One of Plymouth's oldest houses, the 16th Century Merchant's House, has been sold by the city council for £10,000. The sale to historic property restorer Joe Radmore aims to secure the restoration of the "precious historic property".
Plymouth City Council stated the sale price reflected the considerable cost required to conserve, repair, and restore the Grade II*-listed building. Mr Radmore plans to renovate the property so tourists can rent it and experience living in a Tudor home, with free public access at certain times of the year.
The Merchant's House was first recorded as being owned by Capt William Parker in 1601, a friend of Sir Francis Drake. Historians believe Parker's raids on Spanish vessels likely funded the redevelopment of the house into its current timber-framed structure.
Mr Radmore expects the restoration to take approximately two years to complete, subject to listed planning consent. He intends for the rooms to tell different stories of Plymouth's maritime heritage, informed by historical research.