Listed buildings on the only US Naval landbase in Europe during World War Two have been put on the market for £250,000...

Historic Grade II Listed buildings which were the only US Naval landbase in Europe during World War Two have been put on the market for £250,000.

Now derelict, the buildings on a ten-acre site at Dunkeswell Airport, have permission to be transformed into a large family home complete with 12 car garage.

But back in the 1940s, they played a hugely significant role as the strategic operations hub for the Battle of the Atlantic.

Bridgwater Mercury: US NAVY: Historic picture showing the base being used by military personnel. Picture: SWNS

• US NAVY: Historic picture showing the base being used by military personnel. Picture: SWNS

Bridgwater Mercury: US NAVY: Historic picture showing the base being used by military personnel. Picture: SWNS

The Battle of the Atlantic, coined by Sir Winston Churchill, related to the struggle merchant ships had transporting vital supplies from the US and the empire to the UK.

To combat the threat of Germany's U-boats and warships, the merchant ships were grouped in convoys and escorted by warships and aircraft.

The Grade II-Listed Operations Block and Crew Briefing Room at Dunkeswell airfield in Devon was the nerve centre for US Navy operations in the Bay of Biscay area.

By May 1945, almost 6,500 anti-submarine missions - principally in B24 Liberator bombers - were flown from Dunkeswell.

The airfield was the US Navy’s only landbase in Europe, but after the war, the MOD sold off the airfield and over the years the historically significant buildings became dilapidated.

Around five years ago the site was bought by a couple who were looking for somewhere to keep their classic car collection.

At the time there was no direct access to the building which were surrounded by six-feet high brambles.

After agreeing to buy the plot they spent the next 12 months clearing all of the self-seeded trees, bramble and nettles so they could walk round all of the buildings without any issue.

Planning permission was granted for the buildings to be converted into a five-bedroom home with three bathrooms, gym, cinema, bar, dining room, library, games room and a garage for 12 cars.

Bridgwater Mercury: DUNKESWELL AIRPORT: A collection of Grade II Listed buildings on the only US Naval landbase in Europe during World War Two have been put on the market for £250,000. Picture: SWNS

• Artist impression of the proposed conversion. Picture: SWNS

Bridgwater Mercury: DUNKESWELL AIRPORT: A collection of Grade II Listed buildings on the only US Naval landbase in Europe during World War Two have been put on the market for £250,000. Picture: SWNS

However, due to a change of circumstances, the couple are now selling the development site through Savills for "in excess of £250,000".

Chris Clifford, an associate director at Savills Exeter, said: "It is a very unusual opportunity and we think it is something that would appeal to an enthusiast - whether they are a historian or someone with a light aircraft who wants to use the adjoining airfield.

Bridgwater Mercury: DUNKESWELL AIRPORT: A collection of Grade II Listed buildings on the only US Naval landbase in Europe during World War Two have been put on the market for £250,000. Picture: SWNS

"It offers space and privacy in pleasant rural surroundings and we have already got a number of viewings booked."

The Operations Block is the most substantial of the three buildings and adjoins the Administration Block.

Bridgwater Mercury: DUNKESWELL AIRPORT: A collection of Grade II Listed buildings on the only US Naval landbase in Europe during World War Two have been put on the market for £250,000. Picture: SWNS

Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of the Operations and Administration Blocks to create the 4,800sq/ft family home which will comprise a hallway, kitchen/dining room, six reception rooms, five bedrooms - 3 with en suites - an office, two service rooms and three outside stores

In addition, there is a third building of about 2,300 sq/ft, which operated as a Crew Briefing Room.

It has planning permission to be converted into a large garage with parking for approximately 12 cars. There are also two bunkers.

Bridgwater Mercury: DUNKESWELL AIRPORT: A collection of Grade II Listed buildings on the only US Naval landbase in Europe during World War Two have been put on the market for £250,000. Picture: SWNS