Unusual homes for auction

In February of this year a former water tower in Wheldrake, near York, was put up for auction with Eddisons Property Auctions.

Despite the land only having planning permission for a water tower and no vehicle access, the Leeds-based firm of chartered surveyors sold it for 28,000, almost 50 per cent more than its guide price.

Earlier this month a former water treatment works in Elslack, Skipton, was sold by Eddisons for 82,000. The 1.16 acres attached to the site enticed bids of 7,000 more than the asking price.

The Pirate Cottage in Hornsea has no such links to Yorkshire Water. The 200-year-old house is on the market for 300,000.