Hot Properties

Can you believe this lovely little house is going to be torn down?

Crantock House - Cornwall

I spent a week in Cornwall and came across this lovely detached house called “Kareena”. It sits at the edge of the village of Crantock, with fantastic views overlooking the bay, and to me welcomes surfers back from the sea. My relaxing week had me dreaming of owning this little derelict gem but with the present occupiers consisting of cobwebs and spiders, something didn’t quite feel right!

Crantock House - Cornwall

 

The lady in the village post office told me that “Kareena” is built out of mundic block (a concrete mix that used waste rock from mining tin, cooper and lead) and therefore being demolished to be replaced by a new home (planning pending).
This building material was common in SW England in the first half of the twentieth century but is now recognised as unsuitable. When mundic block is penetrated by water, elements of the concrete composition turn to sulphuric acid leading the concrete to crack and crumble. There are differing levels of ‘mundic decay’ as the term is known so buyers need to be prudent when looking for romantic lifestyle properties in the SW of England. If you are purchasing with finance, your lender may insist on a mundic test as part of your survey and I would advise any cash purchaser to commission their own test with a qualified member of RICS. Further reading can be found at the Cornwall Council.

Crantock House - Cornwall

So for now, it seems that Kareena is in the hands of the planners. I just hope that her replacement will be a tasteful design and blend in with the beautiful surroundings.

 

Crantock House - Cornwall

Want to buy a hotel? Development opportunity in Muswell Hill

Hot Property - Muswell Hill Development Opportunity

I have been given a heads up on a development opportunity – subject to planning. This is a chance to purchase a town house hotel with three adjoined converted Victorian terraced houses totalling 198,561 sq ft internal aresa and 13.044 square ft NIA. It’s arranged over four floors and has a large lobby area, fifty en-suite bedrooms plus conferencing facilities for up to 135 people, a banqueting restaurant with licenced bar able to cater for up to 180 people, and a substantial rear garden and parking in the front forecourt.

It’s currently producing £109,000 approximately per calendar month in revenue after VAT with a gross operating profit of around £46,000 per month. The current management is under the Lester Group (costing approximately £5000 pcm) which can either be continued or notice can be given.

There was planning consent for 18 flats and to profide an additional floor (issued in 2003 which has now lapsed

The hotel is available as a going concern with the existing management contract or notice could b given and building sold with vacant possession.

Muswell Hill is a fashionable district of North London that offers all the benefits of a city but with the tranquil and friendly atmosphere of a local town with many restaurants, cafe’s, bars and local shops.

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