A DERELICT former manor house has new owners after being sold at auction for £151,000.

Grade Two listed Holme Hall, in Burnley Road, Cliviger, was the subject of several bids at an auction hosted by Pugh and Company in Manchester yesterday.

The winning bid exceeded the upper end of its guide price of £140,000 at £151,000.

When it last changed hands, in September 2007, developers Hurstwood sold the property for £600,00 at auction.

The house dates back to at least the 15th century, was rebuilt in the 17th century and extended in 1854.

Between 1985 and 2003 it was used as a retirement home.

The building was gutted by an arson attack in 2004 which destroyed the south-east structure and period features.

No information about the identity of the new owners of Holme Hall, known locally as The Holme, has been released. Included in the sale were the grounds, gardens and parking areas covering 0.6 hectares (1.5 acres).

Burnley Council gave planning consent in August 2007 for conversion of the property to 10 two-bedroomed apartments. It is understood, however, that this consent has now lapsed A statement from Pugh and Company, said: “Holme Hall is a vacant detached Grade Two property which has been used for a variety of uses although the property has suffered fire damage and requires full renovation.

Prior to the sale, the vendor confirmed that due to the poor condition of the property, internal viewings were not be possible.

The land once belonged to the Tattersall family and housed a chapel which lent its name to the neighbouring village of Holme Chapel.