The sale of the Withnail and I farmhouse looks to have fallen through.
Sleddale Hall near Shap was bought from water company United Utilities for £265,000 at an auction in February by a local publican who vowed to restore it for fans and use it to promote the beauty of the Lake District.
But United Utilities has told the press that the sale has hit the buffers and that it's now "considering its options."
A United Utilities spokesman said: "We are sorry to say that the sale of Sleddale Hall has fallen through, despite our best efforts.
"This is a special house in a beautiful and sensitive location and a lot of people are interested in seeing its future assured, including us.
"At the moment United Utilities is considering its options with the best interests of the property in mind."
Celebrities such as Kate Moss and Chris Evans were rumoured to have shown an interest in buying Sleddale Hall.
A local MP is now urging English Heritage to save it.
I was only thinking about the place at the weekend because the Sunday Times had a story about it (and gave away a free dvd).
If you want my copy of the dvd, incidentally, post a comment telling me which three words you think most sum up the farmhouse - and I'll send it to the person whose comment I like best.
Magnificent money pit.
historic island of beauty, yes i know thats four words but the of does`nt count.
have a look at our vid we made up at crow crag, the finest bothy available o humanity, may she never change
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJgQayKqoK8