London, Dec 8 : It can withstand enemies’ attack, but a nuclear bunker failed to protect itself from the dreading effects of the financial credit crisis.

The auctioneers were forced to trim down more than 40,000 pounds from the asking price of the secure shelter underneath the Hampshire Downs despite its potential of converting into an eight-bedroom home, reports the Telegraph.

The 7,000 square feet nuclear bunker outside Twyford, near Winchester, which was priced at more than 300,000 pounds, is now up for sale for a price between 240,000 pounds and 260,000 pounds.

The facility, covered by 2ft thick concrete walls and six-inch deep steel doors, was decommissioned in 1997 and has been used as office space.

Kevin Gilbert, of Clive Emson Auctioneers, said it could be converted into "a fantastic hobbit-style residence" but admitted the work would cost a lot of money.

The property has water, electricity and a kitchen and a car park that could be turned into a garden.

It will be sold at auction on 16 December. (ANI)