Look inside an abandoned Edwardian mansion that could be 'ultimate fixer-upper'

Many people drive or walk past houses that are no longer in their prime and think they'd love to have a go at renovating it - if only they had the money. Next month, a Edwardian mansion described as the 'ultimate fixer-upper' is going to auction – and whoever buys it will have an enormous challenge on their hands.

Redlands, a property on the outskirts of Longstanton, was built in 1905 but was last occupied in the 1950s. It was used for agricultural storage but then fell derelict, having suffered multiple fires.

The skeleton of the building still stands, but it has been taken over by greenery. It sits in 1.12 acres of overgrown gardens that are almost jungle-like, judging by the pictures.

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In its heyday, the 16-room property had an imposing entrance with stone steps, a large reception space with mosaic flooring, fireplaces, a cellar, eight bedrooms, and servants' quarters. It had a balcony along the length of the first floor, a tennis lawn, and an orchard.

In 1956, a major fire thought to have been started by an electric heater ravaged the interior and much of the roof. The property is currently owned by Keith Tyler, whose father bought it in 1959 for £900.

The house suffered two more fires, the worst in 1996 which destroyed all the internal floors, and most of the rooms, as well as what had remained of the original roof. Redlands was removed from the rating list in 1996, following the extensive fire damage, and mains electricity, gas and water connections have been capped off.

Mr Tyler said: "I really hope that someone falls in love with the romance of Redlands. It really is time for someone to take it on and bring it back to its former glory."

Redlands will be sold by Cheffins Auctioneers in Cambridge on September 27 with a guide price of £100,000-£120,000. There is an additional two acres of land, adjacent to Redlands, which will be offered at the same auction with a pre-sale estimate of £50,000-£60,000.