Sleddale Hall - the 'Withnail farmhouse' - made £265,000 at auction yesterday, smashing the guide price of £145,000.
Sebastian Hindley a Withnail fan who runs the nearby Mardale Inn, has vowed to preserve the isolated property near Shap in Cumbria for film fans.
Having bid successfully for lot 88 by telephone at the London auction which attracted seven bidders, he confirmed he wanted to preserve its "heritage". He dubbed it "as important as Wordsworth's home to this area".
"My big mission in life," he told journalists, "is for more people to recognise the beauty of the Eastern Fells here in the Lake District, which is underlined in the film.
"I will be glad to welcome everyone - from local people to fans of the film to those who would like to spend some quality time in tranquillity."
The derelict house, previously owned by water company United Utilities, has attracted many visiting fans and the idea of a pilgrimage is something the new owner is keen to continue.
"It would have been sad if Sleddale was bought by someone rich who didn't understand what it means," he said.
The publican says the film's enduring message is the stark difference between Britain's urban and rural dwellers. "We once had the girls from Atomic Kitten visiting when it was snowing heavily," he recalled. "Their Range Rover got stuck, and when they got out they were all wearing high heels."
The 40-year-old told the media he snapped Sleddale up to prevent it becoming an "exclusive retreat for the rich and famous" and is working on plans to restore it to a place where fellow fans can pay homage.
The 18th Century farmhouse featured in the 1987 cult movie Withnail and I, starring Richard E Grant and Paul McGann.
The pair escape London for an ill-fated weekend at Withnail's Uncle Monty's cottage.
Rumours about possible buyers have circulated in recent weeks, with supermodel Kate Moss and DJ Chris Evans said to be in the running, but Savills say in the end no one famous was in the running.
A spokeswoman for Savills said about Mr Hindley: "He is a fan of the film and has said that everyone will be welcome if they want to pass by for a cup of tea.
"He plans to restore the building sympathetically and wants it to be for the local community."
Mr Hindley wasn't the only film fan in the auction room at the Berkeley Hotel in London. Before bidding began, one even shouted: "Anyone who buys this house - look after it!"
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