A park mansion in Accrington, which has a long and often controversial history, is available to rent.

The impressive Oakhill Mansion, in Manchester Road, is listed on Rightmove and is available to rent for £9,167 a month.

The distinctive Grade-II listed property, which dates back to the 19th century, has a long history in the town and was once used as a home for the elderly.

The property, listed for sale by JonSimon Estate Agents in Burnley, has 14 bedrooms and bathrooms and is said to be “fully equipped for any incoming tenant”.

Lancashire Telegraph: Oak Hill Park Mansion in Accrington in 1993Oak Hill Park Mansion in Accrington in 1993 (Image: NQ)

There is a built in ‘manager’s flat’, with a lift joining both floors and accommodation spread over two storeys.

The property description says: “We are delighted to offer for let this former care home that is fully equipped for an incoming tenant looking to use the building for a similar use.

“The building offers 14 en-suite rooms, all with their own kitchenette and the accommodation is spread across two storeys with bedrooms located on both levels.

“There is a large communal sitting room, commercial kitchen, CCTV room and in built 'managers quarters' for anyone looking to be based on site.

“A lift joins both floors. The property is set in beautiful surroundings and is truly a rare opportunity for any incoming business. Early viewing is considered a must.”

The property has an extensive history and was once owned by some notable people, having been built by Thomas Hargreaves, owner of Accrington’s Broad Oak Print Works, after he purchased the land in 1815.

In 1889 the estate belonged to Reginald Gervis Hargreaves, who was married to Alice Liddell, the model for Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

In 1891 the building was bought by Hyndburn Council for £9,591 (the equivalent of £1 million in today's money) and used as a museum until 1947.

Lancashire Telegraph: The run down Oakhill Mansion in Oakhill Park in Accrington in 1992The run down Oakhill Mansion in Oakhill Park in Accrington in 1992 (Image: NQ)

After that, the building fell into a state of disrepair, and it was famously purchased for £1 Abbeyfield Society, a charity providing residential care for the elderly.

The mansion underwent an £800,0000 transformation and was converted to feature luxury apartments for the elderly in 1994.

In October 2019, plans to close the care home were revealed after a review was carried out into the quality, safety and long-term financial viability of the home.

It now stands empty but contains many of the old features from the care home.

It is located in the northern corner of Oakhill Park in Accrington, which also contains Accrington war memorial, a stage for summer performances, the Old Toll House, plus bowling greens, tennis courts, play areas and plenty of open space to enjoy.

More information about the property is avaliable on the Rightmove and JonSimon Estate Agents website.