THE spectacular ruins of historic Witley Court have been put up for sale.

The vast estate, stretching over 40 acres of Great Witley, near Worcester, is being sold for as little as £887,000.

A century ago, Witley Court, above, was one of England's great country houses, hosting many extravagant parties.

It was reduced to ruins during a fire in 1937 but parts of it were opened to the public by English Heritage. Now the owners are selling the entire estate - in seven lots, ranging from £15,000 to £150,000.

Lot seven - the ruined 19th century mansion and its spectacular Perseus and Andromeda fountain - will remain under the legal guardianship of English Heritage.

The indefinite order, enforced by the Government, secures the monument's future and prevents it from falling into further disrepair.

But the other six lots - consisting of sections of the grounds - can, in theory, be developed by a new owner.

Jonathan Mountford, associate director of Andrew Grant estate agents, which is handling the sale, said the estate would remain under the watchful eye of English Heritage.

He said: "Witley Court is Witley Court. Nothing can really change. My client owns the land and the buildings but all repair and maintenance is undertaken by English Heritage. They run the property and the order means it can't be knocked down or turned into a gym."

"Technically you could, if you owned those little bits of land, build on them. But, in reality, I don't see that happening. I'm not sure who would want to buy the land on its own."

Gary Williams, head of planning for Malvern Hills District Council, said: "Witley Court is an ancient monument and the land associated with it is identified as an historic park/garden," he said.

"Any proposals which have a direct adverse effect on the site or setting of an ancient monument or the character, appearance or setting of an historic park/garden will not be permitted."

A spokesman for English Heritage said the now ruined home had been under the Government's guardianship for more than 30 years.

"The monument itself and access to it is managed by English Heritage on behalf of the Secretary of State," he said. "The physical structure and the land upon which it sits remains privately owned.

"We understand that some of the estate is on the market for sale, and that this includes the freehold of the guardianship area, but any such sale will not affect the managerial status of the site. We look forward to working with future owners, whoever they may be."

The Wigington family, which owns the estate, declined to speak to your Worcester News. Mr Mountford, however, revealed they were keen to sell it as a whole.

Alan Norkett, the rector of St Michael and All Angels Church, which is on the estate but is not for sale, declined to comment but did admit that news of the sale had come as a surprise.