Mr Milton researched the author and his writings and his experiences after
being surprised to learn no-one had ever made any move to protect the iconic
but tiny building.

English Heritage said George Bernard Shaw and TE Lawrence had similar writing
huts and both have been previously listed.

It’s report said: “The writing hut reflects the life and work of Henry
Williamson, an important author of fictionalised natural history, and
provides a tangible link with the man and his writing.

^{A letter addresssed to Henry William Williamson (SWNS)}

“It fully merits listing at Grade II, largely for this historic
association.”

Since Williamson’s death in 1977 the “writing sanctuary” has been left
virtually untouched with books, clothes, reading glasses and a gramophone
record all remaining just as the reclusive wordsmith left them.

Made out of elm, oak and slate, the hut was built by the author in 1929 to
1930 after the publication of Williamson’s best-known novel, which brought
the Devon countryside to life through the eyes of an otter.

The book won the Hawthornden Prize in 1928 and has never been out of print
since its first publication.

Described as a children’s book, it is said to have influenced literary figures
including Ted Hughes and Rachel Carson

Williamson went on to write a number of semi-autobiographical novels including
his 15-book series, A Chronicle of Ancient Sunlight.

^{Henry William Williamson (SWNS)}

After his death his hut was run and maintained by the Henry Williamson Trust,
which is administered by the writer’s descendants.

But in May this year the trust decided to sell the hut and surrounding land
and a nearby detached 1950’s studio.

In fact, the hut was sold ahead of its auction for an undisclosed sum which “blew
the top end of the price guide [of £110,000] out of the water”,
auctioneer Colin Thorne, of Webbers in Braunton, revealed.

The buyer intends to turn the hut into a writer’s refuge, Mr Thorne said.

^{Interior view of the cabin (SWNS)}

As part of the sale it was agreed that Henry Williamson fans would still be
able to visit the hut once a year.

Following the hut’s listing, Mr Milton said: “I am delighted that the
application has recognised the importance of the writing hut – one of only a
couple of famous authors’ retreats in the whole country thus protected.

“Not only is this fitting for the building itself, but it raises the
significance of the author after some especially important reflections
within the report by English Heritage in terms of where Williamson sits and
the significance of his writings and his style.”

In 1999, a former cottage owned by Mr Williamson sold for £98,000, despite
being valued at around £60,000.