Rare and unusual properties

With property prices sliding, those poised to make their next move could snap up something really unique - and as you'll see in our gallery, Shropshire is home to a wonderfully eclectic mix of unusual residences. Here's a small selection of striking properties currently on the market.

3 Fort Pendlestone near Bridgnorth is one of a fascinating mixture of apartments in an historic sandstone conversion.

This particular home has two bedrooms and retains many original fetaures, with beautiful views over the River Severn towards Bridgnorth Golf Club.

Only recently released to the open market, the freehold of the site includes fishing rights for residents, whilst the land surrounding the building will be attractively landscaped.

Offers around £285,000 through Berriman Eaton on (01746) 766499.

The Old Windmill in Albrighton is a very unique Grade II Listed windmill dating back to the 17th century.

The house has been in continuous family ownership for almost 100 years and boasts superb, far-reaching views from the observatory-style room on the upper floor.

Comprising of five storeys in total, it was built in 1768 and is thought to have been owned by the Earl of Shrewsbury in the early 20th century.

A comprehensive scheme of refurbishment would make it a distinctive and enviable residence.

Offers around £395,000 through Berriman Eaton on (01902) 747744.

Dracups Cottage in Railway Street, Bridgnorth, is a most unusual and enchanting cottage. See also: Luxury living in a curious cave.

The current owners have embraced and kept alive the intricate, decorative artwork in the house, produced by former owner and local artist Mr Anthony Dracup.

A most unique feature is a wonderful cave which forms a stunning lounge/living space with ornate vaulted pillars and unlike anything else you are likely to see. It also has a terraced roof garden with spiral stairs leading up to a landscaped garden enjoying spectacular rooftop views across.

Offers around £199,950 through Nock Deighton on (01746) 767767.

2 Zion Mews in Ludlow is one of four striking townhouses converted from a chapel, close to Ludlow town centre.

This luxurious three-bedroomed home combines modern comforts like a state-of-the-art shower and a bright, open-plan living room with original features such as the original chapel windows.

The agents say this unusual property has to be seen to be believed.

Offers around £239,950 through Nock Deighton on (01584) 875555.

The Clock Tower at Apley Park, Bridgnorth, is an extremely unique home in a magical, historic setting.

The four-storey property sits on the Apley Estate, a stunning rural setting above the River Severn between Bridgnorth and Telford. It also comes with the use of the planned leisure facilities at Apley Hall, including an adjoining indoor swimming pool, gym and around 15 acres of communal grounds.

Particular features include a majestic dining hall with a high vaulted ceiling and a master bedroom with 360 degree views over the Estate through stone mullion crucifix windows.

Offers around £390,000 through Berriman Eaton on (01746) 766499.

This unusual whitewashed stone and part-timbered cottage in Bull Lane, Bishops Castle, has been refurbished by the current owner and now offers flexible and characterful accommodation over two floors.

The semi-detached house benefits from a detached studio/office as well as three bedrooms and wonderful features like stripped floorboards, exposed walls and original windows.

The pretty garden contains a mixture of herbaceous flowering borders with a small lawn, along with a lean-to log store.

Guide price £220,000 through Strutt & Parker on (01584) 873711.

7 Whithall Mansions in Shrewsbury is a rare and exceptionally elegant penthouse apartment that oozes charm and character, and boasts outstanding views over the town.

It is believed that Whitehall was built in the 1570s by lawyer Richard Prynce, on land formerly belonging to the Abbey Church a few hundred yards away, and using stone from the recently demolished Sherwsbury Abbey.

This particular apartment comes with one very special feature - The Belvedere - an extremely unusual octagonal room with original oak floor boards and original multi-paned windows offering outstanding panoramic views.

Price £269,995 (stamp duty paid by vendor) through Homesbury on (01743) 342142.nextpage

Shropshire Gate Farm at Old Woodhouses, Whitchurch, is a charming, character-packed farmhouse in a quiet, idyllic quiet spot.

The current owners sensitively restored this Grade II Listed property to retain its historic eclectic mix of architecture - the core is Jacobean, built of oak and red brick, whilst the front of the house is Regency, presenting an elegant facade.

There are five bedrooms, two bathrooms and lovely additional rooms such as a double drawing room, cellar, orangery and outside dining room.

Eight acres of adjoining grazing land are available by seperate negotiation.

Price £795,000 through Savills on (01952) 239500.

15 St Johns Street in Bridgnorth is an ancient and enchanting town cottage built around 1575.

Perched close to the riverside and nearby amenities, this heavily timbered residence includes a charming sitting room with a wide inglenook, along with a cellar, dining room, newly refitted breakfast kitchen, three bedrooms and an attractive period-style bathroom.

Outside there's a mature, secluded and south-facing rear garden, with vehicular rear access and parking.

For for sale at a reduced price of £244,950 through Nick Tart on (01746) 711442.nextpage

The Garden House at Apley Park is a five-bedroomed country home in the South Wing of Apley Hall, a magnificent mansion near Bridgnorth believed to be the inspiration behind P G Wodehouses' famous novel Blandlings Castle.

The hall was built in 1811 in a Gothic style to emulate a romantic castle. It's since been fully restored and divided into five beautiful homes, with the benefit of access to the Apley Park leisure facilties which include a swimming pool.

The Garden House offers light and elegant accomodation with high moulded ceilings, part panelled walls, attractive fireplaces and polished oak, parquet and stone flagstone floors.

Available to rent at £2,000 p.c.m through Fields of Shifnal on (01952) 460000.