Shereen aims to finally bring dream lakeside home to life after more than two decades

An Oldham Business Award-winning estate agent is bidding to breathe new life into a famous home by the side of Hollingworth Lake which has laid empty since being built more than two decades ago.

Lakeside dream home Queens Bay House was built in 1998 as a dream home for Dr Stephen Watkins and his wife Elizabeth.

However, the large, detached dormer bungalow, which overlooks Hollingworth Lake, has never been lived in due to issues surrounding build quality and safety for occupation.

The bungalow is now up for sale with Oldham estate agent Shereen Howarth, from Cornerstone Estates and Lettings Ltd in Shaw.

She was recently crowned 'Business Person of the Year 2022' at the Oldham Business Awards presentation ceremony.

Shereen said: "We are delighted to have been selected to present this property for sale.

"It is such a well known building and everyone, including myself, has walked around the lake for years and had a desire to see this property loved and lived in."

The Watkins reportedly spent two decades in legal disputes, firstly with the company that built the bungalow.

The couple then spent 15 years settling a claim with the National House Building Council (NHBC) with whom they had taken out a 'Buildmark' guarantee and insurance policy.

In February 2021, they submitted a plan to demolish the bungalow and erect two houses on the site, off a private road.

However, Rochdale Council refused to grant outline planning permission five months later.

The council said two five-bedroom detached houses on a plot currently for one house would "result in a cramped and overdeveloped appearance".

The couple appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in December 2021, but their appeal was dismissed earlier this year.

Shereen added: "This property represents a fantastic opportunity for the right person to restore the building to its intended glory and create a stunning home, or create their own unique design to compliment the other architectural wonders on Lakeside.

"It will be a benefit to the local residents and surrounding areas also."

The property is currently on the market priced at £995,000.

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