THE country cottage near Ledbury, where a couple were found shot dead in August, has been put up for sale.

Forge Cottage at Pow Green, between Bosbury and Cradley, had been the home of retired company director John Knott, aged 71, and his 70-years-old wife Elizabeth, known as Anne, who died in what is believed to have been a murder- suicide or suicide pact. They moved to the pretty red brick cottage several years ago from Droitwich and lavished care and attention on the property, which is being marketed with a guide price of £435,000.

Estate agent Andrew Grant said: "I was approached by the executors of Mr and Mrs Knott and received instructions to place this very attractive country property on the market. We hope that everyone will respect the privacy of the family in what are obviously very difficult times. The cottage has been wonderfully maintained and care for and could be lived in and enjoyed straight away. The gardens have been beautifully landscaped and provide views across open fields and beyond."

Forge Cottage, which is around 300 years old, has two double bedrooms, a sitting room with an elegant Georgian working fireplace, a snug with a log burner, a large breakfast kitchen and a garden room.

The bodies of both Mr Knott and his wife, who had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, were found by police following a call from concerned relatives on Monday, August 11. No-one else is being sought in connection with their deaths. An inquest was opened at Hereford Town Hall on August 18 and adjourned to a later date.