The future is looking brighter for a Grade I listed manor house destroyed in a fire.

Parnham House in Beaminster has now been sold to a mystery buyer after being left dilapidated for more than two years.

The 16th century mansion was ravaged by a fire in April 2017, largely leaving just the external walls standing, with its owner, Michael Treichl being questioned by police.

A planning application for a temporary spiral staircase to allow safe access to areas that cannot be accessed internally due to the extent of the damage was submitted, but Mr Treichl was found dead in Geneva two months after the fire.

The home was put up for sale with Knight Frank estate agents with Sanderson Weatherall chartered surveyors and property consultants for £3million.

Daniel Hardy, of Sanderson Weatherall, said: “I can confirm that a sale of the property has been agreed and is progressing towards exchange and completion.”

The home is under offer, but the final sale amount is not known.

Knight Frank described the 38,000 sq ft home as “an opportunity of a lifetime” which “requires holistic rebuilding and restoration”.

The plans for the country manor are not yet known, but Historic England will work with the buyer to ensure this historic building is restored.

A spokesperson for Historic England: “We understand that Parnham House is under offer, but we have not so far been approached by the prospective buyer and don’t yet know their identity.

“We have not recently visited the property but will shortly be arranging a visit with our conservation engineer to assess its condition.

“The building is on our Heritage at Risk Register. We have been closely involved in discussions about the building’s future for some time and would expect to provide more detailed advice on any specific proposals which emerge through future restoration.

“We remain committed to securing the reuse and repair of this important historic building and hope to start discussions about its restoration with the new owner.”

The restoration works will also have to be done in accordance with Dorset Council.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “Council officers attended meetings and were in dialogue, along with Historic England, with a number of potential purchasers of Parnham House earlier this year.

“The next step is for the insurers and/or Historic England to inform us of the successful purchaser.”