A historic derelict country cottage overlooking Watership Down has sold for £760,000 at auction – despite fears the roof could cave in.

Due to the amount of work needed on the property, including the replacement of stairs that could fall at any time, the 400-year-old retreat was described as ‘not for faint-hearted.   

Despite the big task, Elizabeth Cottage, at Crookham Common, near Newbury, Berkshire, was sold in a live stream auction by Brighton-based Auction House Sussex this afternoon – £140,000 above its starting price (£600,000).

Prospective buyers were told the stunning home – a dream from for any fan of Richard Adams’ 1972 novel Watership Down – could be worth £1.2million once it received its much-needed upgrades. 

This home, which had been abandoned for over 10 years before it was finally sold on Tuesday afternoon, is in such bad shape that an interior viewing was not possible. 

There are rabbits in the “jungle” garden. However, you can also see mice, rats and badgers at Watership Down. This is located approximately four miles from Hampshire.

A derelict country cottage overlooking Watership Down has sold for £760,000 - despite fears the roof could cave in

A derelict country cottage overlooking Watership Down has sold for £760,000 – despite fears the roof could cave in

The 400-year-old retreat, which comes with its own garden full of rabbits, is 'not for the faint-hearted' and is too dangerous to enter because the stairs may collapse, prospective buyers were told

Prospective buyers were warned that the 400-year-old property, with its own rabbit-filled garden, is not for the fainthearted and too risky to enter, as the staircases could collapse.

Elizabeth Cottage, at Crookham Common, near Newbury, Berkshire, had been uninhabited for more than a decade

Elizabeth Cottage was located at Crookham common, Berkshire. It had been vacant for more than 10 years.

Adam Hinchliffe, from Brighton-based Auction House Sussex, said anyone brave enough to take on the cottage and restore it would end up with a dream home.

There are four bedrooms in the house, with original timber beams from 400 years ago as well as fireplaces. It is set in beautiful countryside. A one-bedroom annex is also available and 1.5 acres of land is included, although much of it is in overgrown.

The station is close to Paddington Station, London’s main train line.

Mr Hinchliffe said: ‘Properties like this rarely come on to the market. It is located in a beautiful location, backing onto Crookham Common.

“There’s a magic to the idea of restoring a wreck such as this. But it is not for the weak-hearted. 

“This property requires total renovation, and when completed will make a beautiful property.”

He added: ‘It’s one of the last chances before Christmas to buy a house in 2021. 

“There is a lot of interest to Elizabeth Cottage. Potential buyers have downloaded legal packs via our website. So it will be exciting to see who really wants this wonderful project.

Auctioneer Adam Hinchliffe, from Brighton-based Auction House Sussex, said anyone brave enough to take on the cottage and restore it would end up with a dream home

Brighton-based Auction House Sussex auctioneer Adam Hinchliffe said that anyone who is brave enough to buy the cottage and make it a home would be rewarded with their dream home.

The home has four bedrooms, its original 400-year-old timber beams as well as fireplaces and being set in stunning countryside. There is a one bedroom annex and 1.5 acres of land, much of which is overgrown

There are four bedrooms in the home, with original 400-year old timber beams and fireplaces. It is set among stunning scenery. One bedroom is available in the annex, as well as 1.5 acres of land. Much of this area is already overgrown.

The house’s description online says: “A rare opportunity to purchase a detached property with four bedrooms on a large plot in rural settings, which will require complete renovation.”

“The property looks neglected and in disrepair. Elizabeth Cottage, land and the plot are approximately 1.5 acres in size. There is access to Crookham Common at the rear.

Continue reading: “The main home consists of 3 reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast and a utility area on the ground floor.

The ‘First floor has three bedrooms and two baths. There is an attached one-bedroom apartment and two outbuildings at the rear.

“The property is a potential development site, and the plot Elizabeth Farm adjacent to it was granted planning permission in 2012 for three detached homes.”

It adds: ‘There will be no internal viewings possible to the buildings due to its poor condition.

The warning to interested parties is:  

It is also still close to the M4 and main train line into Paddington station in London, meaning commuters should not be put off

The station is located close to Paddington Station in London and the M4.

Watership Down became famous because of Adams’ novel, about a family made up of rabbits. It was later turned into a hugely successful Hollywood movie. Pictured: The film

Watership Down became famous because of Adams’ novel, about a family made up of rabbits. It was also turned into a hugely successful Hollywood movie.

Five miles from Crookham Common, the cottage looks out on the Sydmonton Country Mansion of Phantom of the Opera composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The location is also just a half mile away from Greenham Common (a disused airfield during World War II that served as the focal point for the peaceful protests in the 1980s).

Here, hundreds of anti-nuclear female campaigners tied themselves to fencing around the base. This included Crookham Common. It forced the US to remove cruise missiles from British soil.