Woman turns £35,000 public toilet block into stylish two-bedroom property - and is now selling it for nearly ten times the price

Louise Houston, a letting agent from Cornwall, has transformed a disused public toilet block into a stylish two-bedroom home, and is now selling it for nearly ten times what she originally paid.

Louise purchased the derelict building at an auction in Cheltenham back in 2011, spotting its potential as a place to stay during visits to family in the area. After spending around £5,000 on legal and planning fees and between £45,000 and £50,000 on construction, she completed the transformation by 2019, turning the former public loos into a charming countryside holiday home.

Since then, the property has operated successfully as a summer Airbnb, charging around £120 a night, and proving especially popular with walkers, hikers, and dog owners drawn to its Gloucestershire location. The finished home now features two double bedrooms with private bathrooms, a kitchen-dining area, a separate sitting room, and a downstairs toilet.

Now, with offers invited around £300,000, Louise says it's time to let the property go. With her children older and more independent, she feels the timing is right to move on from what she describes as a deeply personal project.

Reflecting on the journey, Louise called the transformation "her baby," a build she took on entirely herself. What started as an unconventional auction find has become both a beloved home and a smart long-term investment.