A BASINGSTOKE archaeologist is making a last-gasp plea to save the farmhouse at Grange Farm, Old Basing, from being sold.

Gareth Owen says that, by selling the farmhouse, Hampshire County Council is missing out on a golden opportunity to set up a museum for the English Civil War - the only one in the country.

The county council says contracts have been exchanged for the sale of the farmhouse, but Mr Owen is hoping it is still not too late to prevent its sale.

The county authority bought Grange Farm in December 1990 because of its close relationship with Basing House, which was laid to siege by Cromwell during the Civil War.

The council wants to improve visitor facilities on the site, including a shop, reception and toilets, with the barn and other outbuildings housing exhibitions and displays to complement the history of Basing House.

To fund this the farmhouse, which needs extensive renovation, is being sold as a private residential dwelling.

Leader of the council, Cllr Ken Thornber, has claimed there is "widespread support" for the idea, and said, although some were disappointed the farmhouse would be sold, there was general acceptance that the sale is required to generate extra funding to improve facilities at the site.

But Mr Owen accused the county authority of being "short-sighted" and said: "They should retain the farmhouse as a Civil War museum."

He said the top floor of the building could be used as accommodation for people working at the site, which would attract staff, large rooms could be used as galleries, and banquets held there to raise money.

"They haven't thought it through," he said.

He added: "There is not a Civil War centre anywhere in the country. This site could be among the best historic sites in the country."

Ian Parker, head of the county's estates practice, said all the proceeds of the sale will be used for improved visitor facilities and preserving the Grange Farm complex.

"While we had explored a more ambitious scheme for the restoration and conversion of the farmhouse, the amount of lottery funding dropped so we couldn't afford to go ahead with it," he said.

"What we are doing is preserving the most important historical parts of the complex by using the proceeds of the sale of the farmhouse as the county council's contribution, and through applying for more lottery funding.

"In the event of our bid being unsuccessful, we will still have vastly-improved visitor facilities at the complex."