A FORMER Southampton care home has been sold for "substantially" more than £1.5m Care Capital, advised by Savills, has sold the former residential facility for oncology patients in West End to local investor Tom Finlay.

The property, known as The Manor House Hospital, is a substantial 18,000sq ft stand-alone premises dating back to the late 18th Century, with linked converted stables.

It has been purchased with the intention of conversion into a rehabilitation centre for a range of healthcare issues.

Mr Finlay, who is based in Brockenhurst, has teamed up with the former addiction programme manager of a Southampton Hospital and treatment centre, David Nott.

They intend to convert the 15 bedroom premises into a "centre of excellence" opening during mid-June. David Nott will be joined by some of his previous colleagues to provide a high level of service, care and treatment for future patients.

Mr Finlay said: "There is clearly the need within Hampshire for a unit providing affordable professional treatment for a range of healthcare issues including alcohol dependence, eating disorders and depression. Our aim is to provide it."

Craig Woollam, head of Savills' healthcare division, said: "Interest from the specialist care sector was particularly strong, resulting in the property selling for substantially in excess of its £1.5 million guide price".