An abandoned 122-room mansion known as the 'Welsh Versailles' is for sale in Clwyd, Wales, for £750,000 – but it's a bit of a fixer-upper.
Designed by renowned architect William Eden Nesfield in the style of the Palace of Versailles, Kinmel Hall was completed in 1874 and originally built as a calendar house. With a grand central staircase, impressive formal rooms, a former chapel, 365 windows, 122 rooms and 12 entrances, it's certainly fit for a monarch.
The historic house, which sits on the fringes of Snowdonia National Park, was used as a private home until 1929 and later converted into a health centre to be taken over as a hospital during World War II. After the war, it housed Clarendon School for Girls but closed shortly after following a fire. Kinmel Hall might have been sitting vacant since 1999, but it's ideal for anyone wanting to live out their fairy tale dreams.
Inside, you'll discover original wooden panelling, floor-to-ceiling windows, ornate ceiling cornices, long passageways, and empty dilapidated rooms in need of some serious TLC.
Sitting within 17.5 acres of landscaped gardens, Kinmel Hall has excellent connections to Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, with Abergele train station located a short drive away. Wonderfully, too, the local area is a rambler's paradise with over 100 lakes and breathtaking views just moments away.
"Kinmel Hall is a rare find for lovers of unique historic properties, having been designed by a renowned Victorian architect," Gary Murphy, consultant and auctioneer at Allsop, says. "The attractive asking price reflects the fact that in its current state, it requires substantial restoration and refurbishment to help bring it back to its former glory. Subject to obtaining all necessary consents, it could be used as a hotel, an education establishment or residential units, offering uninterrupted views over neighbouring countryside and a wealth of heritage."
Ralph Collins, partner, Rural, Carter Jonas, adds: "This is an exceptional opportunity to own, preserve and restore a property once celebrated as one of the great houses of Wales. Since its completion, Kinmel Hall has had a diverse and fascinating history. As we look towards its future, it is hoped new life can be breathed into this beautiful building, helping to secure its position as one of North Wales' most precious, as well as important, historical treasures."
Kinmel Hall will be sold via auction on Thursday 13th May, marketed jointly by Allsop and Carter Jonas. For more information, head over to the listing.
Take a little peek around the castle...
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
