THE dilapidated 17century South Littleton Manor looks set to be sold, after its eccentric owner died in May this year.

The estate agency Knight Frank of Stratford has been inundated with viewing requests to see the Grade II* listed building which has been the subject of a controversial wrangle for nearly a decade.

Wychavon District Council had been battling with the owner, Nicholas Parker-Jervis, to try to get him to repair his listed boundary wall, but to no avail. Finally last year the council decided to take steps to compulsory purchase the property to stop its further deterioration.

The proceedings came to an abrupt halt, however, after the death of Mr Parker-Jervis who fell ill at home and died after a few days in hospital.

Shortly after his death the house went on the market with an asking price of £350,000 to £400,000.

Now the estate agent is confident the future of the building is assured. Tom Dennes who is handling the sale, said: "We had a staggering response. There were 135 viewings over three or four weeks and we had ten offers on the table.

"We have now whittled that down to one offer from a family and we hope to complete in the next week."

Mr Dennes is acting on behalf of Mr Parker-Jervis' widow, Elizabeth, from Cheltenham, who has lived apart from her husband for many years.

Old Etonian, Mr Parker-Jervis, aged 75 when he died, was a retired stockbroker. He became reclusive after his wife moved out of the family home. He was also survived by two sons and a daughter.

Wychavon's plan was to compulsory purchase Mr Parker-Jervis' property then sell it on to a company for restoration.