Auction News: Premises go as far back as the history of the business

A LANDMARK shop in Royal Wootton Bassett is to be sold by auction this month – and like the business that bears its name, the premises of Trow & Sons goes back a long way.

The name Trow & Sons is well known to people across Wiltshire – and with good reason. Founded in the 1700s the Trow family ran a building company, decorators, funeral director, and hardware shop from the premises.

Until 2013 it was a wool shop run by the late Mary Trow, who joined the family business at the age of 14 and retired at the age of 85.

Now there is a chance for another owner to breathe life back into the famous shop, which will be sold by auction at the premises at 6pm on Thursday, October 26 with a guide price of £325,000.

For their money, the new owner will get a lot of property – as the plot is quite extensive.

From High Street, the casual observer can see the Grade II listed symmetrical shop front with large bay windows, which were until recently stocked with displays of brightly-coloured knitware, and the living accommodation above.

The property commands a central High Street position, and is just a stone’s throw away from the famous Old Town Hall, a circa 1690 building elevated on 15 stone columns.

Bustling Royal Wootton Bassett High Street is flanked on both sides with parking spaces, and three are directly outside the premises.

Through the shop door, the retail space measures 7.6m by 5.6m; a drawing room and bedroom directly above are of a similar size combined.

At the very top of the main property is a large (9.2m by 5.1m) attic room, and a further bedroom, while below the shop are two cellars.

But it’s what lies behind the shop that offers the real surprise.

Running for 35 metres, 23 of which is over two storeys, is a linear property variously used as living rooms, a kitchen and utility room, store, and a barn on the ground floor, with bedrooms, bathroom, and further storage above.

There is also vehicular access and a triple garage to the rear.

The buildings at the rear have their own access points, making them desirable to developers with an eye for creating mews cottages, subject to planning consent.

Otherwise, a single four-bedroom property with 12 rooms in total could be created.

The property is being marketed by Moore Allen & Innocent in Cirencester. Viewings are offered every Saturday between 10.30am and noon. For more information, visit mooreallen.co.uk or call 01285 648100.