LOCATION, location, location is the estate agents' maxim - and there's no disputing that Nutley Barn has more than its share.

The disused barn (pictured above) lies in undulating farm land on the North Wessex Downs between the villages of Kingsclere and Overton, designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Now the brick-and-flint barn is set to change from agricultural use and become a magnificent country home after planning permission was granted by Basingstoke council.

Nutley Barn could also cause a stir by going to auction. If it is not sold before June 10, the imposing conferencing and banqueting centre of Oakley Hall has been booked for 3pm that day for the hammer to come down on a price guide that is currently set at £450,000.

Selling agents Lane Fox describe the barn conversion as a "unique opportunity for country seclusion - yet within good commuting distance of the regional business centres and London".

Not only will potential buyers be able to see the planning consent and drawings for the conversion but also a bat, barn owl and swallow survey for the five-and-a-half-acre site housing Nutley Barn.

Planning is for a 2,388sqft home, which will feature a fully-vaulted sitting room, a kitchen-breakfast room and five bedrooms.

One of the bedrooms, which has an en suite bathroom, is on the ground floor while the upstairs master suite has its own shower room and dressing area.

Nutley Barn is reached by an unmade farm track in North Oakley - and Lane Fox is warning that viewers take their vehicles over it at their own risk.

As the agents go full steam ahead with marketing, specific viewing arrangements have been made.

Potential buyers can book viewing slots on Tuesdays between 10am and 2pm, Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.

Russell Hill, a director of Lane Fox, said: "We recommend that interested parties contact our office on 01256 474647 to check available viewing slots and days."