Victorian loo sells for £182,000

A dilapidated Victorian public lavatory has been snapped up at auction for £182,000.

The single-storey structure, which has a 125-year lease and backs on to Highbury Fields in Islington, went for more than twice its reserve price of £75,000.

Described in FPD Savills' catalogue as "conveniently located", the building, suffering from dry rot and serious structural problems, has two large rooms: the Gentlemen's lavatory of 364 sq ft and the Ladies' of 299 sq ft.

Former owner Islington council has already ruled out planning permission for residential use, but proud new owner Christopher Eliades said he plans to turn the building into "funky new offices" for his property development company.

Anyone else in the market to buy a former public lavatory need not despair - Islington council is considering the sale of six more that are ideal for conversion.