One of Wales’ most historic and prestigious country estates is back on the market, going to auction with a guide price of £750,000.
The sprawling manor and support buildings of Kinmel Hall, near Abergele, Conwy are in desperate need of major renovation to save them from dereliction, with parts of the building already crumbling.
The present hall is said to be the third version to have been built on the Kinmel Estate, and was constructed around 1874-76 by owner Hugh Roberts Hughes with profits from a copper mining enterprise on Anglesey.
The main, vast building was designed by architect W.E. Nesfield and the neo-palladian stable block in the grounds was a creation by architect William Burn, completed in 1850.
Even the gardens were afforded time and budget, with Nesfield’s father designing a Venetian-style garden in the heart of the grounds.
The property is considered to be Wales’ own incredible and beautiful version of the Palace of Versailles near Paris, easily obtaining a Grade I listing for its distinctive design and ornate period features.
The property has even been given the royal seal of approval as it is said to have been visited by Queen Victoria in 1870. During her stay the Queen presented carved wooden panels to be added to the estate, but these have been reported as being stolen from site in 2013.
During its history, as well as being one of the most impressive private homes in Wales until 1929, this spectacular French chateau-style building has been a health spa, military hospital and a conference centre, but it has been empty since 1999.
In February 2021 campaigning group The Friends of Kinmel Hall, after years of fighting to save the structure for future generations to enjoy, called on Conwy County Borough Council to intervene to help protect the building.
At the time Rosie Burton, Friends’ of Kinmel Hall spokeswoman, told North Wales Live : “We are asking them (the council) to proceed with an Urgent Works Notice, which will at least protect the hall from any further damage and make it secure, and proceed with a compulsory purchase.
“I understand there are a number of potential purchasers so the council would not be at much risk of funding repairs to the damage as they could do a ‘back-to-back’ agreement, which means they compulsorily purchase it and sell it on the same day.”
At the time Rosie Burton, Friends’ of Kinmel Hall spokeswoman, told North Wales Live : “We are asking them (the council) to proceed with an Urgent Works Notice, which will at least protect the hall from any further damage and make it secure, and proceed with a compulsory purchase.
“I understand there are a number of potential purchasers so the council would not be at much risk of funding repairs to the damage as they could do a ‘back-to-back’ agreement, which means they compulsorily purchase it and sell it on the same day.”
