A historic townhouse in Lincolnshire, known for its glamorous lifestyle photo shoots, is set to go under the hammer. According to Lincolnshire Live, Rose Villa, a Grade II-listed Georgian property located on East Street in Alford, will be featured in an upcoming live stream auction by BTG Eddisons Property Auctions. With a guide price of £195,000, the auction is scheduled for Thursday, April 30.
Rose Villa boasts six bedrooms and sits on half an acre of gardens, offering a wealth of original features. These include charming sash windows with shutters, decorative cornicing, multiple fireplaces, and a late-Georgian staircase. The property has been described as a rare restoration opportunity, having previously been owned by a stylist who transformed it into a sought-after location for photo shoots.
The house has generated between £50,000 and £80,000 annually through its appearances in various lifestyle and fashion magazines. Notable brands such as the White Company, Joules, Country Living, and Cath Kidston have all featured the property in their publications.
Comprising three storeys, the townhouse includes two main reception rooms and a traditional kitchen complete with a Belfast sink and cooking range. Many of the bedrooms retain their original fireplaces, adding to the home’s character. Additionally, the property features a cobbled courtyard, a variety of brick outbuildings, and a converted stable or studio equipped with a wood-burning stove, power, and internet.
The gardens, while currently overgrown, hold potential for landscaping or further development, pending necessary approvals. Jim Demitriou, a surveyor at BTG Eddisons Property Auctions, expressed his enthusiasm for the property, stating, "This is a truly distinctive and quirky old property with an incredible amount of character and history. Its popularity as a photo shoot location highlights just how attractive it is, and this is a fantastic opportunity for a buyer to restore the house and create something very special."
Demitriou also noted that historic properties like Rose Villa, with their charming original features and substantial plots of land, are rare finds at auction. This uniqueness is expected to draw significant interest from potential buyers.
As the auction date approaches, local residents may find themselves curious about who will take on the challenge of restoring this iconic property. Will it continue to serve as a backdrop for fashion shoots, or will it evolve into something new? The community is sure to have its own thoughts on the future of Rose Villa.