When the House was auctioned in 1953 by Knight, Frank, Rutley the illustrated brochure shows magnificent rooms full of antiques and pictures. But it did not fetch its reserve and was later bought by local Builder- Herbert Doel, who is best known for the houses and bungalows he built along Crowe Lane in Limpley Stoke. He had every intention of demolishing the house and building 24 houses/bungalows in the grounds. Fortunately for the fate of the house, he had financial difficulties and local solicitor Mr Gordon Chesterman was alerted. He was able to contact John Judkin, a wealthy Antique Dealer who had connections with America, and was looking for a large property in the area of Bath. He was to pay just £3,500 for the property which within the three year interval had deterioated and the ivy that covered the building was growing through a number of broken windows.