The Durdans, the historic racing stables which the owner, Lord Halifax, tried to turn into homes and offices, is up for sale for an undisclosed sum.

The sale, being handled by up-market estate agents, Savills, has been greeted with enthusiasm by campaigners determined that the stables and indoor riding school built by Lord Rosebery should be kept in equestrian use.

There have been many viewings by people interested in The Durdans, for sale on a 125 year lease, and it is rumoured that there have been some firm offers for the property which includes 35 acres of paddocks.

Part of the property in Chalk Lane, Epsom, includes the Grade II listed indoor riding school which needs an estimated £500,000 spending on it to bring it into a reasonable state of repair.

Buyers will have to undertake to carry out repairs within set time limits but will be able to apply to English Heritage for a major grant to help restore the school. So far EH has had no inquiries about grant aid for The Durdans.

Conservationists have run a long campaign to keep The Durdans in equestrian use, preferably as racing stables as an important part of Epsom’s racing heritage.

In a four hour meeting earlier this year Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s planning committee rejected an application to convert the indoor riding school into offices and for new homes to be built on the site but Lord Halifax could still appeal against the decision if no sale is forthcoming or submit a new application.

Savills describes The Durdans as a purpose built training yard dating from the late 19th century and says that at one time the property was one of the most important yards in Epsom.

The property includes the Cicero yard, the South Yard, Lavendou and Jodies Yard as well as the 15 metre by 35 metre riding school.

Gerald Goodman from the Epsom Equestrian Forum, formerly the Equestrian Preservation Society said: “We have heard that some offers have already gone in, some from local people. I am not surprised there is so much interest in it. I am much more optimistic that The Durdans will remain in equestrian use which is what it was built for.”

A spokesman for Savills said “there has been a lot of interest in this because it is a bit unusual, it is historic and it is in a great location.”