In the village of Hallen, South Gloucestershire, a secure underground bunker has been listed for sale at £20,000. This unique property is a Royal Observer Corps bunker, one of only about 1,500 remaining in the UK, making it a rare find. The bunker, situated underground, boasts a versatile space suitable for various uses like a private wine cellar, a secure utility area, or a safe room. It retains its original ROC furniture and features and is being showcased on Zoopla by property agents David Plaister.
Situated on the hillsides of Hallen, the bunker offers picturesque views of the River Severn’s mouth and is conveniently located just a 40-minute drive away from Bristol City Centre. The property presents an opportunity for potential buyers who appreciate historical artifacts and seek unique investment prospects.
Inside the bunker, images reveal a hidden entrance surrounded by shrubbery. The interior features white walls enclosing a desk with chairs, shelves for storage, a bed frame, and cupboards. There is also a separate room with a toilet.
Originally built during the Cold War era, this bunker maintains its authenticity with genuine ROC furniture and fittings, preserving its historical significance. The layout includes an access shaft leading to underground operational rooms. Access to the bunker is typically through a locked hatch entrance and ladder descent as per original ROC specifications. With only a limited number of such ROC posts across the UK, this listing presents a rare investment opportunity for buyers interested in military history, secure storage, or unique architectural assets.
While planning permission can often be obtained to convert old bunkers into alternative uses like holiday accommodations, it is not guaranteed and depends on various factors such as the bunker’s status, location, and proposed alterations. Interested parties should verify if the bunker is a protected heritage asset or in a sensitive area and consult the local planning authority for guidance.
Several ROC bunkers in the UK have been repurposed into distinctive homes and holiday accommodations, with owners renovating these Cold War structures into modern living spaces while preserving their historical charm. In a similar vein, Jon Graves renovated a ROC bunker in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, showcasing his passion for these historical sites.
The auction for this bunker is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, both at Leigh Court in Abbotts Leigh and online at 7pm.
