FANCY living next door to a cemetery?

According to estate agents John D Wood in Summertown, Oxford, it’s “a superb opportunity to purchase an exciting and unusual project”.

But most people might feel a little uneasy about the neighbours.

The lodge at Wolvercote Cemetery, off Banbury Road in North Oxford, is on the market at £525,000.

The detached Victorian building, which dates back to 1892, has most recently been used as offices by Oxford City Council, but staff have recently been transferred.

As a result, the unusual property, which offers views of the graveyard, has been put on the market and is being marketed as a potential family home.

Estate agents acknowledge that the three-bedroom property needs updating but are highlighting its three reception rooms, study and conservatory as major assets.

Simeon Spencer, of John D Wood, said: “From a buyer’s perspective, you have an opportunity to buy something a bit different.

“Some viewers have expressed an interest in the history of the graveyard, but not everyone would want to live here.”

Fellow estate agent Rupert Leigh-Wood added: “You can see the gravestones from the first floor but that shouldn’t put people off because I think this would make a great family home.

“We have had a few people making jokes about quiet neighbours, but I am confident we will get a buyer.

“We have already had a number of offers but they did not meet the asking price.”

Bob Timbs, the council’s executive member for leisure who is in charge of the council’s cemeteries, said: “There is room for cemeteries staff at our parks offices in Cutteslowe Park, so the lodge at Wolvercote Cemetery is no longer required.

“Some of these older buildings are expensive to maintain, so it makes sense to sell them and use the money for other council projects.”