Latest news with #GemmaVaughan
South Wales Argus
05-08-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Former Newport church and Sunday school is snapped up at auction
The grade II listed Summerhill Baptist Church and Sunday school in Albert Avenue, Maindee, were sold at Paul Fosh Auctions for £181,000. The guide price for the two was £145,000. The lot sold after 29 bids from four people. (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions) Auctioneer Gemma Vaughan, said: 'The two buildings together provide some 9,400 sq. ft. of space. 'The former church consists of a lobby area, the main sanctuary and balcony which includes wooden pews and the organ. (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions) 'There is a breath-taking variety of marvellous stained-glass windows and fixtures which are well-preserved and appear to be undamaged. 'The church includes a basement area with various rooms, a main hall with timber sprung floors and a kitchen. 'The Sunday school, which is located to the rear of the chapel, offers a central hall with a stage and also has a variety of classrooms, seven in number, to three sides of the main hall. There are toilets on each of the floors. (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions) 'Beyond the school, there are gardens which also provide pedestrian access to Victoria Avenue. 'Both buildings are served by gas central heating. The masonry walls with tiled roofs have a variety of timber and double-glazed windows and doors." (Image: Paul Fosh Auctions) Paul Fosh Auctions realised total sales of £4.6m in the July sale after offering 81 properties for sale. There was a high buyer interest in 1,276 registrations and 135 active bidders placing a total of 1, 739 bids on the auction night. The next online sale for the Newport-based business starts at 12 noon on Tuesday September 2 and ends from 5pm on Thursday September 4.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Infamous New York City sidewalk aquarium is back but heat wave sparks concerns fish will boil
A viral community aquarium in a Brooklyn neighborhood that was paved over by city authorities, has been resurrected by residents – once again drawing criticism from animal rights activists, who say the fish will boil to death in the New York summer heat. Pictures shared online show a new glass tank containing around a dozen goldfish, which has been planted in a shallow pit next to the pond's original site, with the project's co-founder insisting the new attraction still has the backing of the community. However, the new tank, which was reportedly put up on Saturday, is now at the mercy of a summer heatwave in New York. The mercury is set to sit in the mid-to-high 90s this week and even rose to a scorching 100F (37.7C) on Tuesday. Gemma Vaughan, PETA's Captive Animal Case Specialist, told The Independent that the new lodgings for the tiny residents was a 'recipe for disaster.' 'Certainly the side of the street is, is no place right for for a tank using animals,' she said. 'They're at the mercy of anyone walking by.' Vaughan highlighted that the tank already appeared cramped and 'murky,' indicating the presence of bacteria, and the rising temperatures, both of which would be dangerous for the fish. 'One goldfish requires 25 gallons (of water) and then additional fish requires additional gallons, but they're required to stay between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. So being outside in these high temperatures is certainly contributing to some stress and possibly health risks,' she said. Last summer PETA described the project as 'inhumane' and called for the fish to be liberated. 'There are so many better ways to beautify your neighborhood that don't involve harming helpless animals,' Kristin Rickman, PETA's Emergency Response Team Director, said at the time. 'In this current heatwave they most certainly will die. It will be a painful death,' Kathy Nizzari, founder of the animal welfare group Lights Out Coalition, told The New York Post. The first iteration of the aquarium was shut down by the New York City Fire Department in October, leaving dozens of goldfish dead after the puddle was emptied. The hole was then paved over. However, the project's co-founder, Je-Quan Irving, said that the second iteration is up to code and that several city agencies had said the project would be allowed because it was no longer underground. He and other volunteers plan to continue maintaining the project despite the heat. 'I'm just happy they wanted us to keep pushing through and have it come back,' Irving told The Post. His co-founder, Hajj-Malik Lovick, has since been convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 12 years in prison in an unrelated case. Lovick previously told The Independent 'It's all for the kids. ... And it helps the parents too. If their mom says 'We're gonna go see the fish,' that's why they get up to go to school.' He reportedly used the Bed Stuy aquarium as a defense in his case, with his attorney telling the judge the project demonstrated that he was a caring father and community man.
