A HISTORIC guest house, once used as home for nuns and as a convalescence home for injured World War Two soldiers, has been put up for sale in Swanage.

Clare House, which dates back to 1885, has been run as a guest house since the early 1900s

However, owners Dianne and Alan Power - who acquired the six bedroom house in 2003 - have decided to sell up, so they can be nearer their grandchildren.

Dianne told the Daily Echo: "It is good to have a home with so many bedrooms when friends and family wish to visit. But the times when the grand children are off school is normally our busiest time of the year."

Clare House was built by John Burt, the nephew of Swanage philanthropist John Mowlem.

Alan, who also served as chairman of the Swanage & Purbeck Hospitality Association, said: "Running a guest house as a family business has been hugely enjoyable. We've thoroughly enjoyed the last 13 years. It is a great lifestyle and Swanage is a lovely town."

Before becoming a guest house, Clare House was apparently used as a home for a group of nuns, Alan explained. Not much is known about these nuns, but the property is adorned with two stone crosses on the walls of the first floor.

Clare House is up for sale as a study, from lovemyvouchers.co.uk, named Swanage as the seventh best seaside town for hotel and B&B ratings.

The 28 seaside towns included in the study each had guest ratings compiled from a combination of online reviews. Then a score out of ten was calculated, based on the average hotel and B&B ratings awarded by customers.

Linda Firth, from the lovemyvouchers.co.uk, added: "People will be looking for the best value for money, and a holiday along the English coastline could be the most attractive option for many this year.

"The seaside resort they decide to visit could depend on the holiday accommodation available, and the previous guest ratings provide a reasonable guide for holiday makers."

Clare House is on sale, with DMOVS, Wareham, as either a family home or a guest house.