"If it falls down the cliff in the next ten years, that's fine, I've had a good ten years mortgage-free", the new owner of a property mere metres from a landslip site has told the County Press, describing the purchase as a "no brainer".

Tina Verch, 33, who was born and raised on the Island, was left "smiling from ear to ear" after winning the auction for the building, on Leeson Road, Bonchurch.

She said the fact it is situated on the edge of a landslip zone, and is just two doors down from another property which lost half its garden, does not faze her.

(Image: Tina Verch) The house circled in red, showing the proximity to the landslipThe house circled in red, showing the proximity to the landslip (Image: Isle of Wight Council) "I've done a lot of research into this — geographical reports and investigations", she said.

"It's a great opportunity.

"I'm known for taking risks and it's not something that will deter me."

The landslip, in December 2023, was described as 'one of the largest of its kind on the south coast of England'.

It led to the evacuation of properties and the closure of Leeson Road.

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Tina said her new house is classed as being in watching zone A — an area to the west of the landslide, to be kept 'under observation'.

With it being so close, the three-bedroom semi-detached property was initially listed with a guide price of just £10.

After seeing the price, Tina thought "I've got to do this" and came to the decision to spend no more than £60,000.

The property's garden, from the airThe property's garden, from the air (Image: Tina Verch) The front of the houseThe front of the house (Image: Tina Verch) Bidding started at 10am on Thursday, October 31 and attracted a total of 416 bids.

After an hour and a half, the property was sold to a "delighted" Tina for £48,590.

"Considering the property was listed in 2016 for over £200,000, for me it's a worthwhile investment", she said.

"For somebody like me in this current climate, in the cost of living crisis, it's unheard of to get a house for that money."

It means Tina, who lives in Poole and has her own roofing insulation business, Clean Safe Insulation, can now move back to the place she "loves" with partner Guy Fee and daughter Siena.

The family get the keys to their new home next week.

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Tina will also have a small office space on site, which will be the hub for the new Island branch of her business.

As well as decorating the inside of the property, the family plan to 'strip' the garden, replace the conservatory with composite decking and add a six metre wide pergola.

"We're going to stay there for as long as we can", she said.

The adjoining property has also been sold at auction, for £29,690.