Ely House in Wisbech is set to go to auction in London next month

Historic Ely House reputed to be one of the oldest residential properties in Wisbech is set to go under the hammer next month.

With a guide price of just £130,000 the six-bedroom home, which dates back to the early 17th century, is being sold at the request of the asset managers having been repossessed from its recent owners and has been marketed online for the first time today (Friday).

It is due to go to auction with Barnard Marcus, Hammersmith Auctioneers on December 16 at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden.

A spokesman for the auctioneers, who admitted it needs refurbishing to bring it back up to scratch, said it is lot number 203 and is likely to be up for bidding late in the afternoon.

Concerns for the future of the Grade II listed house were raised earlier this year by Fenland Councillor Dave Patrick who called for a Closure Order to prevent squatters from entering the building, which had become a beacon for drug dealing and rough sleepers.

There were a number of fires at the property in Lynn Road during the summer including one which completely gutted an outbuilding.

In August Fenland District Council took legal action to close the property in a bid to preserve the building’s future and protect nearby residents from persistent criminal activity.

The authority successfully applied for a Closure Order at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (August 1).

Subsequently Fenland has had the order extended by three months in October, meaning it is closed until the end of January.

The extension was granted by Peterborough Magistrates who were satisfied that it was necessary to extend the order to prevent recurrence of disorderly, offensive or criminal behaviour on the premises, serious nuisance to members of the public resulting from the use of the premises and disorder near the premises associated with the use of the premises.

It means it is illegal for anyone without authority to access the house, however, local estate agents William H Brown are currently conducting any viewings ahead of the auction.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the sale can contact the auctioneers on 02087418088.