A grand Tudor building which is being run as a bed and breakfast business has gone on the market in Shrewsbury for nearly £500,000.

Property bosses say the current owners of 164 in Abbey Foregate would help potential buyers settle in if they want to continue to run it as a bed and breakfast. But the property could also make a residential home, offices or even apartments, according to Cooper Green, which is marketing the building.

James Wood, a valuer for Cooper Green, in Shrewsbury, said the current owners had bought another property which they are now running as a bed and breakfast.

In the meantime their old business, an eye-catching black and white building, was being run on their behalf by somebody else, he said.

But they have been unable to find anyone to continue to take it on and have decided to place the building on the market.

“It is obviously set up as a bed and breakfast business and is ready for somebody to walk into and continue to run it as such,” said Mr Wood.

“The current owner is prepared to talk somebody through it and help with the handover. While it’s ideal for a bed and breakfast, it could also be used as a residential house, apartments or as offices.”

The other potential uses would be subject to the relevant planning regulations being applied for and approved.

The business is currently used by businessmen and women and tourists and is furnished to a high standard.

It features an entrance hall, four ground floor bedrooms which all have en-suite shower rooms, three first floor bedrooms, a kitchen which is also a breakfast room and office, and a bathroom.

There is also a second floor suite with a sitting room, a large bedroom and bathroom in addition to gas-fired central heating and an “extensive” range of original features throughout.

There is also a parking area, while at the back of the property there are gardens.

Mr Wood said the property only went on the market last week but had already generated some interest.

An open viewing is scheduled to take place from 2pm to 4pm on November 18.

For more information about the property, which is one the market for offers in the region of £495,000, call (01743) 276666.

By John Kirk