Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Adam Dutton & Hannah Kane

Abandoned mortuary complete with original embalming room to be made into spooky Airbnb

An abandoned mortuary complete with original embalming room has sold for £137,000 – more than twice its guide price.

The creepy property was put up for auction with an estimate of around £55,000 by John Pye Auctions.

Auctioneers warned buyers the dilapidated building in Leek, Staffordshire, was in need of full refurbishment or even demolition.

Despite its run down condition, the former morgue attracted more bidders, with some potential buyers wanting to turn it into "a spooky themed Airbnb".

The creepy property was put up for auction with an estimate of around £55,000 (John Pye Auctions / SWNS)

The old mortuary – which was last used to tend the dead 20 years ago – went under the hammer on Thursday.

It sparked a bidding war until it sold for £137,000 - £82,000 more than expected.

The buyer, who has not been named, has not revealed what they plan to do with the building and half-an-acre of surrounding land.

The dilapidated former mortuary complete with original embalming room has sold for a whopping £137,000 (John Pye Auctions / SWNS)

Pictures show the building surrounded by overgrown shrubs and weeds while the rooms are piled high with rubbish.

Further photographs reveal crumbling walls, stained tiles and holes in the ceiling panels.

Auctioneer Helen Bingley said: "It's going to make a amazing project for someone and has huge potential.

"There is quite a market for historical buildings of this nature that people are interested in staying in overnight.

The old mortuary was last used to tend the dead 20 years ago (John Pye Auctions / SWNS)

"Other unusual buildings we have had for sale in the past include an observatory, water tower, a former army barracks and windmill, all have proved to be attention
grabbers at auction."

The mortuary is just one mile from Cheddleton Village and 10 miles from Stoke-on-Trent making it attractive to commuters.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.