Commuter belt favourite Harpenden is infamous for being one of Britain's most expensive postcodes outside of London.But now a huge manor house and grounds in the Hertfordshire town, has come on the market at just £2million. Grade I listed Rothamsted Manor has 24 bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, spans 39,468 sq. ft and comes with 26 acres of land. It is also within walking distance of the station.But it has been put up for sale by estate agents Savills at offers in excess of £2million, leading locals to initially speculate it had been accidentally listed with the wrong price and it should be £20million.While £2million is a huge price tag for a home, in pricey Harpenden that would usually only secure a four or five bedroom detached house in a prized location. But the price tag on Rothamsted Manor, which dates back to 1212, is no mistake and instead reflects the cost of work and running costs involved in taking it on.This is Money was told Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT), a charitable trust focusing on agricultural research, is selling Rothamsted Manor in Harpenden due to high running and renovation costs. LAT said the 'substantial' scale of ongoing and future investment required for the manor 'sits outside the capabilities and charitable purposes' of the trust and could not be supported through its funds. Historic significance: Rothamsted Manor is up for sale via Savills for offers in excess of £2m Features: The origins of Rothamsted Manor date back to 1212 and it has a grand interiorFor the last five years Rothamsted Manor has been used as a wedding venue, events space and filming location. LAT said that while weddings and other activities at the property were popular, 'they have not generated sufficient surplus income to fund the significant capital investment required over the coming decades'. LAT said the cash from events such as weddings and events would not be sufficient to maintain and safeguard a property of this 'complexity and scale' in the long-run.The tenure of Rothamsted Manor is leasehold and there are 125 years remaining on the lease from the point of sale. It is apparent the property has been priced keenly, perhaps in expectation of encouraging a bidding war of higher offers. Harpenden, about 30 miles north of London, is regularly featured in lists of desirable locations, with fast trains to the capital in under 30 minutes, good schools and an expansive central common that runs to the High Street.Elsewhere in Harpenden there are houses on sale for more than £2million offering four to seven bedrooms and a modest garden. Some even suggest they require extension or refurbishment even at their hefty price tags.LAT said: 'Continuing to invest in the Manor at the required level would divert funds away from LAT's primary purpose of supporting agricultural scientific research for the public benefit.' LAT trustees now want 'a new guardian' to take on the stewardship of Rothamsted Manor and respect its 'heritage, sensitivity and historic importance'. Henry Pryor, buying agent and owner of Pryor & Co., told This is Money: 'Whilst Rothamsted Manor looks great value the buyer of this property will spend the same again, I’m sure on doing it up. 'They will also want to negotiate a lease extension with the freeholder and try and decide exactly what they want to do with such an impressive property. 'Whilst currently a house I expect the local council would consider other uses including office headquarters or some sort of leisure use.'There is good evidence locally to support this sort of value including the sale of Princess Helena School in 2023 which fetched about £5million.'This is an important sale and I’m sure that despite the headwinds in the housing market it will sell and sell well.' Period charm: The property is brimming with original features throughout Land: Rothamsted Manor sits in 26 acres of land and boasts mature gardens What does Rothamsted Manor have to offer?The origins of Rothamsted Manor date back to the 13th century and it is considered a house of significant historical interest. After changing hands multiple times between different families, by the end of the sixteenth century a substantial house, with at least 16 rooms, existed on the site.The earliest sections of the house have retained features dating back to the seventeenth century. These include original staircases, fireplaces, linenfold panelling and Tudor wall paintings. The property is also peppered with portraits of former custodians and armorial stained glass windows. In 1814 Sir John Bennet Lawes was born at Rothamsted Manor. Under his direction, Rothamsted Manor became a centre for agricultural innovation. He was educated at Eton and Oxford but never completed his degree.In 1882 Lawes was made a baronet for his services to agriculture. He set up the Lawes Agricultural trust in 1889. New beginnings: Lawes Agricultural Trust, a charitable trust, has decided to sell the manor Uses: Rothamsted Manor in Harpenden has been a wedding venue for five years Could it be you? Rothamsted Manor is looking for a buyer atuned to its historical significance Know before buying: Rothamsted Manor is being sold as a leasehold property Spacious: The property comes with a walled garden and expansive lawns Connections: Rothamsted Manor is believed to have played a role in supporting intelligence operations connected to nearby Bletchley Park during the Second World WarDuring the Second World War, Rothamsted Manor is believed to have played a role in supporting intelligence operations connected to nearby Bletchley Park. In 1934 Rothamsted Manor was placed under the stewardship of LAT. In 1953 it was given Grade I listed status. In the grounds of the property there is a walled garden and expansive lawns, together with various outbuildings including stables and a granary. Crispin Holborow, country director at Savills Private Office, said: 'Rothamsted Manor represents an exciting opportunity for the right buyer to take the reins at a historically and architecturally significant property. 'Steeped in history yet offering considerable versatility, the Manor offers not only an impressive private residence, but also a unique opportunity to shape the future of an important English estate. 'Combining architectural beauty, rich heritage and remarkable adaptability, it stands as one of the most compelling country house offerings, equally suited to private enjoyment or broader commercial vision.' Are large country homes out of favour? Higher rates of stamp duty alongside new fears of council tax reform, mansion taxes and the potential introduction of a capital gains tax on all homes selling for more than £1.5million have formed clouds over the country house market.Large country properties can become a money pit for buyers. High insurance, maintenance and running costs all stack up. Michael Zucker, chartered surveyor at estate agency Jeremy Leaf & Co, said: 'The maintenance costs on houses of this type are incredibly high and any works carried out to historic properties have to comply with strict planning regulations.'Obtaining consent for even minor alterations can take months and this is especially so for leasehold properties where consent has to be obtained from the freeholder too.'The number of wealthy people looking to buy very large historic houses has declined enormously. Even large family houses in suburban areas can be difficult to sell, let alone a house of this type.'Mr Zucker said: 'The government's attitude towards wealthy people and business people encourages them to decamp to other countries with more sympathetic tax regimes where inheritance tax is a fraction of the amount charged in the UK. 'Why buy a leasehold money pit in a cold climate when better values and lower taxes beckon in Italy, Spain, Portugal or further afield? Maybe the house could be turned into a wedding venue or hotel but the running and renovation costs would probably not make that option viable.'Best mortgage rates and how to find them Mortgage rates have shot up again due to inflation triggered by the conflict with Iran reversing hopes that the Bank of England would cut rates. 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