A FORMER pumphouse near Princetown which was up for auction has now been bought by a couple from Axminster.

The Rendlestone Pumphouse has been unmanned and unused for more than 15 years, and earlier this year was advertised for sale by Bradley's Estate Agents.

It was built around the 1930s after Tavistock Rural District Council acquired the site for a water pumping station and reservoir. The land later devolved to South West Water.

Bradley's auction was held on March 25 in Exeter, and saw the property bought for £75,000 by Craig Wooley and his partner Cathy Riley.

The pumphouse also has a fenced off area to the rear, extending 0.42 acres approximately — offering a variety of uses to the bidder.

Owner Mr Woolley said that he and Ms Riley were quite shocked that not many people seemed to be interested in the property — but were delighted to have secured the property.

He said: 'We always liked the area when we drove past and the views are stunning.

'I read about it on the Thursday before the auction — we pass the building all the time and we always thought that's an ideal place to live.

'I am surprised that more people didn't bid — I bid and I got it!

'There are no plans for the building as such, as this will all depend on the planners.'