A HISTORIC tiny cottage dating back to the 18th century in the heart of Thornbury is due to go under the hammer at auction next year.
Miss Saise's Cottage which is located between the Age UK office and number 69 on the High Street is being sold by the Armstrong Hall Trust.
It was recently announced the trust was selling the cottage as part of their latest plans.
The small cottage - which is just 326 square feet - has been described as needing a “complete renovation” which could be converted into a “quaint period cottage”.
It is also a historic site and was the birthplace of renowned local figure Handel Cossham.
It has been vacant in recent years, but was previously used as a workshop and storeroom.
The property is being sold by property consultants Maggs and Allen with its auction price starting at £100,000.
“An extremely rare find"
Manager Rob Ansell from Maggs and Allen said: “This truly unique and charming period cottage is already causing quite a stir in the historic market town of Thornbury.
“Behind the diminutive façade lies a fantastic development opportunity with scope to create a superb home in the heart of the town.
“While the property itself is modest, there is a beautiful 70 ft mature garden to rear.
“An extremely rare find with outstanding potential to add value for prospective purchasers.”
Mr Cossham established schools in the area, including what is now Gillingstool Primary School, as well as schools in Pucklechurch, Mangotsfield, and Staple Hill.
He is also known for buying the old Wesleyan Chapel renaming it Cossham Hall and gifting it to the people of Thornbury.
In addition, The Cossham Memorial Hospital in Kingswood is a memorial to Mr Cossham, who instructed in his will that his estate be used for the building of a hospital.
The property features a heritage plaque which reads: “Handel Cossham MP, 1824 to 1889, was born here.
“Non-conformist preacher, industrialist, geologist, politician, educationalist and public benefactor.”
According to local archive Thornbury Roots, at a parish meeting in June 1924, Cllr Frank Symes once referred to the building as “a white elephant” and “a noble gift which had become a burden on the community”.
The property is due to be sold by online auction on February 15 next year.
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