North Lincolnshire Council is poised to sell off Scwby Grove – an historic Victorian listed building.

It has been declared surplus to the requirements of the authority, with immediate effect, and is therefore expected to be be put on the property market, in line with other no-longer-wanted council-owned buildings and land.

The asking price for former children’s home will be considerable for a very large detached grade two listed property, with grounds, near the centre of a sought-after village.

Situated on the edge of the Scawby conservation area, the Grove enjoys listed status because of notable internal and external features.

Once the home of a Scunthorpe steelworks executive, it became a children’s reception centre for Lindsey County Council in the early 1960s.

North Lincolnshire Council took charge when it was created in 1996, following the abolition of the Humberside county authority.

The Grove was built in 1890, using local stone from Manton.

It was once the home of steel pioneer Joseph Cliff, who died in 1914. His son, Mr J T Talbot Cliff, lived there until 1941.

For the remainder of the Second World War it was used as a WAAF camp.

The Grove was later bought by well-known racehorse owner G F Oxtoby, who used the stables for his thoroughbreds.

His two daughters lived there until 1959.

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