ONE of Dorset’s best-known and loved historical buildings is on the market and expected to fetch more than £3 million.

Stapehill Abbey, which closed as a visitor attraction four years ago, has been maintained since and has potential in numerous areas, according to property consultancy Knight Frank.

Partner Andrew Theobald said a feasibility study had been conducted for possible use as a country house hotel, and other possibilities included educational use, institutional use, purchase by a religious organisation or residential development.

He stressed all would be subject to planning permission and said Knight Frank, based in Winchester, has set a guide price of £3.25 million.

Stapehill is a 19th century former Cistercian Abbey, near Wimborne, lying within 82 acres of land and gardens. It was once home to a Trappist Order of Nuns and was converted into a leisure attraction by its current owners in 1991 before closing in 2007.

Much of the main building has been converted into arts and crafts units and the main abbey buildings also include the 1851 early English-style church, nun’s chapel, former coffee shop, chapter room, function and ancillary rooms. There are around 54 acres of farmland and numerous farm buildings.

“The sale of Stapehill Abbey offers parties a chance to own one of the region’s best known attractions,” said Mr Theobald. “The opportunities to seek to enhance the estate through enhancement of the abbey and associated buildings is huge and we anticipate receiving a considerable level of interest from a wide range of buyers.”

Further information is available from Knight Frank on 01962 850333.