- The previous owner bought the houses because they were originally owned by his family
- The carpenter's great-grandparents were both born in the dilapidated buildings
- The properties in Machen, near Caerphilly, are only accessible on foot
Three dilapidated and decaying former miners' houses with a 'very interesting' history are going to auction, but the guide price could baffle potential buyers.
The three lifeless and derelict properties in Machen, near Caerphilly in South Wales, were once bustling with miners and their families.
Now hidden behind a sea of foliage, the buildings, accessible only by foot and not connected to utilities, are being sold for a shocking guide price of £0.
The previous owner bought out the cottages known as the Wesley Building in 1979 after his return Saudi Arabia because they previously belonged to his family.
The carpenter's great-grandparents were both born on the property and his great-grandfather had worked in the nearby former tin mine.
Three derelict former miners' houses with 'very interesting' histories are to be auctioned for the astonishingly low price of £0 (pictured)
The previous owner – a carpenter – bought the properties when he returned from Saudi Arabia, as the cottages were previously owned by his family
“The seller told me he bought the cottages in 1979 when he returned from Saudi Arabia as a carpenter,” says Gemma Vaughan of Paul Fosh Auctions.
'He bought the property, his old family home, when he saw it was for sale. His great-grandfather and mother were born there.”
Although the cottages, which are spread over three floors, are 'extremely' dilapidated, Newport auctioneers say they could potentially serve as a 'blank canvas for a developer'.
Gemma continued to boast about the positive aspects of the spooky property, confirming they were in 'a great location' – just three miles east of Caerphilly and a stone's throw from Newport.
The three abandoned cottages also offer views of nearby Mynydd Machen (Machen Mountain) and are close to the River Rhymney.
An outrageously low price, great views and location, it almost sounds too good to be true, but there's a catch.
Any development a prospective buyer might want to make on super-cheap cottages is dependent on planning permission and the removal of 'a huge amount of undergrowth'.
Although the cottages near the River Rhymney have a 'massive amount of undergrowth', they are described as a potential 'blank canvas for a developer'.
There are also very few photos of the property because no internal inspection took place due to the extremely poor condition of the property, according to the auctioneers.
'The property is certainly a challenge, but it is listed with a reserve of zero, meaning a single bid of as little as £100 could secure the plot as long as there are no other bidders,' Gemma said.
She instructed those wishing to view the property not to approach the neighboring buildings and to contact Paul Fosh Auctions for a viewing.
The properties will be put up for online auction along with another 80 others.
Paul Fosh Auctions will begin bidding from May 14 at noon until May 16 at 6 p.m.