AN auction of the fixtures and fittings at Dillington House attracted more than 900 online bidders and hundreds on site.

Everything from statues to curtains went under the hammer at the sale of almost 500 lots conducted by Greenslade Taylor Hunt, which generated over £100,000.

Auctioneer Derek Biss said: “The sale result realised was a six-figure sum, surpassing any expectations of the council or indeed the valuers.

"The power of the gavel was evident, ensuring each item achieved its true market value, with a full clearance of all items being achieved.”

Star lot was a Waterford Crystal chandelier, which sold for £3,700 to a room bidder.

A large sculpture of a buzzard discovered in the woods sold for £3,000.

A statue of Hermes on a stepped column that created plenty of pre-sale interest went for £2,200 to an online bidder.

A Bechstein boudoir grand piano attracted £2,200.

A picture of Lindsell church fetched £1,700, the same price paid for a watercolour by Michael Morgan unearthed in the attic while the valuers were visiting the listed house.

The former wedding venue proved a perfect place to pick up a range of useful event paraphernalia – sets of stacking chairs sold for £1,300, £1,200 and £1,000 respectively.

Prices across the piece were robust, with a pair of floral curtains making £800 and a substantial reception desk fetching £700 from a room bidder.

There were plenty of striking architectural pieces on offer too including two sandstone spheres on plinths that made £500 and a distinctive art form by Sheila Volmer which sold for £650. The same sum was achieved by a set of 14 pikes.

The mammoth sale, which took place over five hours, saw three auctioneers on the rostrum – Derek Biss, Tom Mellor and Andy Clements.

Mr Biss had been engaged on behalf of Somerset Council to sell the fixtures and fittings and every nook and cranny of the 16th Century site was examined to reveal the full gamut of treasures that went under the hammer.

Mike Hooper, who co-ordinated the sale for GTH was delighted with how smoothly the day had gone and praised the team at Dillington for their hard work.