THE plot of a vanished Eden Valley mansion is for sale, with plans in place for a country house designed by one of Prince Charles' favourite architects.

Hwith, near Ravenstonedale, is a picturesque rural site with 3.75 acres of formal and informal gardens and woodland. It is on the market with agents Michael CL Hodgson for offers around £525,000.

The plot has planning consent for a classical, detached residence designed by architect Quinlan Terry. His firm has worked on projects such as the State Rooms at 10 Downing Street, Brentwood Cathedral and Paternoster Square in London.

His approved plans for Hwith show a symmetrical-fronted property with portico entrance, stone-mullioned windows, tall chimneys and parapeted gables. The foundations and cellars have been built.

The original Hwith House was built between 1869 and 1876 by John Hewetson, its unusual title deriving from the names of John and his brothers, Henry, William, John, Thomas and Humphrey.

The mansion became redundant after World War One and was demolished in 1927. Materials were sold, with some being used for new houses in and around Kirkby Stephen.

Fortunately, stone pieces from the mansion's facade were discovered in the wood, and were cleaned and incorporated into the gable end of a modern garage block at the site.

Hwith still has a handsome entrance gateway with stone pillars mounted by lions holding shields, and a stone-built castellated folly. The original landscaped formal gardens have been beautifully restored by the present owner to create a majestic setting for the proposed house.