Gothic castle finally finds buyer

The building failed to meet its £1.5m asking price

A Gothic castle which failed to sell at auction has finally been sold to an anonymous buyer.

The Grade I-listed Gwrych Castle, built in 1819, did not meet its reserve price of £1.5m on 2 June.

Estate agents Beresford Adams in Llandudno said a sale had been agreed and should be completed in five weeks, but would not give anymore details,

The castle, near Abergele, Conwy, has fallen into disrepair and could cost as much as £3m to renovate.

An offer was made below the £1.5m asking price at the London auction, and negotiations had been continuing since.

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

During World War II, it was claimed by the government and housed 200 Jewish refugees.

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