A COTTAGE lost in time has sold for more than £400,000 at auction.

The three-bedroom cottage, based in Margards Lane in the outskirts of Verwood, was put up for auction by Symonds & Sampson with a starting price of £275,000.

The auctioneers say Grasshopper Cottage is believed to date back to the 1870's and is built from brick and cob elevations under a slate tiled roof.

The three-bedroom cottage provides the potential for extension or remodelling, subject to planning and any necessary consents.

The brochure’s photos appeared to show the Victorian cottage has been claimed by nature, with ivy and plants growing on the large cottage.

View more photos in the above interactive gallery

Dorset Echo: Outside the cottageOutside the cottage

Inside the property, there is exposed flooring, walls require extensive repairs and the house appears to have suffered from water damage.

Despite the extensive repairs and complete renovation required, the auctioneers described the lot as a ‘unique opportunity to acquire a detached Victorian cottage’ in Dorset.

The current accommodation amounts to approximately 877 sq.ft. (81sqm) and comprises of an entrance hall, two reception rooms, kitchen, utility room and bathroom on the ground floor.

Three bedrooms can be found on the first floor.

Dorset Echo: This cottage outside of Verwood has been claimed by nature and lost in time - but sold for more than £400,000 at auction. Picture: Symonds and Sampson.This cottage outside of Verwood has been claimed by nature and lost in time - but sold for more than £400,000 at auction. Picture: Symonds and Sampson.

During an auction in late-September, a number of bids were made for the property. The cottage eventually sold for £430,000.

The new owner can access their new property via a private driveway from Margards Lane.

Grasshopper Cottage occupies a secluded position and adjoins farmland. The grounds stretch predominantly to the north of the cottage and comprise a former garden with several timber structures, paddocks and former stables.

There is also a shed and workshop outside the cottage.

The property has no mains water supply and buyers should make their own enquiries as to the availability and cost to connect.