PropertyHistoric Property Resembling a Grade II-Listed Prison Emerges for Auction, Linked to...

Historic Property Resembling a Grade II-Listed Prison Emerges for Auction, Linked to Wartime Role

A property reminiscent of a Grade II-listed prison, complete with an unsettling sign, has been introduced to the auction market with a starting price of £160,000.

What catches the eye is the presence of an eerie sign reading “prisoner of war,” crafted from what appears to be aged metal bars, evoking the aura of a bygone jail cell window.

Located in Bawdsey, Suffolk, this somber abode stands as a bare concrete structure, devoid of any flooring, wallpaper, or paint, and crowned by a roof of weathered tin.

Its historical roots trace back to the 1940s when the property is believed to have been employed to house high-precision range finders.

Moreover, this structure is thought to have served as a communication hub for searchlight positions and artillery during the wartime era.

While traditional windows are conspicuously absent, small apertures punctuate the concrete walls, and an opportunity to insert a door on the side of the property remains.

Unfortunately, the interior has been marred by graffiti scrawled across its walls.

Despite its decrepit state, the property is slated for auction on July 26th, with an estimated value of £160,000. Remarkably, the property listing hardly alludes to its peculiar interior.

Instead, it emphasizes the picturesque sea view and the presence of 0.2 acres of land.

Spanning a generous area of 7.15 square feet, the property extends over three levels, although regrettably, there exists no staircase connecting these floors.

The property’s description reads: “The Battery Observation Post holds the distinction of being Grade II Listed.

“Its origins are believed to stem from the 1940s, characterized by reinforced concrete construction and a cantilever roof gracing the balcony that offers scenic vistas of the sea.

“It has been recognized that the upper story once sheltered high-precision range finders, operating as a pivotal communication centre connecting the searchlight placements and artillery positions.

“This structure is said to have functioned as the strategic hub for the emergency coastal defense battery.

“It is envisaged that those interested could explore diverse potential applications.

“Although the prospect of a residential dwelling was denied in the late 1980s, there’s evidence that in September 2002, Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent were granted for repurposing it as a holiday unit.

“Regrettably, this transformation did not come to fruition at that time.”

News Desk
News Deskhttps://www.businessmanchester.co.uk/
The Business Manchester News Desk team is a collective of experienced journalists and editors dedicated to delivering comprehensive business news and insights from the Manchester area and beyond. With a strong background in finance, technology, property, and innovation, our team ensures that our readers stay well-informed about the latest trends and developments in the business world. Through in-depth reports and insightful analysis, the Business Manchester News Desk team is committed to providing high-quality journalism to its audience.
Latest

At Liberatum Venice, filmmakers explore how cinema can push back against online judgment

Bruno Wang joined Lee Daniels, Nadine Labaki and Marisa Berenson for a Liberatum-curated conversation about restoring context and humanity in an age of instant...

As AI Creates More Content, Human Curation May Become the New Digital Filter

With artificial intelligence making it easier to produce and distribute digital content at unprecedented scale, web entrepreneur Miles Noble believes trusted human judgement could...

Engage Customer Summit returns to London on 7 and 8 October

The two-day edition brings 3,000 senior leaders and case studies from 250 of the world’s largest brands to Evolution London, built around a joined-up...

Rising demand for pawnbroking drives 115% profit increase for Prestige

LONDON, UK. September 23rd, 2026: Growing numbers of Britons are using valuable possessions to unlock cash, with Prestige Pawnbrokers reporting a major rise in...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

As AI Creates More Content, Human Curation May Become the New Digital Filter

With artificial intelligence making it easier to produce and distribute digital content at unprecedented scale, web entrepreneur Miles Noble believes trusted human judgement could...

Autumn maintenance spotlight falls on the gutters Derby homeowners cannot see

With autumn approaching, a routine property maintenance task deserves a place alongside heating checks and garden clearance: finding out whether rainwater can actually leave...

Before and After Gutter Photos Give Glasgow Property Owners a Clearer Cleaning Record

Gutter cleaning is often carried out in places that are difficult to see from the ground, leaving customers unable to inspect the results themselves....

Asbestos Continues to Claim Thousands of Lives Each Year, Says Shield Services Group

BRISTOL, UK. September 23rd, 2026 - The long-term impact of asbestos exposure remains a significant concern for businesses, landlords and property owners, with thousands...

More News

Mansfield Roofing Firm Urges Right to Buy Owners To Check Shared Roof Boundaries

Mansfield homeowners who purchased former council properties through Right to Buy are being advised to establish exactly where responsibility for their roof begins and...

Manchester rental homes are letting faster despite higher rents

Manchester's lettings market has become even more competitive for renters, with homes being snapped up faster than they were a year ago despite rents...

Marllm Named Official Anthropic Partner as It Joins Claude Partner Network Amid £1m Revenue Milestone

LONDON, UK. July 14th, 2026 - Marllm, the AI growth studio founded by Jolanta Jas, has been confirmed as an official Anthropic Partner, joining the Claude Partner Network...