AN historic Georgian house and treasured Falmouth landmark is due to go under the hammer this month following it’s repossession in December.

The grade II* listed Marlborough House, built by the packet ship captain John Bull in the early 19th century, had become the object of some concern after falling into a state of disrepair, and will now go on the market with a freehold guide price of £400,000 to £450,000 The house in Silverdale Road, is among 25 lots listed for sale by regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson on March 26.

The house, a piece of Falmouth history, stands in grounds of 1.6 acres and was built by Captain Bull in 1810 who named it after his ship The Duke of Marlborough.

The captain was known locally for having engaged in action while out on service, including one time when the ship was mistaken for an enemy vessel and battled HMS Primrose, winning the captain a ceremonial sword for bravery.

Katie Semmens, senior auction valuer, said: "This magnificent property is one of the most historic houses in Cornwall.

"It has dazzling character features, including eight bedrooms and a wine cellar, a stunning spiral elliptical staircase and an imposing five-bay entrance colonnade and decorative wrought iron gates.

“The property would benefit from refurbishment and repair to restore it to its former glory.

“There is the opportunity to create a truly glorious family home or take advantage of the sizeable grounds and a lightly wooded plot of land on the opposite side of the road for redevelopment subject to the necessary consents.”

The last owner, who had the property for 10 years, was evicted for undisclosed reasons in late December, at a time when concerns had been raised by locals and conservation groups over the declining state of the house.

The auction will start at 11am at the St Mellion International Resort in St Mellion, on Thursday, March 26.

Rarely were his qualities more vividly displayed than in Falmouth Bay in October, 1810, as recorded by historian Bob Dunstan in “Falmouth’s Famous Past,” published in 1967.

Bull’s Duke of Marlborough was homeward bound when it encountered a mysterious vessel. It disappeared in fog and then, when back in view, refused to reveal her identity by any colours.

Bob wrote: “Through irritation, Captain Bull discharged a musket, whereupon the ship ran up the French flag, with a ‘bloody’ (red) flag for ‘no quarter.’ “Incensed by the Frenchman’s audacity in venturing so near his home port, Captain Bull rallied his men with a reminder of their position so close to home.

“Pointing to the shore, now visible under the lifting mist, he said, ‘Now, my lads, there is Pendennis and there are your homes,’ knowing that each man would comport himself bravely under the eyes of his friends and in sight of his own cottage door.

“The two ships engaged, and after an exchange of fire at short range and some manoeuvring, a French boarding party was effectively discouraged by a charge of canister shot fired in their midst.

“In the confusion that followed, the Frenchman sheered off. Ashore, Lieutenant James Cock, RN, gallantly put out with two boatloads of armed men, but was too late to do more than congratulate the victorious Captain Bull.”