A former railway signal box on the English Riviera, complete with planning permission for conversion into a holiday home, is heading to auction with a guide price of £54,000-plus.
The Grade II listed property sits on the platform at Great Western Railway’s Torre station in Torquay and is among around 120 lots due to go under the hammer at the next Paul Fosh Auctions sale later this month.
Dating back to the station’s opening in 1848, the three-storey brick signal box retains many of its original features, including rows of historic signal levers, a signalman’s chair, wood panelling and a cast iron pot-bellied stove.
Planning permission has already been implemented through protective works to the building, while building regulations approval has also been secured.
TRAIN SPOTTING
Approved plans would transform the property into a one-bedroom holiday home, with a living area on the ground floor, bedroom with en-suite on the first floor, and an open-plan kitchen and dining space on the upper level overlooking the active railway line.
Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, says: “We’ve had a great deal of interest from rail enthusiasts and also from local people in this former signal box and its possible future.
“The top floor of the property retains its, now, non-functioning rows of ancient signal levers and handles and even a signalman’s armchair.”
He adds: “What makes this of particular interest is that the railway line to the English Riviera at Torquay is still very much in use both by tourists, commuters and by school children.”
“We’ve built up a fair reputation for having individual, quirky lots at our auctions amidst the more traditional properties and this is most certainly among the most unusual we’ve offered over the years.”
And he says: “I’d say the property would be just perfect for the avid train spotter or perhaps a holiday home owner who wants to be able to go on a weekend away and simply step from the train and be at home.
“The signal box is within walking distance of Torquay’s famed beach and attractions. It really is a wonderful opportunity for those who prefer something a little bit different.”
