Press release | 17/04/2025

From Top Secret to Top Design: Your Own Private Bunker Awaits

Built for survival, ready for renovation — this blast-proof lair is perfect for billionaires, survivalists, or just someone looking for a lovely garden with a story.

What do you do when the world gets...complicated? Some build treehouses in Portugal. Some move to the countryside. And a lucky few go full Dr. Evil and acquire a Cold War-era military bunker in northern Germany — completely off-grid, fully reinforced, and ready for anything.

If your idea of a perfect plan B (or C… or Z) includes a touch of mystery, resilience, and the thrill of the unexpected — then lean in. Down a country brick lane, hidden beneath a spacious and tranquil garden plot of 16,500 m² in the charming village of Cölpin, Germany, is one of Europe’s most fascinating secrets: a 500 m² Cold War-era bunker, now up for auction. Quietly commanding attention from its 40 meter targeting tower, this subterranean gem isn’t just for history lovers or would-be secret agents — it’s for dreamers, designers, billionaires, and anyone bold enough to reimagine the extraordinary.

The auction is hosted by Troostwijk Auctions, a TBAuctions brand, and yes — this is real. No permit hassle, no years-long construction process, no custom concrete quotes. Just instant access to your own subterranean fortress.

Where Cold War Cool Meets 21st Century Imagination

Once built to withstand the unimaginable, this former German army command post now whispers of reinvention. The main facility is partially buried beneath the quiet landscape of Cölpin. Hiding in plain sight — camouflaged by mature trees and wild grasses, wrapped in reinforced concrete, fully fenced plot, and breathing through its original military-grade ventilation system. Its 2.7-meter ceilings and stoic walls speak of a past defined by preparedness. But the future? That’s where the real story begins.

Once you look past the slightly out of date interior finishings, you begin to see something else entirely: potential.

• What if this fortress became your own legendary wine cellar, where rare vintages are protected by the 40 meter high targeting tower?

• What if it transformed into a soundproof recording studio, powered by the potential 750 kW solar farm?

• What if you made it your family compound, with potential for a private multi-room Owner’s Suite and six outbuildings for guests?

• Or maybe — just maybe — it becomes the world’s most unforgettable Airbnb, one with no upstairs neighbors... and no limits.

A little wild? Maybe.

But this isn't just a bunker anymore. It's a canvas. A chance to build something truly timeless—below the surface, and far beyond the ordinary.

Off-Grid, Solar-Ready, and Built to Begin Again

Yes, it’s off-grid. Yes, it’s solar-approved. And yes—this place is more than just a bunker. It’s a ready-made sanctuary waiting to be reimagined.

Far from being a cold concrete shell, this site was built with foresight. It comes equipped with a 10,000-liter diesel tank, emergency power generator, military-grade ventilation, and an integrated alarm system. It’s solid, yes — but it’s also smart. A structure designed not just to endure, but to adapt.

And for those dreaming of life beyond the grid, there’s even more good news: the property is already approved for a 750 kW solar park, meaning it can power a small village almost entirely by the sun!

More Than a Bunker — A Hidden Estate

The underground world is just one part of the story. Above ground, this 16,500 m² plot is fully fenced and surprisingly expansive, featuring six auxiliary buildings and a commanding 40-metre-high tower. Whether your vision is residential, creative, commercial, or something entirely unprecedented, the canvas is completely blank.

This isn’t just a place to hunker down — it’s a place to build up. A place for visionaries, makers, and dreamers who know that sometimes the best ideas start underground.

All it needs now is your imagination… and maybe a solar-powered espresso machine.

Why Start from Scratch When You can Move Faster?

That’s the thinking of Tom Christenson, CEO of TBAuctions, who sees this rare find as a tremendous opportunity. “This is a rare chance to invest in a truly secure environment,” he says. “Beyond being a safe haven, this site has serious potential — from a tech-forward retreat to a fortified data center. To build something like this from scratch? It would endless permit discussions/approvals and take years to build. But here, the solid foundation is in place, ready for design choices!”

And clearly, others see the same promise.

Kevin van Asselt, who is managing the auction on behalf of Troostwijk Auctions, notes that interest is very high across Europe. “The current highest bid is already nearly €120,000,” he shares. “It’s incredibly rare for a property like this to be available. It’s part James Bond, part Grand Designs, and the possibilities are as bold as your imagination.”

Come See It for Yourself

Curious? We thought you might be.

An official viewing day is set for April 23, but private appointments are also available for those who feel called to step underground and dream a little bigger. The auction closes on May 6 — and when it does, so might your chance to own one of the most unique properties in Europe.

Because let’s be honest: how often do you get the chance to own a concrete fortress hidden beneath a peaceful countryside garden?

This isn’t just a bunker. It’s a story waiting to be written — by you. 

Step into the story — explore the full details and discover how to make this hidden gem your own by visiting the auction page at the Troostwijk Auctions website.

About TBAuctions

TBAuctions (TBA) is Europe’s leading digital auction platform for B2B used industrial equipment. Our team of 1200+ employees in eight brands in the Benelux, the Nordics, the UK, and Continental Europe serve buyers in 170 countries. We are extending the life of business goods, maximizing their value and sustainability; we facilitate the circular economy. With our proprietary intelligent auctioning platform, we make buying and selling more effective and efficient by using technology, AI, automation, and economies of scale. TBA’s digital auctions make this happen by creating a cross-border platform that perfectly matches the demand and supply of used business goods. Together with our brands, Klaravik, Troostwijk Auctions, Surplex, Auksjonen, PS Auctions, British Medical Auctions, Vavato, HT Auctions & Valuations, and Auktionshuset dab, TBA brings sustainable trade to a higher level. Sourcing locally and selling globally, 2.2M lots are auctioned annually as our websites receive 176M visits and 700K unique bidders per year. Our motto: “Everything Has Value.” Funds managed by Castik Capital are the majority owners of TBAuctions, with Summa Equity as the minority shareholder.