LONDON (AP) — A historic Cold War bunker is set to go up for auction later this month in the Bristol area of western England, presenting a unique opportunity for anyone with an interest in survivalist properties. The bunker, designed specifically to withstand a nuclear blast, has a starting bid of just £20,000 (approximately $26,740).
Located in the village of Hallen, the entrance to the bunker is surrounded by blackberry brambles and overlooks farm fields and the mouth of the River Severn. However, potential buyers should not expect scenic views from inside the underground chamber.
This bunker is one of about 1,500 that were constructed across the United Kingdom for the Royal Observer Corps, a civil defense organization tasked with monitoring the effects of a nuclear attack that never occurred. Although most of these bunkers now stand empty, some have been resold to the public since they were decommissioned in the 1990s.
Last year, for example, another bunker with a minimum listing price of £15,000 ($20,000) sold for an impressive £48,000 ($64,000) at an auction in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The new owners submitted plans to transform it into a tourist attraction, highlighting the potential value these historical relics hold.
From the exterior, many of these leftover shelters may seem more like an eyesore than a desirable property, typically consisting of just a few concrete blocks and a chain securing the entrance. Inside, the charm does not improve significantly. The promotional materials for the Bristol bunker have attempted to market the cramped and stark quarters with phrases like “ideal for those with a unique taste for historical relics and rare investment opportunities.”
The floor plan reveals that the bunker consists of just one room, described as a “discreetly integrated underground room, perfect as a private wine cellar, safe room, or secure utility area.” The space measures a modest 128 square feet (11.8 square meters) and is characterized by peeling paint, a stained floor, basic shelving, a small desk-like surface against one wall, two plastic chairs, and a metal bed frame devoid of a mattress.
Additionally, there is a narrow hallway with a ladder that leads from the hatch above, accompanied by a tiny water closet that photographs show contains a makeshift chemical toilet.
The property was last sold in 1995 for £95,000, a price that included the larger land area where the owner currently resides. According to Sophie Thorne, who is overseeing the auction scheduled for September 25, the bunker is now being separated from the rest of the property and will be sold independently. The current owner has never actually utilized the bunker for its intended purpose.
As Thorne notes, the bunker has simply become “part of the property that she bought” and has been maintained without any particular necessity for its historical function.
The auction presents a fascinating opportunity for collectors, survivalists, or history enthusiasts looking to own a piece of Cold War heritage. As interest in such unique properties continues to grow, this bunker could provide not just a glimpse into the past, but also a potential avenue for creative or practical reuse.
