GOOD heavens! A former church in a remote wooded spot has come on to the market – and initial interest has been phenomenal.
The St Silvan's Church building in picturesque Staffhurst Wood, near Oxted, has attracted a huge wave of inquiries.
A 19th century former mission room, it was deconsecrated as a church last year.
Last month Tandridge District Council gave the go-ahead for its conversion from a place of worship to residential use.
Advertising it as a potential "charming cottage-style home in a rural setting", Oxted estate agents Robert Leech have been inundated by potential buyers.
Branch manager James Clear said: "There has been so much interest, it has been almost ridiculous. We had more than 70 viewings in just over two weeks since we started marketing it. The fact it's such an unusual building in an attractive setting has captured the imagination."
The former church has a tiled roof, a small wooden bell chamber and a stained glass east window.
Part of the building was remodelled in 1976 to provide living accommodation for the incumbent vicar.
It is being marketed as a two-storey, three-bedroom property "in an idyllic wooded setting", but no sale price has been set.
Financial offers have been invited from would-be buyers.
It is not the only eye-catching building to come on to the market recently.
The 349-year-old Outwood Windmill – together with a neighbouring three-bedroom property – is up for sale for £999,999.
Britain's oldest working windmill, it is a grade one listed building.
Its sale has been described by Brett Chenery, of Howard Cundey estate agents in Bletchingley, as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a genuine slice of Surrey history".
