Allerdale Council sells off 'surplus' Old Rectory
A Grade II-listed building is being sold off by a council in Cumbria.
The Old Rectory, in Workington is described by English Heritage as "an extremely interesting and rare survival of a hall house".
Owned by Allerdale Borough Council, it was used as a homeless hostel for more than 20 years, and was most recently home to the offices of a charity.
The council, which needs to cut spending by £3.5m, said the building was now surplus to requirements.
It retains many of its historic features, including stone mullioned windows.
Councillor Barbara Cannon, responsible for asset management, said: "In order to deliver the best return, in the short and longer term, to council tax and business rate payers, it is necessary to sell it.
"A variety of alternative uses would be considered for the building and we would also hope that these could create local employment opportunities."