A bidding war for the historic Marlborough House in Falmouth has seen it smash the guide price and sell for £662,000 at auction.

One of the most historic country homes in Cornwall the house on Silverdale Road, which has seen better days, sold for more than £200,000 more than expected.

The former home of Packet Ship captain John Bull was among 26 lots listed for sale by Clive Emson, the regional land and property auctioneers.

Katie Semmens, senior auction valuer, said: "There was an electric atmosphere in the room as the bids kept rising for this magnificent property.

“It was one of the highlights of our very successful West Country auction.”

She added: “As one of the most historic properties in Cornwall, Marlborough House has dazzling character features.

“They include a wine cellar/game larder, eight bedrooms, a stunning spiral elliptical staircase and an imposing five-bay entrance colonnade and decorative wrought iron gates.

"The new owner is already well into plans to refurbish the house to restore it to its former glory.

“There is tremendous potential to create a truly glorious family home or take advantage of the sizeable grounds for redevelopment, subject to the necessary consents.”

Katie said that the property was a repossession case and the buyer is understood to be a private investor with no specific plans other than to breathe some new life into the house.

Marlborough House stands in grounds of 1.6 acres and dates back to the early 1800s when it was built by Captain John Bull of the Falmouth Packet Service, who named his new home after his ship The Duke of Marlborough.

Starting at 11am, the third of Clive Emson’s eight regional West Country auctions in 2015 takes place at the St Mellion International Resort, St Mellion, Cornwall, on Friday May 8. Entries close on Tuesday April 7.