One of Malmesbury's biggest tourist attractions is up for sale.

The Abbey House in Malmesbury, famous for its stunning gardens has been put on the market for £2.5 million.

In 1994, the late Ian Pollard moved to the house, where he worked ceaselessly with fellow gardener Martin Roberts to create a series of formal garden spaces, and a more naturalistic riverside garden.

The style of the garden reflects both historical authenticity - with yew hedges picking out the line of a former chapel – and Ian’s modern artistic style.

Within five years, Ian and Martin transformed the grounds into an exquisite garden setting, with the Abbey as its backdrop, and they opened to the public in 1997.

Abbey House Gardens has since seen almost three quarters of a million visitors, facilitated hundreds of weddings and been featured on television programme’s around the world, firmly putting Malmesbury on the tourist map.

Located in a quiet backwater, close to the centre of Malmesbury, Abbey House is nestled beautifully behind stone walls, and surrounded by its grounds.

A Grade I listed property with historical significance and spectacular period features; including beautifully crafted stonework, fireplaces, oak staircases and finely detailed wood panelling.

At over 12,000sq ft, it allows large scale entertainment but also offers cosy areas for more intimate family use.

The ground floor accommodation centres around the family kitchen/breakfast room and studio space, with a open plan feel, that provides the family with excellent seating and dining areas adjacent to the kitchen.

Above, a charming drawing room and bedroom offer a lovely double aspect view through mullion windows.

The library, stocked with

in-built bookcases, would host an excellent party as would the reception hall.

The upper floors have a good mix of bedrooms and bathrooms, and there is opportunity to create fully independent suites as there is a back staircase and kitchenette.

Each room comes with its own beautiful view of landscaped gardens as well as having individual period charm.

The views to the front are over the intricate formal gardens and to the rear over the more rustic countryside gardens with the meandering river Avon running through.