Portsmouth's Wymering Manor fails to sell at auction

The manor, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, is in need of structural repairs

A manor house alleged to be one of the UK's most haunted properties has failed to sell at auction for a third time in three months.

Wymering Manor in Portsmouth is thought to be the city's oldest house but has fallen into disrepair.

The city council had already twice tried to auction the house.

Despite dropping the reserve price from £375,000 to £280,000 it again failed to sell at auction at the Rose Bowl stadium near Southampton.

There was only one bid of £250,000.

Domesday Book

The Grade II listed building is in need repairs and prospective buyers were told they would need to spend at least £150,000 to restore it to its former glory.

In 2007 Wymering Manor was granted permission for use as a hotel but any buyer would need listed building consent in addition to planning permission for any alterations, extensions or demolition works to its interior or exterior.

Wymering Manor is a former vicarage and has also been a monastery and a family home. It was later a youth hostel from 1960 to 2006.

The house, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, has appeared on the television programme Most Haunted and the video website YouTube.

So-called paranormal activity, such as sudden drops in temperature, children whispering and apparitions, have been documented by enthusiasts.

Security guards have also reportedly refused to work alone at night there.