Billings’ home stands on land that was once part of a World War II army base. (Facebook/Dave Billings)
The first stage of construction began around 2013. He constructed stairs leading down to a bunker measuring approximately 13 square metres. For Billings, a fabricator, the project began with an interest in the history of his property. His home stands on land that was once part of a World War II army base. He had hoped to discover an existing bunker there, but when he found none, he decided to build one. At the time, the garden contained an old well, which Billings incorporated into his plans. One of his ideas involved a remote-controlled fridge that could travel towards a person carrying a beer. At the time of the reports, he had not worked out how to make the device.
A British man has spent 11 years turning the garden of his Derbyshire home into an underground space inspired by World War II escape tunnels. Dave Billings, 43, has built two bunkers connected by a 35-foot passage, along with a lift disguised as a beer keg to carry drinks underground. By October 2024, he had spent around £30,000 on the project and expected the final construction cost to reach £35,000.
The underground rooms weren’t yet connected to his bungalow, but Billings had plans to change that, according to The Sun’s report. He wants to create a concealed entrance inside his home, allowing him to reach the bunkers without stepping outside. The proposed route would eventually lead through the tunnel and back into the garden through an old well.