GIVEN it's an old and derelict ruin with no roof or doors, you could describe it, optimistically, as a 'doer-upper'.

But someone wanted this remote building near Dunfermline enough to pay almost five times the £32,500 guide price at auction.

Stone-built, The Stables at Bowley's Farm is a C-listed building north of Lathalmond and the sale included almost six acres of land.

Mandi Cooper, managing director of Auction House Scotland, who handled the sale, said: “It received a significant amount of interest leading up to the auction which translated into several registered bidders on the day – we continued to receive calls right up until a few minutes before the auction started, from people looking to register to bid on the lot.

“Selling for almost five times the guide price, the result exceeded both our and our sellers’ expectations.

"A unique rural property near the town of Dunfermline with outstanding countryside views, the lot offers a superb development opportunity for the successful buyer.”

The property, just off the B914 road between Steelend and Kelty, is thought to date back to the 18th century and is reached by a rough track.

Auction House Scotland had said: “The unusual lot, which has 360-degree views of the stunning surrounding scenery, is less than 15 minutes’ drive to Dunfermline and within easy commuting distance of Edinburgh.”