A MAN has resorted to organising an internet competition to sell his north Lancashire country home after failing to attract a buyer.

Dunstan Low, 37, has launched a six-month long online competition, with the winning prize being six-bedroomed Melling Manor near Kirkby Lonsdale.

MORE TOP STORIES:

He has 500,000 tickets available at £2 each and participants are also required to answer a question based on the property.

"It's a great house, in a quiet, private and peaceful location, with plenty of walks about," said Mr Low, who put the house on the market last year for an original asking price of £845,000 which has since been reduced to offers over £650,000. "It is a great opportunity for somebody, especially a family with a dog."

Mr Low, a fan of television make-over programmes like Grand Designs, has renovated the Grade II listed property since moving there from Kirkby Stephen in 2011.

He has a background in internet marketing but after his business 'failed' Mr Low struggled to keep up with mortgage payments on the property and was forced to put it up for sale.

After trying, but failing, to sell the property through traditional routes, Mr Low hit upon this novel approach to selling the house.

"My wife thinks I'm crazy," he said. "But I would rather do something than wait around for people to come and see the house."

Should a sale occur while the contest is running, Mr Low intends to offer the entry fee pot as a cash prize instead, minus any relevant fees.

But if the contest proves popular he will withdraw the estate agency listing for Melling Manor from the market.

Mr Low, who grew up in Bolton but was born in Kendal, said: "We are going to stay in the area but are now looking to downsize."

For more information about the house and to take part in the competition, visit: www.winacountryhouse.com