THE landmark home of celebrity steeplejack Fred Dibnah has been withdrawn from sale at the last minute .
The historic property was due to go under the hammer on Monday.
But a boundary issue concerning the land has forced the Bolton estate agents, Miller Metcalf to take the home on Radcliffe Road, Bolton, off the market.
Potential bidders who had registered an interest in the home were notified yesterday by letter that the property would not be offered at the auction taking place at the Reebok Stadium on Monday.
Auctioneer Alan McNaughton said: “The reason why the property has had to be withdrawn is due to a discrepancy on the boundaries.
“This matter only came to light last week and the solicitors, on behalf of the executor are trying to resolve this.”
In October the house was opened up to the public for viewing purposes, which attracted around 300 people, some who were fans others who had a genuine interest in buying the property.
The guide price for the home was between £300,000 and £350,000 has been set for the property, which comes complete with a working mineshaft and steam-powered workshop, the house .
Fred lived in the house for 40 years before losing his fight against cancer in 2004. His fascination with steam and industrial heritage turned the house and its grounds into a tribute of Bolton’s past. His tools and steam engines were to be included in the Monday’s sale.
Mr McNaughton said: “This is clearly a frustrating and disappointing position to be in, but protection of the estate from any claim in paramount. But issue that has arisen is typical among properties.
“I am confident that the issue will be resolved between the two parties but at this time cannot say when that will be or when the house will go back up for auction. It is our intention that it will go back for auction. But as far as we are concerned we are working to re-offer it for sale.
He did say a provisional date for January 31st had been set for the property to be reoffered for sale, although that still needed to be confirmed.
Mr McNaughton concluded: “We had 300 or so people visit the property on the viewing days, a number who were very serious about the property and potential bidders. Given the historical background to the property their interest will be sustained and we will make sure it is.”
A Trustee of the Fred’s estate said the news of the withdrawal came as a surprise.
He said: “I knew nothing at all about it, nor had been informed the auction of the house was not going ahead. I do know the issue over the boundary discrepancy. I am waiting to talk to the solicitor to find out more.”
(source)
