WINDLESTONE Hall has been placed up for sale with a “competitively priced” price tag of £850,000.

The grade II listed hall, near Rushyford, County Durham, is being advertised by estate agents Reeds Rains, which describes it as a “substantial country house” featuring “grand and spacious” accommodation.

It is the second time in recent years it has been put up for sale after former owner and convicted fraudster William Davenport sought £2.5m for the hall, grounds and associated buildings in 2014.

Davenport, who passed himself off as a wealthy American businessman to dupe Barclays into financing his purchase of the hall, bought it in 2012 from Durham County Council for just £241,000.

He was jailed for six years for mortgage fraud and the property repossessed by Barclays.

Last month The Northern Echo revealed how Northumberland-based businessman Garry Moat, who made an offer for the stately home, had been made bankrupt.

Windlestone, which requires substantial renovation, was once the home of former Conservative Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden.