A RECENTLY closed council care home in North Berwick has gone on the market for about £1.2 million.

Earlier this year, health chiefs made the decision to close The Abbey.

Concerns were raised that the building’s infrastructure was unable to fully meet current and future care and safety standards.

All residents have now been moved out of the facility.

A number of North Berwick residents have expressed concerns about a lack of care home provision in the town.

READ MORE: Closing date for East Lothian Council care home confirmed

Discussions are taking place with a view to a community asset transfer being arranged.

In the meantime, the building, on the town’s Old Abbey Road, has been put up for sale by owners East Lothian Council.

The category B listed building was built on the grounds of a 12th century convent known as North Berwick Priory.

According to the local authority: “The property comprises a two-storey rambling L-Plan House built in 1907, adjoining single storey and attic cottage built in 1908.

“The house is made of local law stone with a pitched slate roof and, in some areas, original windows have been retained in their original stonework.

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“Outstanding features of the property have been retained internally which include period wood panelling, beamed ceilings and elephant hide frieze and carved masques in the entrance hall.

“After its completion in 1908, The Abbey was used as a private home until the 1950s, when it was sold to the Edinburgh Corporation Social Services Department.

“In the 1960s, the Abbey began operating as a holiday home for elderly residents of Edinburgh and then at a later date to take permanent residents.”