A LANDMARK mansion in Somerset is on the market – and could be yours for as little as £250,000.

The Grade I-listed Halswell House in Goathurst, which has hosted dozens of weddings, proms and events for people in Bridgwater and further afield, is going up for auction this month.

The 17th century property was once described as ‘the most important house of its date in the country’ by renowned history scholar Sir Nikolaus Pevsner.

It will be auctioned with a guide price of £250,000-£500,000 along with 30 acres of land and several other houses in the grounds, which will be up for sale separately.

Graham Barton, of auctioneers Clive Emson, said: “This is a unique opportunity to acquire, in broad terms, your own hamlet.

“The mansion and Tudor manor are set in 30 acres of Somerset countryside and this comprises one lot.

“There are also five houses on the estate in separate lots but we reserve the right to sell everything at once should there be interest from people wanting to acquire virtually their own hamlet. The mansion house is in an elevated position with breathtaking rural views over the Somerset countryside.

“The Tudor manor house does need some investment but the mansion is in fair condition and any new owner could move in.

“Halswell House is ready to become a magnificent private home once again, although it will interest investors with a variety of plans.”

Halswell House sits in the Grade II-listed Halswell Park, which has its origins in the 11th century.

In 1923, the house was damaged in a fire but was rebuilt and during the Second World War it was home to a girls’ school and some of the land served as a Prisoner of War camp.

The National Trust declined the opportunity to take on the house after the war and the estate was sold and broken up.

The auction is on December 17 and will be held at the St Mellion International Resort, in Cornwall.