A baronet is selling six of his properties in Wales for �100 each - less than the price of a slap-up meal for two in London.

The money gains the buyers a two or three- bedroom terraced home with 'Des Res' potential in a prime location.

Having tried this little experiment, I would like them to go to young couples so they can have a roof over their heads

Sir Dai Llewellyn

Situated by a tree-lined river in the valleys community of Llanhilleth, near Pontypool, south Wales, the homes command views described by one estate agent as "stunning."

There is just one drawback - even the vendor himself says their current state of repair is wretched: "not quite Hiroshima but World War Two East End".

Baronet Sir Dai Llewellyn, the current owner, bought all six homes for �2,000 for development, around two years ago, but then failed to gain a grant to carry out his project.

As time went by, the row of empty former miners' terraced houses acted as a magnet for thieves and scavengers.

They plundered toilets and bathroom fittings, ripped out flooring and have left the homes in need of serious renovation.

So the baronet decided to put them up for sale at a knock-down price.

There are some bargain homes in the valleys

"I have to keep them secure and as I am not down in Wales now, people keep breaking in."

The properties went on the market on Wednesday and are thought to be the cheapest homes in the country.

Estate agents say they are a bargain for the right person.

The price of the average house in Britain rose to �146,150 in the three months to September, up from �123,856 in the same period last year.

The average house price in Wales rose 18.72 percent to �87,255.

A semi-detached house in Cardiff really sold for more than �500,000.

Sir Dai is the son of Harry "Foxhunter" Llewellyn and brother of Roddy - the former consort of Princess Margaret.

I think the fact Dai is selling them for �100 each says it all really

Estate agent Jeanne Fry-Thomas

"I bought them for �2,000 each but I can't get a grant to develop them because I bought them through my company," he said.

"Having tried this little experiment, I would like them to go to young couples so they can have a roof over their heads.

He says that two of the properties are likely to be combined and sold as one house.

And even though they are not quite Buckingham Palace, other houses in the area are going for around �30,000, so agents say they are an attractive investment.

In addition to the �100 price tag, purchasers would have to pay the legal costs - but Sir Dai said that should not top �200.

Jeanne Fry-Thomas, the manager of local estate agent Darlows, said: "They are in a gorgeous spot."

Applications

"It really is absolutely beautiful and the views are stunning.

"But they do need some work on them. I think the fact Dai is selling them for �100 each says it all really. "

Sir Dai is arranging the sale of the properties personally.

Prospective buyers should write to him at PO Box 500, Number 2, Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3DQ.

If there are more than six would-be buyers, he says he will draw the applications from a hat.