15th-century cottages once home to man and his bull best friend to be sold

By Ed Cullinane via SWNS

A pair of dilapidated farmhouses once home to a man who lived alongside his "intelligent" bull is set to go under the hammer for just £175,000 ($214,116).

The historic 15th Century "Pontious Piece Cottages" near Cornwall, England will go up for sale on Wednesday July 27 in a public auction.

Situated at the heart of a world heritage site in the village of Minions, steeped in Cornish mining history, the buildings were once home to the late Tony Trewin.

Tony previously made headlines for his unique lifestyle where he shared his home with a highland bull named Scrunch.

Having rescued Scrunch as a calf, Tony always maintained that he was more of a friend than a pet, who he would let into the house on a daily basis for feeding.

Sadly Tony passed away a few years after raising Scrunch, who he bottle fed milk every night before putting him to bed in the garden shed.

The historic 15th Century 'Pontious Piece Cottages' near Bodmin, Cornwall. (Kivells via SWNS)

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The pair had lived a happy reclusive life together, largely without modern technology or comforts.

Speaking in 2007, Tony said: "I know Scrunch is big and bulls aren't known for their intelligence, but he's as loyal and affectionate as any cat or dog.

"You couldn't wish for a better pet."

Thankfully, Scrunch was allowed to stay on the land and lived peacefully on Bodmin Moor until his own death a few years later.

The pair remained together in death though, with Tony and Scrunch's ashes being scattered together a short distance from the cottages.

The property is comprised of two adjoining granite stone cottages which have both fallen into varying degrees of disrepair.

The buildings are also not connected to the mains, which the purchaser will have to enquire about independently once sold.

In the listing, estate agents Kivells wrote: "The late Tony Trewin occupied Pontious Piece Cottages, in a most unconventional way.

"Tony lived without most modern conveniences and lived a simple reclusive life. What brought his story to light was the unexpected relationship he enjoyed with “Scrunch”, a Highland steer, which Tony rescued as a poorly calf.

"Tony began letting the calf into the cottages on a daily basis for his feed and the two became more than master and pet, but actually bonded as lifelong friends.

"Sadly Tony passed away a few years later and his ashes were scattered a short distance from the cottages, on land still owned by our vendor.

"Scrunch was looked after and allowed to stay and enjoy his home until he died a few years ago of old age. He was also cremated, with his ashes being scattered next to Tony.

"This wonderful and unique story will no doubt be preserved as restoration to Pontious Piece Cottages takes place with another."

The property is being sold at a public auction on Wednesday July 27 at 7 P.M. at Strawberry Fields, Lifton, Devon, PL16 0DE.

Buyers are advised to attend by 6:30 P.M. to register.

For more details visit here.