HOMEBUYERS looking for a retreat away from noisy neighbours are queuing up to get their hands on some unusual properties in East Cleveland.

Seven cemetery buildings, including a former mortuary, have been put on the market by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

All are for sale by informal tender and have been granted outline planning permission for residential use.

Despite the morbid settings, interest is high among potential buyers. Jarvis, the council's strategic partner, has already received 150 requests for information packs.

Most of the Victorian buildings are former chapels - two in Redcar Cemetery and two in Skelton Cemetery. Two more are cemetery lodges at Redcar and Guisborough. Redcar Cemetery's former mortuary is also up for sale.

All but the Guisborough lodge will have two parking spaces.

Kelly Dickerson, valuer for Jarvis, said: "Even before we put them on the market, we had 90 people on a mailing list, and some of those were from inquiries made two or three years ago.

"The boards went up two weeks ago and the response since has been phenomenal. We are very confident they will all go.

"They are lovely buildings and, while not listed, have some historical interest.

"It would be a shame to demolish them, so we thought that rather than leave them getting dilapidated, the best thing would be to sell them."

Information and tender forms are available from Jarvis on 01642 777918.

Offers must be submitted by noon on April 4.

Pictured above: the For Sale sign outside the cemetery lodge at Guisborough.

Left: Kelly Dickerson of Jarvis in one of the lodge's bedrooms.

Pictures: Nigel Whitfield/D&S