A MANSION made famous by Nelson has an eye on a new owner. Rudhall Manor, near Ross-on-Wye, is up for sale with an asking price of around £3 million.

The current owner, Herefordshire councillor and cabinet member for resources Harry Bramer, says he's moving "up the road" to a nearby smallholding he's had his heart and mind set on for some time.

Coun Bramer, who made his fortune through various ventures including identity cards and a chain of stately homes and castles he hires out as venues, bought the manor from business guru Sir John Harvey-Jones.

The house, set in about 10 acres of grounds, officially dates from the 16th century, but building probably began at least 100 years earlier. Latest additions include an indoor swimming pool.

Rudhall Manor was home to the Rudhall family and its heirs, by marriage, the Westfalings until 1830. Admiral Lord Nelson first visited Rudhall as a guest of Thomas Westfaling in 1802, the year the great sailor was made a Freeman of Hereford.

Legend has it that Nelson would meet his lover Lady Hamilton at the Manor, away from the prying eyes and pointing fingers of London society.

Even without the Nelson touch, the Manor is among the most notable of its kind in the county with well-preserved architectural and interior features.

Tim Jessop of Knight Frank, the firm handling the sale, said the guide price for the Manor was around £3 million.