A group of squatters have set up home in a Grade II listed farmhouse.

The 18th century Home Farmhouse in Stanmer Park, believed to be worth more than £1 million, has been taken over by a group describing themselves as “professional squatters”.

The house is set in sprawling gardens with its own orchard.

Brighton and Hove Estates Trust, the preservation charity which owns the property, has now been forced to go to court to have the group removed from the home so tenants can move in.

The group of five staying in the home say they do not fit the stereotype of squatters and say they should be recognised for the good they do.

And they said that when are they are forced from the property by the possession order granted to the trust they will move to another empty property in the city.

Last month The Argus revealed how a £1 million council property in Preston Road, Brighton, was taken over by 30 squatters after it was left empty for a year.