News.com.au
19-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Historic mansion for sale for $594k but there's an unusual catch
An 1890s manor in the UK has hit the auction block for just £288,000 ($A594,000). The catch? Prospective buyers can only view it from a distance. Shire Hall, in Llangefni on the island of Anglesey, north Wales, was built in 1899 and sits overlooking the Afon Cefni river, The Sun reports. It was originally constructed of stone at a cost of £4,453, with an extension added in 1912. Once used as office space, the building is now derelict following a serious fire, and is considered unsafe to enter. It's set to be sold at auction between 20 and 22 May. Viewings are restricted due to the building's dangerous condition, including a collapsed roof and major structural damage. 'The site is inaccessible, and we are informed is unsafe. We are unauthorised to provide access,' the listing by Paul Fosh auctions reads. 'Any party accessing the property enters at their own risk.' Paul Fosh Auctions says the site has planning permission in place for six riverside apartments. However, they note that a more extensive development could be possible, depending on future discussions with the local council. Gemma Vaughan from the auction house said: 'The lot offers a most unusual and exciting opportunity for an investor/developer to acquire this historic building in the heart of Llangefni.' Shire Hall is among 91 properties scheduled for an online auction from May 20 to 22.
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Extraordinary 125-year-old mansion on sale for just £288,000 – but there's an unusual catch
Once grand, now ruined — but there's more to this story LIVE IN HISTORY Extraordinary 125-year-old mansion on sale for just £288,000 – but there's an unusual catch Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A 125-year-old Jacobean-style mansion is hitting the auction block for just £288,000. The catch? Prospective buyers can only view it from a distance. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Jacobean mansion in north Wales has been put up for sale for just £288,000 4 Originally constructed of stone in 1899 at the cost of just £4,453, a later extension was added to the incredible mansion in 1912 4 The building had been used as office accommodation for a number of years but it is now set to be sold at auction between May 20 and 22 Shire Hall, in Llangefni on the island of Anglesey, north Wales, was built in 1899 and sits overlooking the Afon Cefni river. It was originally constructed of stone at a cost of £4,453, with an extension added in 1912. Once used as office space, the building is now derelict following a serious fire, and is considered unsafe to enter. It's set to be sold at auction between 20 and 22 May. Viewings are restricted due to the building's dangerous condition, including a collapsed roof and major structural damage. Paul Fosh Auctions, which is handling the sale, says the site has planning permission in place for six riverside apartments. However, they note that a more extensive development could be possible, depending on future discussions with the local council. Gemma Vaughan from the auction house said: 'The lot offers a most unusual and exciting opportunity for an investor/developer to acquire this historic building in the heart of Llangefni." Shire Hall stands on Glanhwfa Road, about a mile from the A55 expressway, which links the island to the rest of north Wales and Cheshire. Anglesey is well known for its coastal walks and sandy beaches, although Shire Hall itself is far from the seaside charm – with only ruins remaining of its former grandeur. The sale includes Shire Hall, along with around 90 other lots, in an online auction hosted by Paul Fosh Auctions, starting at 12 noon and running from May 20 to 22. Another property has left Brits scratching their heads – not because of its price, but also because no one's allowed inside. Dubbed the 'mansion you can't go inside,' the eerie estate sits behind locked gates with no signs of life, yet manages to attract curious onlookers and conspiracy theories in equal measure. Locals say the sprawling home has been sealed up for years, with perfectly manicured gardens but not a soul ever seen entering or leaving. There's no for-sale sign, no public records of recent ownership changes, and absolutely no explanation as to why the doors remain firmly shut. Despite the mystery, the mansion has become an unlikely tourist magnet, with visitors travelling miles just to snap a photo at the gates. It may not be Britain's most expensive or oldest home, but it's certainly one of the strangest, and its secrecy only adds to the eerie fascination. This comes as Britain's 'loneliest house' went on the market for £250,000, but it comes with a huge catch. Meanwhile, viewers of Britain's Most Expensive Houses were left baffled by a rather unusual tactic used in a bid to sell a jaw-dropping £29m mansion. Plus, the "UK's smallest house", measuring less than 2.5 metres wide, has hit the market for £200k – proving once again that when it comes to British property, size, access, and logic don't always apply. Top ten most affordable places in England and Wales THE affordability ratio is the average number of years of salary needed to buy a house. A lower figure means the area is more affordable. Here are the top ten most affordable places in England and Wales: 1. Blaenau Gwent (Wales): affordability ratio 3.75 - £130,000 average house price - £34,635 average wage 2. Burnley (NW England): 3.86 - £116,500 - £30,216 3. Blackpool (NW England): 3.92 - £133,000 - £33,918 4. Blackburn with Darwen (NW England): 4.06 - £143,500 - £35,310 5. Hull (Yorkshire/Humber): 4.09 - £135,000 - £33,024 6. County Durham (NE England): 4.14 - £130,000 - £31,365 7. Neath Port Talbot (Wales): 4.17 - £155,000 - £37,130 8. Sunderland (NE England): 4.25 - £140,000 - £32,923 9. Hartlepool (NE England): 4.25 - £140,000 - £32,947 10. Hyndburn (NW England): 4.29 - £130,000 - £30,272
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Extraordinary 125-year-old mansion on sale for just £288,000 – but there's an unusual catch
A 125-year-old Jacobean-style mansion is hitting the auction block for just £288,000. The catch? Prospective buyers can only view it from a distance. 4 4 4 Shire Hall, in Llangefni on the island of Anglesey, north Wales, was built in 1899 and sits overlooking the Afon Cefni river. It was originally constructed of stone at a cost of £4,453, with an extension added in 1912. Once used as office space, the building is now derelict following a serious fire, and is considered unsafe to enter. It's set to be sold at auction between 20 and 22 May. Viewings are restricted due to the building's dangerous condition, including a collapsed roof and major structural damage. Paul Fosh Auctions, which is handling the sale, says the site has planning permission in place for six riverside apartments. However, they note that a more extensive development could be possible, depending on future discussions with the local council. Gemma Vaughan from the auction house said: 'The lot offers a most unusual and exciting opportunity for an investor/developer to acquire this historic building in the heart of Llangefni." Shire Hall stands on Glanhwfa Road, about a mile from the A55 expressway, which links the island to the rest of north Wales and Cheshire. Anglesey is well known for its coastal walks and sandy beaches, although Shire Hall itself is far from the seaside charm – with only ruins remaining of its former grandeur. The sale includes Shire Hall, along with around 90 other lots, in an online auction hosted by Paul Fosh Auctions, starting at 12 noon and running from May 20 to 22. Another property has left Brits scratching their heads – not because of its price, but also because no one's allowed inside. Dubbed the ' mansion you can't go inside,' the eerie estate sits behind locked gates with no signs of life, yet manages to attract curious onlookers and conspiracy theories in equal measure. Locals say the sprawling home has been sealed up for years, with perfectly manicured gardens but not a soul ever seen entering or leaving. There's no for-sale sign, no public records of recent ownership changes, and absolutely no explanation as to why the doors remain firmly shut. Despite the mystery, the mansion has become an unlikely tourist magnet, with visitors travelling miles just to snap a photo at the gates. It may not be Britain's most expensive or oldest home, but it's certainly one of the strangest, and its secrecy only adds to the eerie fascination. This comes as Britain's 'loneliest house' went on the market for £250,000, but it comes with a huge catch. Meanwhile, viewers of Britain's Most Expensive Houses were left baffled by a rather unusual tactic used in a bid to sell a jaw-dropping £29m mansion. Plus, the " UK's smallest house", measuring less than 2.5 metres wide, has hit the market for £200k – proving once again that when it comes to British property, size, access, and logic don't always apply. Top ten most affordable places in England and Wales THE affordability ratio is the average number of years of salary needed to buy a house. A lower figure means the area is more affordable. Here are the top ten most affordable places in England and Wales: 1. Blaenau Gwent (Wales): affordability ratio 3.75 - £130,000 average house price - £34,635 average wage 2. Burnley (NW England): 3.86 - £116,500 - £30,216 3. Blackpool (NW England): 3.92 - £133,000 - £33,918 4. Blackburn with Darwen (NW England): 4.06 - £143,500 - £35,310 5. Hull (Yorkshire/Humber): 4.09 - £135,000 - £33,024 6. County Durham (NE England): 4.14 - £130,000 - £31,365 7. Neath Port Talbot (Wales): 4.17 - £155,000 - £37,130 8. Sunderland (NE England): 4.25 - £140,000 - £32,923 9. Hartlepool (NE England): 4.25 - £140,000 - £32,947 10. Hyndburn (NW England): 4.29 - £130,000 - £30,272 4
