A MANOR house, previously owned by a businessman who jumped to his death from its tower, is being sold off.

Whinburn Hall in Hollins Lane, Utley, Keighley, is being marketed for £1,250,000.

The hall was owned by 42-year-old James Sheldon, who at the time of his death was being investigated by fraud squad officers and had debts of at least £1.25 million.

His body was found on the ground outside Whinburn on June 23, 2015 after he jumped to his death from the fourth floor tower of the hall.

An inquest in Bradford into his death was told Mr Sheldon was being probed by police about claims he had produced anti-terror security equipment that he was trying to sell overseas.

The hearing was told police were investigating whether the product existed and if Mr Sheldon’s company had the capacity to actually produce the equipment.

Ian Bradbury, area director for estate agency Dacre Son and Hartley, which is marketing the property, said the sale was extremely unusual.

“The building needs some work done to it, but a lot of the downstairs has already been restored. There are also seven and a half acres worth of listed gardens.”

Whinburn is a Grade II listed “arts and crafts detached house” with adjoining outbuildings, a coach house, a gatehouse and also a detached bungalow.

A detailed description provided by the estate agency explains that the property was designed as a tall manor house in 1897 by James Ledingham for Mr Prince-Smith a local businessman.

It was then extended in 1912 for the Prince-Smith family, with the additions including a four-storey tower topped with irregular battlements and square corner turrets.

The description adds: “Whinburn with its adjoining coach house is noted as an important country property, listed Grade II for historic or architectural interest.

“It stands within large gardens and follies extending to approximately seven acres, and is listed in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens.

“A particular feature is its baronial hall, together with seven reception rooms and 13 bedrooms.

“It is currently used as a private home from which a business has been run and has previously been used as a school.

“It lends itself to a variety of uses, subject to the relevant planning being obtained.”

Whinburn was owned by Bradford Council and used as a school and a special referral unit. It was empty from 2002 until it was bought by Mr Sheldon in early 2008.