THE nuns of Stanbrook Abbey, near Worcester, have begun moving out of the place they’ve called home for the past 170 years.

Yesterday, the first removal vans were being loaded up with furniture as the sisters of the order of Benedictine prepared to leave for a purpose-built convent in Wass, North Yorkshire.

Mother Abbess Andrea Savage revealed her sadness that the abbey has not yet been sold.

“That’s been my biggest heartbreak,” she said. “It’s a big disappointment that we haven’t found a buyer before the move, but we have faith that God has a plan.

“It could take a phone call or a knock on the door. You just don’t know, but we’ve just got to keep trusting.”

The nuns, whose numbers have dwindled in recent years, decided to move as maintaining the Victorian abbey in Callow End became time consuming and expensive.

It will take a fortnight to move their belongings and the sisters themselves will leave on Monday, May 25.

Maintainance staff, a gardener and a security system will remain on site to ensure the building does not fall into disrepair.

Mother Abbess Andrea said: “The building has, unfortunately, hindered our spiritual life, which is why we are here.

“We were spending too much time trying to look after the building and pay the bills. Now we’re looking to the future and taking monastic life into the 21st century.”

The abbey first went on the market in January 2006 for £6 million.

It was reduced to £5.5 million after one sale fell through and reduced further to £4.5 million after a charitable Christian trust, on the verge of sealing a deal, was unable to complete the sale in October last year.

Jonathan Mountford, commercial director for Andrew Grant estate agent, said there has since been two viewings and one party is “very interested”.