THE owners of a former care home in Thornton-in-Craven say the building will shortly be put up for sale - although its rooms are currently being marketed under a 'property guardian' scheme.

Thornton Hill care home closed last summer and its residents moved to owner Anchor Hanover's newly opened Mill House in Sackville Street, Skipton.

Recently, the former manor house, built in 1870, has appeared on the SpareRoom website as a 'shared property' under a 'property guardian' scheme with people occupying the building on a monthly, rolling licence agreement, instead of a tenancy.

There are12 double rooms, available from Monday, June 17, from £300 to £400 per month, plus all bills. All have been taken, with the exception of just one double, ensuite room. The minimum term for potential residents  is a month, and there is a deposit of £403.

SpareRoom describes it as "An unmissable opportunity to cap all your monthly accommodation outgoings to just £300pcm."

Living spaces are unfurnished, there is off-street parking and a communal garden, and all gas, electric, water and council tax bills are included in the price.

On its website, SpareRoom explains the price is low because the property guardian scheme means both the owner and the resident  only have to give 28 days notice, and it does not know how long the property will be available.

It says: "As a live-in property guardian you not only get affordable accommodation on flexible terms, you're also doing your bit for the community by protecting this property (simply by living in it)."

Property guardians need to be at least 18 years old, employed and not have any children or pets - although goldfish are acceptable. They are also not allowed to smoke inside the building.

It says there is an Aldi supermarket close by and Skipton is just a ten minute drive; it is also a 'fantastic option for commuters to Skipton, Barnoldswick, Keighley and Colne.'

It continues: "If you’re looking to live in interesting buildings and be part of a community of like-minded people, this could be ideal for you."

Property guardians are not tenants, and have a licence agreement and not a tenancy.

An Anchor spokesperson said: “Thornton Hill, in Thornton-in-Craven, is currently only available to property guardians. They occupy the building on a monthly rolling license agreement, not a tenancy. Following a strategic review of the building, the decision has been made to sell the property. It’s expected to be placed on the market soon”.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Council is looking into whether there has been a change of use.

Trevor Watson, the council's assistant director of planning, said: “Our enforcement teams will be investigating to determine if planning permission is required.”