Handmade Georgian-style doll's house to go to auction in Sedgefield with reserve of £250

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, has given the unique piece to St Edmund’s Church, on Hardwick Road, to be sold off in a sealed-bid auction.

Handmade and assembled by her late husband, a skilled cabinet-maker, the blue doll’s house has been much-loved by her young family members and has a reserve price of £250.

“The children in our family thoroughly enjoyed the doll’s house but we now feel it is time for some other youngster to share the enjoyment it gave them,” said the donor.

The doll’s house has three storeys and comes complete with a range of furniture.

It measures at 28in high, 22in wide and 13in deep.

The miniature property even comes with a set of electric lights which although are not currently installed, will be handed over with the doll’s house to the highest bidder.

All proceeds from the sale of the handcrafted piece will go towards the running of the Grade-listed St Edmund’s Church in the town.

Church treasurer Chris Rowsby this week said: “We are extremely grateful for the donation of the doll’s house.

“St Edmund’s Church is a large building and costs around £1,000 per week to keep in good order.

“The money raised will be most welcome and will be put to very good use.”

The doll’s house is officially now on the market and would-be owners are encouraged to come forward.

Potential buyers can view the little home during the opening hours of St Edmund’s Church where it is currently on display.

In order to view it when the church is closed, members of the public can contact parish warden Brian Mutch on 01740 622302.

Sealed bids in an envelope clearly marked ‘Doll’s House’ should be sent to parish administrator Rachel Stephenson at 3 Ivy Row, Station Road, Sedgefield, TS21 2JT.

The closing date for bids is Friday, December 1.

The result will be announced at the Church Gift Day coffee morning on the following Friday, December 8.

For more information call Mr Mutch.