A historic and active convent has been put on the market for £3 million – leaving some nuns needing a new home.

The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in Rectory Road, Deal, comes complete with a 25-bed care home wing and several additional buildings.

Featuring almost four acres of land and just under 15,000 square feet of existing accommodation, the prominent property is currently occupied by just four nuns.

It is understood the care home wing was originally built to care for nuns at the convent who were becoming elderly and frail – but it now lies empty.

The site currently comprises a detached building constructed in the late 19th century with two single-storey extensions added in the late 20th century.

An excerpt from a brochure from estate agents Gerald Eve says: “Internally, the main building has retained many of its period features and provides 17 bedrooms and ancillary accommodation, which includes sitting rooms, dining rooms, kitchen, utility and chapel.

“A ramped corridor link leads to the modern extension providing good quality, purpose-built care accommodation comprising lounge and dining room, office, separate utility and a wheelchair accessible shower room.

“The residential accommodation of the new wing provides an additional eight en-suite bedrooms, wrapped around a central internal courtyard.

“In addition to the main building there is a substantial detached part single-, part two-storey building to the north east most recently used many years ago as a nursery.

“There is also a lodge house, constructed circa 1890, situated at the south eastern boundary at the entrance of the site, with two or three bedrooms and ancillary accommodation.”

The estate agents suggest the property, which is not thought to be listed, could be used for either residential purposes or as a care or retirement home – subject to planning permission.