Victorian Wiveliscombe chimney fails to sell at auction

Jane St John Webster, from the Somerset Building Preservation Trust, said while the cost appeared to be low for a heritage building, the conservation deficit was likely the biggest hurdle for a potential buyer.

She said paying £2,000 for the building was fine but looking after the structure could end up costing many more thousands, leaving the buyer with a hefty bill.

“This tends not to work on the open market,” she said.

St John Webster also said it was “frustrating” when “bits” of buildings were sold off because it meant very little could be done with the structures.

However, she said a buyer could end up restoring the building as a town landmark and bring it back its former glory, which would be “positive” for Wiveliscombe.

Estate agent Symonds and Sampson said the property would remain on the market by private treaty, with the agent believing it could be perfect for someone with an interest in “heritage structures”.