Victorian toilet to go under the hammer in Yorkshire

A former public toilet overlooking a riverside beauty spot is up for sale for the bargain price of £8,000. 

The 19th century toilet block is perched right on the edge of the River Ure and comes complete with stunning views of the Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales.

The unusual building is set to be sold at public auction next month and is expected to sell for more than £8,000.

A former public toilet overlooking the Aysgarth Falls in North Yorkshire will go under the hammer next month for £8,000

The unusual toilet block was used by residents in nearby cottages and possibly workers at the adjacent mill

The unusual toilet block was used by residents in nearby cottages and possibly workers at the adjacent mill

The toilets, circled are currently being used as a storage shed but they could be converted into an artist's studio

The toilets, circled are currently being used as a storage shed but they could be converted into an artist’s studio

The three toilets had once served a terrace of cottages whose residents would have had to cross the road and descend steps to the river bank to relieve themselves.

Sarah Sykes, project manager at Robin Jessop Estate Agent, said: ‘If you wanted to, you could have left the door to the toilets open and you would have had an absolutely fantastic view while you used them.

‘We think they were built for workers at a nearby mill, as well as the people who lived in the houses behind them.

‘As with all outdoor loos they probably stopped being used as such in the 60s or 70s, but there is still a water supply.

‘It really is a unique opportunity, we are not aware of any similar property in the whole country and it has lots of potential.

‘It could be used as a shed with a really great view, or as storage for a mountain bike, as a base for someone who loves riding in the Yorkshire Dales.’

The building, currently being used for storage, is 100 square feet and its advert states it provides a ‘great viewing platform for the falls’.

But anyone wishing to change the use of the toilet block would have to obtain planning permission and the blessing of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The agents say that it would be ‘of interest to an artist or photographer in view of its strategic position in front of the falls or indeed a small studio for musicians who may be inspired by this unique riverside location’.

David Hallam, a director at Hethertons who assisted with the preparation of the auction pack, added: ‘This is certainly one of the more unique properties that we have been asked to assist with.

‘It’s not very often that a riverside loo with a fantastic view comes on the market and I understand that the agents have high hopes for the upcoming auction.

‘Aysgarth is an extremely popular Dales village, which is popular with tourists and holidaymakers.

‘The current owners, Ann and David Kiely, have owned it for 15 years and obviously realise the fantastic potential of the location and stunning views that it offers.’



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