a dream family home for anyone looking to settle in the south-west

£195,000, Cumbria: The old Methodist Church - built around 1877 - occupies a prominent site in Whitehaven Town Centre. The church boasts unique Gothic design and has had previous planning consents for a piano bar, restaurant and nightclub, but would be suitable for a variety of using sunject to relevant planning consents

£195,000, Cumbria: The old Methodist Church - built around 1877 - occupies a prominent site in Whitehaven Town Centre. The church boasts unique Gothic design and has had previous planning consents for a piano bar, restaurant and nightclub, but would be suitable for a variety of using sunject to relevant planning consents

£360,000, Essex: On the outskirts of London, this Grade-II listed home would fetch the best part of £400,000 if put on the market

£360,000, Essex: On the outskirts of London, this Grade-II listed home would fetch the best part of £400,000 if put on the market

£650,000, Devon: Both Mid Devon District Council and Historic England, previously known as English Heritage, have voiced concerns about the welfare of the 17th Century coaching inn and how it has been looked after. Last month, they began proceedings to try and buy the £650,000 hotel from its current owner

£650,000, Devon: Both Mid Devon District Council and Historic England, previously known as English Heritage, have voiced concerns about the welfare of the 17th Century coaching inn and how it has been looked after. Last month, they began proceedings to try and buy the £650,000 hotel from its current owner

£60,000, Southampton: The Grade II listed building which used to house the Ferryman and Firkin pub in Southampton dates back to 1866. It used to house the Woolwich Building Society and was opened as a Firkin chain pub in 1996. As of last year, it was available to rent for £60,000 a year

£60,000, Southampton: The Grade II listed building which used to house the Ferryman and Firkin pub in Southampton dates back to 1866. It used to house the Woolwich Building Society and was opened as a Firkin chain pub in 1996. As of last year, it was available to rent for £60,000 a year

 

£650,000, Oldham: This large five storey 1830's Grade II Listed building is a former Masonic Lodge, with two large ballrooms, bars, lounges and kitchens. The property is full of great architectural features, original hardwood floors and incredible decor throughout

£650,000, Oldham: This large five storey 1830's Grade II Listed building is a former Masonic Lodge, with two large ballrooms, bars, lounges and kitchens. The property is full of great architectural features, original hardwood floors and incredible decor throughout

Do you see your next home set in this former Anti-Aircraft Supply Depot - which was once MOD bunkers and medical stores - in East Boldon? Well it may well be possible, after the site was bought by developers last year to transform in more than 100 homes

Do you see your next home set in this former Anti-Aircraft Supply Depot - which was once MOD bunkers and medical stores - in East Boldon? Well it may well be possible, after the site was bought by developers last year to transform in more than 100 homes

The Tolly Cobbol in Ipswich is a former brewery. It's recently been bought over by a private developer, who is going to transform it into a multi-complex, housing many plush apartments

The Tolly Cobbol in Ipswich is a former brewery. It's recently been bought over by a private developer, who is going to transform it into a multi-complex, housing many plush apartments

Scalegill Hall is a large eighteenth-century house in a rural location near to Whitehaven, with an elevated position giving it views across to the Irish Sea

Scalegill Hall is a large eighteenth-century house in a rural location near to Whitehaven, with an elevated position giving it views across to the Irish Sea

CPG Investments Ltd, which owns Victoria Silo in Grimbsy, was ordered to make substantial repairs to the derelict middle section of the grade two listed Victoria Mills building after a judge ruled it had become 'dangerous'. It is not currently for sale.

CPG Investments Ltd, which owns Victoria Silo in Grimbsy, was ordered to make substantial repairs to the derelict middle section of the grade two listed Victoria Mills building after a judge ruled it had become 'dangerous'. It is not currently for sale.

A substantial nineteenth-century stone villa, the Grade II listed Wilderslowe, in Derby, once stood in spacious grounds and was the home of local grandee Captain Richard Beacher Leacroft 

A substantial nineteenth-century stone villa, the Grade II listed Wilderslowe, in Derby, once stood in spacious grounds and was the home of local grandee Captain Richard Beacher Leacroft 

Sefton Council owns Carnegie Library. However, it was recently considered 'surplus to requirement', leaving its future hanging in the balance. The move meant the property joined 589 other 'non-operational assets' owned by the council, all of which are now being considered for sale, disposal or development

Sefton Council owns Carnegie Library. However, it was recently considered 'surplus to requirement', leaving its future hanging in the balance. The move meant the property joined 589 other 'non-operational assets' owned by the council, all of which are now being considered for sale, disposal or development

Gloucester's Fleece Hotel is set to offer all visitors a warm welcome, after it was announced last year that developers would transform the 500-year old inn into a boutique residence, ploughing £12million into the project

The former Derby Marble Works is an impressive Georgian homes described as a 'precious part of Derby's industrial heritage'. However, unless taken over soon it faces crumbling into ruin, according to the city's civic society

The former Derby Marble Works is an impressive Georgian homes described as a 'precious part of Derby's industrial heritage'. However, unless taken over soon it faces crumbling into ruin, according to the city's civic society

The Church of St Laurence in Middleton St George is close to being sold, having had numerous offers submitted. The Diocese has the final say in any sell, and the price largely depends on what the church will be used for. As an example, if an investor wanted to turn it into a residential property, it may sell for more than £500,000. If, however, there was interest in using the facility just for a Sunday school class, it may exchange hands for as little as £10,000.

