- The house boasts nine bedrooms, five bathrooms and an indoor swimming pool
The stunning 14th century love nest where Lord Nelson romanced Lady Hamilton over 200 years has dropped in price by £500,000 after it has failed to sell.
It was originally listed at a guide price of £3.25million by Lindsay Cuthill’s Blue Book Agency in July last year, MailOnline previously reported.
Grade I-listed Rudhall Manor, in Phocle Green, Herefordshire dates back to the 1300s and could be yours after it has plummeted by half a million to a bargain price of £2,750,000.
A beautiful sprawling mansion, the house boasts nine bedrooms, five bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool and is set in ten acres of picturesque landscaped gardens.
An enchanting manor – it has been owned by a number of important figures over the years – most notably Admiral Lord Nelson.
The British hero saved the nation at the Battle of Trafalgar but had an illicit affair which lasted 12 years with Lady Emma Hamilton after being introduced to her in the 1790s.
They used the picturesque abode as their own love nest to evade prying eyes in what was the biggest scandal of the age.
Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton met in Naples, Italy, while they were still both married to other people.
A romance blossomed and the couple resided at Rudhall Manor, the home of a friend, Thomas Westfaling, when they returned to Britain.
The affair later became public knowledge and there is a room in the house named after the great Royal Navy hero.
The letters to Lady Hamilton were written by Nelson with his left-hand after he lost his right arm in battle.
They had a daughter together, Horatia, who was born in 1801.
Estate agents Blue Book has described the period property as ‘one of the most special of houses in the whole of England.’
A spokesperson added: ‘A magical Grade I listed house whose rich history has spanned the centuries to provide a warm and comfortable family home.
‘Rudhall Manor sits in an enchanted private setting surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds.
‘As a Grade l listed building it is only one of very few private residences in the county and as such is one of the most special of houses in the whole of England.’
Rudhall Manor was also used by the Royal Hospital to house retired British soldiers who fought in the Boer war and the First World War during the Second World War.
Other notable owners include Alexander Baring, later the first Lord Ashburton, ornithologist Sir Peter Scott and Sir John Harvey Jones, the high-profile British businessman and entrepreneur.
It dates back to the 14th Century, but features Tudor, Georgian and Jacobean architecture.
This historical manor is equipped for the 21st century too and has been re-purposed for modern living – including a heated indoor swimming pool and gym, a self-contained studio apartment above a garage along with a greenhouse and working space.
The listing adds: ‘To the first time visitor Rudhall Manor immediately welcomes you with its warm tones, mixture of the grand and the cosy but most of all the enchantment of a long cherished home to a host of families over the centuries.
‘The history lover will particularly appreciate the extensive Tudor oak paneling, immaculate cornice work, historic fireplaces and exposed beams.’
Sprawling gardens and grounds terraces, including a woodland and a rockery garden, are spread out across the land.
The house overlooks an extensive lawn which leads down to Rudhall Brook and enters the grounds via a waterfall and is crossed by a series of small fairy tale-like bridges.
Two lakes, fed by a brooke, are said to provide a haven for birds and wildlife.
The property listing continues: ‘The gardens and grounds make the whole setting complete and essentially a private paradise.’