THE former Purbeck Care Home, which closed last month, is now on the market for £2.5 million.

Privately-owned Purbeck Care, a large Elizabethan manor house set in 17 acres of grounds at East Stoke, had provided specialist care for adults with learning difficulties.

It had been home to 23 residents, aged between their early 20s to late 60s. Some residents had lived at the manor house for decades.

The decision to close the home was taken after a fruitless search to find a buyer willing to take over running it as a specialist care home.

All of the residents were re-housed, but some relatives were critical of the speed at which the home was closed down.

One relative, whose sister had been resident for six years, told the Daily Echo: “What concerns me most about all of this is the fact a nursing home can go broke and be closed within 28 days, just like it was a sandwich bar or a fish and chips shop.”

Now specialist property advisor Christie & Co is selling the property on behalf of joint administrators Duncan Swift, Miles Needham and Jeremy Willmont of Moore Stephens LLP.

The site includes the main building, formerly known as Binnegar Hall, a lawned area, paddock, walled garden and workshops.

Charles Phillips, of Christie and Company’s Winchester office, said: “Subject to all necessary consents, there is tremendous potential for this site to cater for a variety of different uses.

“The property is set back from the road and situated in a tranquil location and viewings are highly recommended.”