Once-Grand Property Reduced to Rubble Now on the Market in Mortimer
A once-stunning period property, devastated by a combination of severe storms and a destructive fire, has reappeared on the market, presenting a unique and challenging opportunity for prospective buyers. Located on Mortimer Common in Reading, the substantial home has been reduced to little more than a shell, with significant portions of its roof and upper floor completely obliterated. The site, situated on West End Road, covers approximately 0.29 acres and boasts a prime location backing onto a historic church, adding a layer of character and potential appeal.
The extent of the damage is starkly evident in striking imagery, which reveals piles of rubble and broken timber scattered across the grounds. The interior of the house remains largely exposed to the elements, a poignant testament to the destructive forces it has endured. Bricks appear to be spilling from the remnants of the first floor, cascading across what was once a welcoming front garden, painting a picture of utter devastation.
Despite its current dilapidated state, the property is being marketed with a price tag of £600,000, reflecting its desirable location and the significant potential it holds for a comprehensive rebuild or redevelopment. The generous plot size is a key selling point, offering developers the prospect of a small residential scheme, of course, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents. The listing itself highlights the "fantastic potential to create your dream home," a bold statement given the current condition but one that underscores the inherent value of the land and its position.
The appeal of this Mortimer Common property extends beyond its physical attributes. Its location is described as being within easy reach of essential amenities, including local shops and schools, as well as Mortimer Station. This strategic positioning allows for a seamless blend of "village charm with every day convenience," a sought-after characteristic for many homeowners and potential residents.
A Developer's Dream or a Visionary's Project?
The David Cliff listing, responsible for marketing the property, elaborates on the site's potential. It states that the "generous plot provides excellent potential for a bespoke replacement dwelling or small residential scheme." This suggests that the property could be reimagined as a single, magnificent family home, meticulously designed to the owner's specifications, or potentially transformed into a small cluster of residences, capitalising on the land's size and desirability. The agents further emphasise the rarity of such opportunities, noting that "Opportunities like this in such a desirable and established location are rarely available."
However, potential buyers should be aware that site visits are strictly by appointment only. For safety reasons, no internal access is currently permitted due to the precarious nature of the remaining structure. This means that any assessment of the property's true potential will require a significant leap of faith and a keen eye for architectural possibility, or a thorough understanding of structural engineering and rebuilding processes.
The listing serves as a compelling call to action for those with the vision, resources, and ambition to undertake a major renovation or redevelopment project. While the immediate appearance is one of ruin, the underlying potential – the land, the location, and the chance to build anew – is what is truly being offered for sale. This is not a project for the faint-hearted, but for the right individual or developer, it could represent an unparalleled chance to create something truly special in a sought-after part of Reading. The £600,000 price point, while substantial, reflects the significant underlying value of the land and the potential for a high-value end product.
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