THE MANOR house in Lyme Regis that was immortalised in the classic film the French Lieutenant's Woman has been bought by Sir Roger and Lady Gifford.

Ware House, previously owned by Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset Minnie Churchill and her partner Simon Bird, boasts some of the most stunning sea views in Britain, which include 26 miles of coastline with not a single property in sight.

The house, which featured heavily in the 1981 period movie as the home of Meryl Streep's character, was put up for sale last year when the couple wanted to be closer to family.

Mr Bird told the Lyme Regis News that they have bought a house in Kintbury, Hungerford but hope to also buy a smaller place in Lyme Regis having fallen in love with the town when they moved down in 1999.

He said they had kept a five-acre field close to Sidmouth Road which has been earmarked by the Lyme Regis Development Trust for a field studies centre.

He added: “We have been in Lyme 15 years and think West Dorset is the most wonderful area in the county.

“However it's now time to move on and we will be officially moving out at the end of this month.”

Ware House comes with four reception rooms, six bathrooms, a library and 17 acres of gardens.

It also has two cottages within the grounds, a stable courtyard and croquet lawn.

It is believed the former Lord Mayor of London Sir Roger, who was knighted in the New Year's Honours List this year, will still retain his property in Scotland.