Yahoo News Abandoned mortuary that sold for twice its guide price may be turned into a ‘spooky’ Airbnb
A former mortuary - complete with original embalming room - has sold for more than twice its guide price at auction.
The spooky property was listed with an estimate of around £55,000.
And by John Pye Auctions warned potential buyers that the dilapidated building in Leek, Staffordshire, was in need of full refurbishment or even demolition.
However, despite its run down condition the building, previously used as a morgue, attracted lots of market interest, with some bidders wanting to turn it into "a spooky themed Airbnb".
The old mortuary – which was last used to tend the dead 20 years ago – went under the hammer on Thursday (27 April).
It sparked a bidding war until it sold for £137,000 - £82,000 more than expected.
The buyer, who has not been named, has not yet revealed what they plan to do with the building and its half-an-acre of surrounding land.
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Pictures show the building surrounded by overgrown shrubs and weeds while the rooms are piled high with rubbish.
Further photographs reveal crumbling walls, stained tiles and holes in the ceiling panels.
Auctioneer Helen Bingley said: "It's going to make a amazing project for someone and has huge potential.
"There is quite a market for historical buildings of this nature that people are interested in staying in overnight. Other unusual buildings we have had for sale in the past include an observatory, water tower, a former army barracks and windmill, all have proved to be attention grabbers at auction."
The mortuary is one mile from Cheddleton Village and 10 miles from Stoke-on-Trent making it attractive to commuters.
