Dame Annis Barn, the 15th century house which was moved from Essex to Epsom in the 1920s, is up for sale with an asking price of more than £2.5million.

Last year plans to build luxury houses and apartments in part of the two-acre grounds of the barn and a neighbouring garden brought determined opposition from residents' organisations.

The development was turned down by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.

Dane Annis Barn in Burgh Heath Road has an extraordinary history.

In the 1920s the house, a converted barn and part of the estate of a 15th century moated farmhouse in Essex, were moved brick by brick and timber by timber to be recondstructed in Epsom.

The house was taken over by the War Commission in 1939 to house a member of the War Office close to London. His identity is still unknown.

Commissioners built a strong room, now a study, to house confidential and secret documents and a steep flight of steps leading to a 200ft long tunnel through the side of a chalk pit and to an underground shelter.

The four-bedroom, five reception room house, which has been extensively modernised, has its own all-weather tennis court and a summer house.

According to the brochure issued by estate agent Savills, planning permission has been granted to extend the ground and first floor accommodation.

The house was sold in 2002 for £1,015,000.