The Trustees of the Stiperstones Trust wish to inform the Orthodox faithful and the wider Christian community that Lower Gittenshay Cottage, located in Shropshire, UK, is now being offered for sale by informal tender. Formerly the site of The Monastery of St Anthony and St Cuthbert, this much-loved property is available with a guide price starting from £385,000.
The sale is being managed by Halls Estate Agents in Shrewsbury, with offers invited from now until mid-May. At that time, the Trustees will review all submissions and select the party they believe will best serve the aims of the Charity.
Although the sale is a necessity, it remains the Trustees’ prayer that a buyer will come forward who will honour the property and continue to use it in the service of Christ. Initially, the property was advertised within Orthodox Christian circles, with the hope of identifying individuals or communities who would recognise and respect its spiritual heritage. It has now also been opened to the wider public.
Under charity law, Trustees are typically required to sell to the highest bidder. However, there is scope to accept a slightly lower offer if the intended use of the property—particularly the chapel—is in keeping with its Orthodox heritage.
This decision has not been made lightly. As legal stewards of the property, the Trustees are obliged either to ensure it continues to serve the Charity’s aims or, if that is no longer viable, to sell it. All proceeds from the sale will be directed to Orthodox charitable work within the Midlands, the region from which the majority of support for the former monastery has come.
The property can be viewed here and includes a selection of recent photographs. The Trustees encourage all who may be interested—or who know of a suitable individual, parish, or community—to share this information as widely as possible.
If you wish to make an offer, please send this to Halls directly, along with a brief explanation of intended use. Halls will ask for evidence of fund availability and arrange with you a site visit:
Halls Estate Agents, Shrewsbury
FAO Alex Forber
E: shrewsbury@hallsgb.com
Phone: 01743 236 444
2 Barker Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1QJ
