Former radar station and Cold War bunker put up for sale
A 56-ROOM underground building that would have become the regional seat of government in the South West in the event of a nuclear attack on Britain in the 1950s is going up for sale.
The Hope Cove Bunker, near the coast at Soar, just a few miles from Salcombe, was originally built as a World War II radar station.
It was re-developed in 1952 as Britain faced a new threat from the Soviet Union in the Cold War and became a ROTOR Radar Station, designed for the interception of Soviet aircraft heading over the coast of South Devon.
In what the agents describe as “an extremely rare and exciting opportunity”, the extensive bunker, with a lower floor entirely below ground, comes up for auction on February 10 with a freehold guide price of £400,000.
The austere corridors, with doors leading off to offices, stands on a site of more than four acres.
It is among the lots in the first sale of 2021 by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson, which is being held online.
Senior auction appraiser Katie Semmens said: “This is an exciting opportunity to acquire this historic property. It’s known for its role in the Cold War when it formed part of the ROTOR programme, which was a huge and elaborate air defence radar system to enable the UK to detect potential attacks from Soviet bombers.
“With its location in beautiful countryside close to Salcombe, it offers potential for a number of uses, all subject to the necessary consents.”
The property is being auctioned jointly with Vickery Holman Property Consultants of Exeter. Visit https://www.cliveemson.co.uk for more information.