A Grade II listed manor house in East Horsley, Surrey, has been placed on the market for £1.5 million. The property, known as Old Manor House, has fallen into a state of disrepair and has been deemed too costly to modernise by Guildford Borough Council (GBC), which has owned the building since 1971.
Built around 1800 and subsequently rebuilt in 1868 by the Lovelace Estate, Old Manor House on Ockham Road South has been used as eight individual flats for retired residents. However, extensive damp penetration has led to fungal growth throughout the ground floor walls, ceilings, floors and staircases, rendering the property uninhabitable.
GBC's decision to sell the historic building was made following an executive meeting, where councillors agreed that bringing it up to standard would be financially unviable. The council's financial recovery plan, which aims to generate £50 million through asset sales over the next three years, has further encouraged the decision.
Richard Lucas, GBC's lead councillor for finance and property, stated that the council is keen to see the property return to residential use. "Selling Old Manor House on the open market will achieve best value for our residents," he said.
Councillor Lucas also expressed confidence in the property's appeal to potential buyers, stating: "We've been advised that the property is generating interest from builders, speculators, and developers. These businesses will be best placed to undertake the necessary refurbishment, repairs, and modernisation to return the property to residential use."
The sale of Old Manor House represents a significant step in GBC's efforts to streamline its assets and address financial challenges. While the historic building has fallen into disrepair, its sale presents an opportunity for a new owner to restore the property to its former glory and contribute to the continued revitalization of East Horsley.
