An unusual parcel of land with two historic pillboxes overlooking Chesil Beach has been sold for 40 per cent over the guide price.
In a sell-out online auction, the 36 acres of arable and pasture land attracted frenetic bids and ended up in selling for £455,000, well over the guide price of £300,000.
Symonds & Sampson auctioneer Mark Lewis said: "One of our more unique lots was at Burton Bradstock on the Jurassic world heritage coast.
"In 1940, 28,000 historic pillboxes were built in Britain, and two of only around 6,000 surviving today lie within the 36 acres of arable and pasture land.
"It is in a lovely position overlooking Chesil Beach and attracted huge interest."
Read next: Commercial livestock farm with 113 acres for sale in Exe Valley
A nice tale then unfolded as it was found that the grandfather of an American online bidder had been posted near Chesil Beach during World War II.
Ross Willmington, partner in the firm’s Devon office said: "We received a huge amount of interest in the lots, not only from people within the region, but also London, Home Counties, the Eurozone and America.
"We were not surprised because we had lots that had not been marketed for 60 years and a unique parcel of land on the Jurassic coast."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here