SOME goods for sale in shops scream out "buy me".

A designer pair of high heels or a shiny red sports car are often irresistible. But what about two large lakes?

Well, Bungalow Lake and Lodge Lake, which border Swanholme Lakes nature reserve in Lincoln and cover an area of about 15.5 acres, have been bought at auction for £20,000.

Ian Broadley, who is in his late 40s, said the lakes just jumped out at him as he looked through JH Walter's auction brochure.

"The picture in the brochure of the lakes really drew my attention more than any of the other lots on offer," said Mr Broadley, who owns Acorn Trailers and Saxilby Service Station.

"There were quite a few bids for them but they were something I really wanted so I'm pleased that I got them for £10,000 less than the guide price.

"I bought the lakes without even seeing them. I just like the look of them.

"I'm interested in wildlife so I'm pleased I'll be able to protect the site through my ownership.

"There's so much development going on that it's nice to have these sort of unspoilt areas.

"I haven't really given much thought to what I'll do there.

"Probably just quietly enjoy it. If I tell my friends I've spent £20,000 on a couple of lakes they'll probably buy me a pair of swimming trunks."

The lakes are teeming with wildlife including dragonflies and their protected status means that activities like jet-skiing are not allowed.

The lakes were one of 24 lots, from fields to farms and cottages, worth a total of around £4.5m, which went under the hammer at the sale at the Bentley Hotel in South Hykeham yesterday.

Mr Broadley also spent £6,500 on 1.76 acres of land off Doddington Road, Lincoln.

The land, which is planted with mature silver birch and oak trees, is subject to a blanket tree preservation order and has a guide price of £8,000.

Senior partner at JH Walter, Ian Walter, said the highlight of the sale was Hardings Farm, at Lissington, near Market Rasen, which fetched £1,150,000 – £500,000 more than the guide price.

"There was a real buzz in the auction room and many of the properties sold remarkably well while on others the bidding was a little cautious," said Mr Walter.

"I think the highlight was definitely Hardings Farm which has come on the market because the farmer is retiring.

"The lot included 180 acres of land, said to be some of the best in the district, a farmhouse and a yard."