Lord of The Manor?

Some things just aren't what they seem.
I had a call from an agent last week with a property I just 'had to view.'

"Ok, is it new on the market?" No, it had been on since last year. "Hmm. What is it, where is it, and why do I need to view it?" It's the Manor House. "A Manor House?" No, the Manor House. Intrigued, I arranged to meet the agent later that day.

The first thing I notice is, it's not a Manor House; in fact it's quite an ordinary house, but somehow strangely appealing. Towering, majestic trees, an imposing pair of large wrought iron gates, and a generous but overgrown garden. I could just picture those gates opening onto a long, sweeping driveway that leads to a large gravelled turning circle. Shame there's no room for that. Oh well.

Inside the house, it's plain and rather awkwardly designed, but I could see what difference a few walls knocked through, and maybe a modest extension would make. There's definitely an opportunity to add some real value here.

A chance meeting with a neighbour told me that the previous owner had either bought or assumed the title of local Lord of the Manor, hence the house name, and had adorned it with turrets, battlements, etc., which he thought would improve the appearance of the house. Sadly for him, the local planners didn't agree, and had him remove them.

So there we are. The Manor House. For sale; unmortgageable, unloved, seemingly unwanted, except by me! I can see real potential here, but it won't be easy.

Somehow I think the negotiations will be long and complicated, but you never know, I might just end up with my very own Manor House!