Reside in hospital (From Stroud News and Journal)

Reside in hospital

A SPACIOUS country home in beautiful surroundings for just £37.50 a week. Is it the bargain of the century - no, it's Standish Hospital.

Bosses at Camelot Property Management want 18 people to live in the hospital, based in a stately home in acres of rolling parkland, when it closes at the beginning of next year.

Teachers, nurses and other professional people have all been invited to apply for the places to serve as live-in 'property guardians' and keep the Stroud landmark free of squatters.

"It is like house-sitting but we put people to house-sit in commercial buildings," explained Camelot director John Mills. "There is a clear parallel between the interests of the guardians and of the building owners.

"The guardians make their homes here and put their belongings into the premises, so they will take immediate action when there is something wrong or damaged."

Guardians would not be expected to tackle any intruders head-on but just keep an eye out for any suspicious activity on the historic site.

A spokesman for security contractor Safe Estates said: "This service is much cheaper than security guards and is also much more effective for this kind of site.

"We will also be fitting temporary alarms in all the buildings that are not occupied." Applicants have to be currently employed and will be able to enjoy their unusual home until the hospital site is sold, which could possibly take as long as nine months or a year.

Anyone interested in becoming a guardian at Standish Hospital can apply at www.camelotproperty.com or call on 0700 2263568 and ask for Magda. No children or pets.