Talks over sale of gothic castle

The building failed to meet its £1.5m asking price

A castle said to be one of the finest examples of gothic revival architecture in Europe has failed to sell at auction in London.

The Grade 1-listed Gwrych Castle, built outside Abergele in 1819, did not meet its reserve price of £1.5m.

The derelict castle has been targeted by vandals over the years and restoring it may cost a new owner an extra £3.5m.

However, although an offer below the £1.5m reserve price was made, negotiations are continuing.

The castle once boasted beautiful stained glass windows, fireplaces, chandeliers and a magnificent 52-step marble staircase.

During World War II, the castle was claimed by the government and was used to house 200 Jewish refugees.

But it last opened to the public in 1985, and has been in decline ever since.

Many of the features were destroyed by thieves and vandals and many of the ceilings and roof have fallen in.

'Lot of interest'

In 1999, local teenager Mark Baker founded the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, in an effort to save the castle and have it restored to its former beauty.

The castle could cost more than £3m to restore

Mr Baker said he was disappointed the castle did not sell.

He said: "It's a shame it didn't happen, but negotiations are still on so we'll just have to wait and see.

"There's been a lot of interest in the castle. We've had a lot of inquiries and a lot of them have been very interesting so we'll see what happens."

Mr Baker added he hoped any new owners would be "sensitive to the nature of the property".

He added: "I think it's important to preserve the setting as well as the house.

"It's one of the most important buildings at risk in Wales.

"It's also had a very interesting history and it's so spectacular as well."