A UNIQUE opportunity to purchase a piece of one of the valley’s most renowned estates has arisen - but buyers must be ready for a challenge.

The grade II listed barn in Crawshaw Hall Wood, set in 15 acres of woodland, is thought to date back to the 16th century and once belonged to former High Sherriff of Lancashire Thomas Brooks.

The structure, on the market for £450,000 it is believed to have formed part of the estate, later known as Sunnyside House, the former home of England and Everton footballer Phil Neville.

Nearby an old pumphouse, connected to the original Crawshaw Hall, is also up for sale for £299,000.

Manchester-based property agent Melissa Berry acquired the pair several years ago after spotting them during a drive through Crawshawbooth.

And she admits that tackling the barn and pump house, which are both effectively shells, will require considerable work from any investors.

She said: “I have had quite a lot of interest but it is in a bad state of repair and I am considering taking on the barn myself, and just keeping the pump house up for sale.

The properties, off Burnley Road, each have plannning permission for conversion to four or five bedroom homes.

Previously the pumphouse, which has its own two acres of land, has been used as an orangery.

Crawshaw Hall can trace its roots back to 1830, when the estate was formed by quarry owner John Brooks.

Later dubbed the first Lord Crawshaw by Queen Victoria and a founder member of the Rossendale Hunt, his estate remained in the family until 1976, when Cicely Brooks sold the hall to antiques dealer Sonny Brunsveldt.

Today the main hall is a nursing home and the gardens were renovated in July 2007.