The Church of St Laurence in Middleton St George is close to being sold, having had numerous offers submitted. The Diocese has the final say in any sell, and the price largely depends on what the church will be used for. As an example, if an investor wanted to turn it into a residential property, it may sell for more than £500,000. If, however, there was interest in using the facility just for a Sunday school class, it may exchange hands for as little as £10,000.

Birmingham's old Co-op building is off the market after it's rejuvenation was taken over by the local council and developers, who will work together to revitalise not only the building but the area around it, as part of the HS2 high-speed rail project 

Birmingham's old Co-op building is off the market after it's rejuvenation was taken over by the local council and developers, who will work together to revitalise not only the building but the area around it, as part of the HS2 high-speed rail project 

Yore Mill, in Aysgarth, Leyburn, is a breathtaking sight. Sat beside the river, it would make for a wonderful block of cosy flats

Yore Mill, in Aysgarth, Leyburn, is a breathtaking sight. Sat beside the river, it would make for a wonderful block of cosy flats

A host of long-forgotten properties from all over the country feature in the newly-compiled 'lonely hearts' list of once-great places which have fallen into disrepair

A host of long-forgotten properties from all over the country feature in the newly-compiled 'lonely hearts' list of once-great places which have fallen into disrepair

Comprising some 20 buildings, two of which are listed Grade II, Snowdown is a remarkable industrial site in the middle of open countryside

Comprising some 20 buildings, two of which are listed Grade II, Snowdown is a remarkable industrial site in the middle of open countryside

The ancient cornerhouse building in central Manchester was recently sold to developers to build flats, offices, shops, leisure and a hotel across its 500,000 sq ft of space

The ancient cornerhouse building in central Manchester was recently sold to developers to build flats, offices, shops, leisure and a hotel across its 500,000 sq ft of space

Hibernian Hall in County Durham - which hosted the region's popular Hibernian Club - is being sold by local estate agent Bradley Hall

Hibernian Hall in County Durham - which hosted the region's popular Hibernian Club - is being sold by local estate agent Bradley Hall

The former Pottery Methodist Church and Adjoining Schoolroom on Kilbourne Road, Belper, is one of the unique buildings on the market

The former Pottery Methodist Church and Adjoining Schoolroom on Kilbourne Road, Belper, is one of the unique buildings on the market

Property tycoon James Brown is the legal owner of the Old Rectory in Columb Major, with local residents left disappointed by its lack of maintenance, with wild plants growing around the property

Property tycoon James Brown is the legal owner of the Old Rectory in Columb Major, with local residents left disappointed by its lack of maintenance, with wild plants growing around the property

Smethwick Toll House once served the Birmingham, Dudley and Wolverhampton turnpike, but was more recently an art gallery

Smethwick Toll House once served the Birmingham, Dudley and Wolverhampton turnpike, but was more recently an art gallery

Waterloo House in Runcurn is one of the buildings Save British Heritage are hoping to have taken over and renovated. However, at this moment in time it is not for sale

Waterloo House in Runcurn is one of the buildings Save British Heritage are hoping to have taken over and renovated. However, at this moment in time it is not for sale

The Rising Sun - once a Victorian pub - in Kirkstall Road, Leeds, was gutted in a mystery blaze in 2013. The Grade II-listed building was built in 1897, and was being used as a furniture shop in 2010

The Rising Sun - once a Victorian pub - in Kirkstall Road, Leeds, was gutted in a mystery blaze in 2013. The Grade II-listed building was built in 1897, and was being used as a furniture shop in 2010

£120,000, Sheffield. St Cecilia's Church in Chaucer Close, Parson's Cross, dates back to 1938

£120,000, Sheffield. St Cecilia's Church in Chaucer Close, Parson's Cross, dates back to 1938

£135,000, Doncaster. The Old Vicarage in Thorne is a Grade II-listed property with 12 bedrooms. Now a private residential home, it was once a rectory

£135,000, Doncaster. The Old Vicarage in Thorne is a Grade II-listed property with 12 bedrooms. Now a private residential home, it was once a rectory

Heron Court Hall in Rugeley, Staffordshire, is a Gothic-style mansion built in 1851. The building was acquired by the Rugeley Billiards Club in the 1960s

Heron Court Hall in Rugeley, Staffordshire, is a Gothic-style mansion built in 1851. The building was acquired by the Rugeley Billiards Club in the 1960s

10 Mile End Road, South Shields. This Tyneside corner property began life as a Victorian residence. It has since been used as a bingo club and cinema but is currently vacant

10 Mile End Road, South Shields. This Tyneside corner property began life as a Victorian residence. It has since been used as a bingo club and cinema but is currently vacant

Former Manselton (now Burlais) Primary School, Manor Road, Manselton, Swansea

Former Manselton (now Burlais) Primary School, Manor Road, Manselton, Swansea

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