Under the hammer - cave house to go on the market

LONDON (AFP) - Property hunters will be given a "rare opportunity" to get back to nature next week when a cave home goes up for auction.

The aptly named Rock Cottage, hewn out of a sandstone cliff in Worcestershire, western England, is one of 50 that were built in the area in the late 18th century.

The unusual property, which lacks running water, electricity or a toilet and has not been occupied since the late 1940s, is expected to fetch bids of up to 25,000 pounds.

Auctioneer Daniel Lovatt, of Halls Estate Agents in Kidderminster, said the sale offered a "unique opportunity".

"How many people can say they own a cave home?" he added, though he admitted that it was unlikely to be deemed habitable by the council.

The home, despite lacking modern amenities, boasts a front door, windows and fireplaces as well as a pantry, sitting room and a bedroom.

The property also comes with three adjoining caves and includes nearly five acres of mixed woodland and garden land.