Here’s your chance to become your very own lord of the manor – as one of Doncaster’s most historic buildings goes under the hammer.
Grade II listed Nether Hall, which dates from the 1700s, is set to be auctioned off later this month – but you’ll have to have a pretty penny or two for the sprawling building which has a guide price of £200,000 to £225,000.
However, although the building retains some of its original historic features, the hall, which has lain empty for a number of years since being vacated by Doncaster Council, has seen better days.
The hall, which lies between Nether Hall Road and Copley Road, was originally the seat of the Copley family, the lords of the manor of Sprotbrough.
It also served as an army drill hall before being converted to use by Doncaster Council for offices in the last century.
The authority used the hall right up to its move into the new Civic Offices in Sir Nigel Gresley Square last year.
However, the crumbling mansion is now up for grabs, along with scores of other disused authority buildings as the council attempts to slash costs.
Auctioneers Mark Jenkinson describe Nether Hall, which was first given listed status in 1969, as an ‘outstanding landmark building’.
The lot includes the historic hall itself as well as an adjoining modern two storey office building and a dilapidated corner property on the corner of Copley Road and Christ Church Road.
The brochure for the freehold site of approximately 0.68 acres says the building includes many ‘stunning’ architectural features and has potential for a variety of uses.
Rarely seen by the public, the building contains an imposing central staircase, a Doric portico and a domed ceiling light.
Although seen by council workers on a daily basis, members of the public were only able to get a glimpse inside during the council’s heritage walks which showcase the town centre’s architectural gems.
When the hall was originally built, Doncaster was a prosperous area and the borough was known for its rich landowners with vast estates and huge stately homes such as Brodsworth Hall, Cantley Hall, Cusworth Hall, Hickleton Hall, Nether Hall and Wheatley Hall as well as the 18th-century Mansion House on the High Street.
Brodsworth and Cusworth are now museums, while Cantley is a private residence, owned by DFS furniture magnate Lord Kirkham.
Hickelton Hall became a Sue Ryder Care Home while Wheatley Hall, which lay alongside the banks of the River Don, was demolished.
The auction takes place at Sheffield United FC’s Bramall Lane stadium on Tuesday, October 28.
For more details, visit www.markjenkinson.co.uk