But today (Wednesday) David Okell will break with tradition when his house goes under the hammer at a Knutsford hotel.

"Since my mum died in August there is not much left for me in High Legh," said

"It will be hard to go, but I know it makes sense."

Bidders will challenge for Hawthorn House at the Royal George in King Street tonight.

Frank Marshalls have set the guide price for the property between £250,000 and £750,000, but Mr Okell's memories are priceless.

He has lived in Rowley Bank Lane since he was born and his family can be traced back to Thomas Okell who was born in 1615.

"I have been interested in my family history for a number of years now," he said. "Luckily so are other people and so most of the tracing has already been done for me. Our family is very well known in the village but there isn't many of us left now."

When his distant relative Betty Okell opened her home to the Independent Methodist Church meetings in 1781 the family became of huge importance to the village.

But despite a wide knowledge of his ancestors it is Mr Okell's memories of his childhood which interest him most.

"We had many family gatherings at Christmas time in our house," he said.

"As an only child it was a great treat to have lots of family around and it is sad to think I will be leaving those memories behind."

The auction is at 7pm.