Ivy-covered house leaves buyers with that creepy feeling

Estate agents are searching for a buyer for a house absolutely smothered in ivy, after they were forced to offer it for a knock-down price.

The detached three-bedroom home in Chelmsford, Essex, would normally be worth £350,000 but agents are marketing it for offers over £120,000.

The Twenties house, in a popular street in Chelmsford, is thought to have been gradually enveloped by the vigorous ivy over more than 20 years.

Mick Flaherty, 44, a property developer from the town, has looked around the house and said: "I've never seen anything like it.

"There were no carpets on the floor, papers everywhere, the lights didn't work and it was dark inside because you couldn't see out of the windows."

He added: "I understand they have had an offer of £172,000 already. It will probably be a property developer who snaps it up. It will need a few months work but it will be worth it for the profit."

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the owner had never cut back the ivy - which has now completely covered the front of the two-storey house. He added: "I've complained to the council many times over the years." Another neighbour said: "Everyone who walks past stops and does a double take."