IT is an imposing property that dates back to the 17th century but has become a much-loved family home.

But when owner Gordon Meadow decided to do a little research into his house he was stunned to discover it was listed as being an escort agency.

Mr Meadow, 42, moved into his new home on Winchester Road, Hampshire, with his wife and two children about a year ago.

Knowing a little of the the 350-year-old home's history, Mr Gordon, a lecturer at Warsash Maritime Academy, decided to go online to discover more.

But when he typed his address into Google Maps he was horrified to discover his home listed as “Lush Escorts”.

Mr Meadow told the Daily Echo that he had previously received a letter through the door addressed to Lush Escorts but didn’t think anything of it until he saw the on-line map had the business as listed there.

Further investigation also found his home was listed under that business name in a local telephone directory and in an online database.

He said: "It’s appalling. Obviously I’m mortified and it could do a lot of damage to my reputation.

"The house has got this wonderful history but it bothers me that I don’t know how we are going to get rid of this.

"I think perhaps the lesson here is that everyone should check the data being presented online in relation to their home."

The building was once occupied by a Royal Navy captain whose father served in Admiral Lord Nelson's fleet and whose ancestor was a buccaneer.

Parts of the house also date back to 1690 but which has the appearance of a Georgian house after it was developed in the 19th century. Many original features have been preserved including 1700s panelled rooms.

The unfortunate mistake is not the first time Google Maps has caused a bewildered member of the public problems.

In New Jersey, USA, a woman was forced to erect a huge sign outside her house saying “not park entrance” after the site incorrectly listed her house as a way into Round Valley State Park.

And for a month in 2010, residents of Sunrise, Florida, became upset after the site insisted the city didn’t exist, and instead directed searchers to Sarasota, Florida, more than 200 miles away.

A Google spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Echo but has since removed the reference.

The Daily Echo repeatedly tried to contact Lush Escorts but all calls and emails went unanswered.