A prestigious address could soon become available to house hunters after plans were submitted to convert a historic manor house into apartments.

A proposal to turn the 18th century Harleyford Manor from offices to nine flats is currently being considered by Wycombe District Council.

The Grade I listed building at the heart of the Harleyford Estate near Marlow was built in 1750 and was the first English country villa built by celebrated architect Sir Robert Taylor.

It was used as a single house until it was gutted by fire in the mid 20th century.

Harleyford Manor was refurbished to house offices in 1988, but now it is considered “surplus to requirements and unviable” as an office complex.

English Heritage has said it would prefer if the manor was returned to its former glory as a single occupancy house, calling it of “outstanding architectural and historical significance”.

But the organisation admitted this is “impractical”.

WDC has not set a firm date to rule on the plans, which would see seven two bedroom, one three bedroom and a single one bedroom apartment.