The single-story, breeze-block building was originally maintained by the Bath and North East Somerset Council but was sold to a private buyer in 2005. The structure was listed with a guide price of only $20,000, but pulled in bids of more than triple the estimate, The Daily Telegraph reported.

"Interest was particularly high in this sale," said a spokeswoman for the auctioneers, Breach Wood Ingram.

"This was a rare opportunity in a stunning location and a truly unique chance to acquire a plot of land in a very sought-after area," she said. "The lot offers a wonderful opportunity for the new owners to let their imagination explore further possibilities."