Manor from Hardy’s Tess is on market

A STATELY manor that inspired Thomas Hardy’s 1891 novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles is on the market for £850,000.

Woolbridge Manor on the outskirts of Wool, in Dorset, once belonged to the Turberville family.

The 17th century pile inspired Wellbridge House in Hardy’s book, where Tess and new husband Angel spent their miserable honeymoon.

An old tradition, mentioned in the novel, claims a ghostly coach crosses the bridge next to the home at night.

Jamie Morten, of Savills Wimborne, said the fivebed property is in need of complete modernisation.

But he added: “The house offers an incredible opportunity to purchase a real slice of history.”