A COUNTRY house which was used by Charles De Gaulle to train French soldiers ahead of the D-Day landings is set to fetch £500,000 at auction. 

Ribbesford House in Bewdley, Worcs., was also used by the British and American military during the Second World War. 

The historic Grade II-listed mansion dates back to the mid-16th century, and is set over three storeys with two octagonal towers at the rear. 

It has 20,000 square feet, with numerous outbuildings, a cottage and set in vast leafy grounds. 

As the Second World War raged on, French president Charles De Gaulle chose the house as the headquarters for his Free French officer cadets. 

A group of around 200 young men, aged 14 to 17, used the property and grounds for two years until D-Day, when they were deemed suitably trained to join the invasion forces. 

The property's description claim that is lined with "original wood panelling" as well as "wonderful high ceilings, ceiling roses and cornicing, and a beautiful and quite unique 19th century curved staircase with decorative balustrades." 

It continues: "The gardens lie awaiting re-discovery by the new owner and previously boasted fine formal gardens with a fountain, rose gardens, a knot garden, ponds, a shrubbery and former tennis court among other wonderful features. 

"The house was originally moated, but the moat was mostly infilled in the late 18th century. 

"Winding paths lead through the gardens and into an area of private woodland, and a bridge remains over the former moat. 

"A terrace edged by balustrading runs all the way along the rear elevation. There are many interesting and very mature trees including bamboo, witch hazel, Irish yew, ash and fig. 

"There is parking for numerous vehicles to the front of the property along with garaging and stables." 

The sprawling 8.15-acre estate was first mentioned in documents in the Anglo Saxon Charter early in the 11th century, which states that Wulstan, Bishop of Worcester, had handed it over to his sister. 

It was later seized by invading forces during the Danish conquest, before being regained by the Monks, who then surrendered it to Turstin, a Fleming. 

In 1074, the estate was presented to Ralph de Mortimer, who resided at Wigmore Castle in Leominster, Herefordshire, and it remained in his family for hundreds of years. 

In the early 17th century, it was passed on to Edward Lord Herbert of Cherbury, before coming under the ownership of Sir Henry Herbert, who acted as Master of the Revels for King Charles I and II. 

As a result, countless letters to and from the Member of Parliament for Bewdley were discovered in one of the castles, including letters from the Queen of Bohemia, Oliver Cromwell and General Fairfax. 

During the Second World War, the country home was requisitioned and used by the British, American and French militia, and was regularly visited by Charles de Gaul. 

In 1947, it was bought by Wing Commander Edward Howell and his wife, who converted it into private apartments. 

It is now said to be in need of a "complete renovation", by whoever purchases it at the auction. 

The 20-bedroom residence is set to come under the hammer with a guide price of £500,000 at a public auction on April 17.