The cottage enjoys stunning sea views from Dartmouth to Start Point

There was fierce bidding for the three-bedroom Mildmay Cottage which commands panoramic views over Start Bay in south Devon.

One of a terrace of four in North Hallsands, the cottage is about 30 feet from the top of unstable 60 feet-high cliffs.

It was auctioned by Fulfords, whose brochure pointed out the "proximity of the property to the cliff edge".

The three-bedroom property was auctioned on Tuesday

But that did not put off those interested in buying the home, whose owner is moving abroad.

"It was knocked down for far above the expected price," said Fulfords auctioneer Graham Barton.

"It went in six or seven minutes and there were 15 serious bidders who wanted to take part."

'Lap of the Gods'

"It went to a young chap who wanted to remain very secretive about it," said Mr Barton.

He said it was in the "lap of the Gods" how long the cottage would remain in situ.

"It does appear to be sitting on a great big rock but who knows what is under the rock."

A demolition order was put on the row of cottages in 1987 by the local council but the occupants got it overturned.

"If it falls over the edge tomorrow then he will be sick but if is still there is 30 or 40 years he will be laughing all over his face," said Mr Barton.