Kinmel Hall up for auction but is there enough time for the right buyer to come forward?

Campaigners, including Friends of Kinmel Hall (FKH) and SAVE Britain’s Heritage, have been fighting to save Kinmel Hall, in St George, near Abergele; fears were raised the French-style Edwardian manor had only another five years in its current condition before further damage, including roof collapses, will mean it is “beyond repair”.

The auction, by firm Allsop, will be held on May 13. The build is being marketed by Allsop and Carter Jonas.

Speaking to the Journal about the upcoming auction, Marcus Binney, SAVE’s executive president, said: "We’re pleased it is going to be sold but the current owners have monstrously neglected it, terrible scandal.

LOT 73 - near Abergele, Kinmel Hall, St George. Picture: Permission granted for use by Allsop

“However, we are alarmed that it has been put forward for auction in this way and with very little notice.

“This is for two reasons. One, it doesn’t really give serious people enough opportunity to view the house, assess what could be done with it etc and generally, with the thought and seriousness which is needed for such a big problem.

"We are afraid that it will simply go to another speculator who is just gambling on this and if they can get it through planning permission to build or in the gardens or something.

The property was last used as a private home in 1929, after which it was converted to a spa for sufferers of rheumatism. Picture: Permission granted for use by Allsop

“It is very important, and hence your article is also important, that people realise what a terrible state it is it is in and they will have to do some very important repairs immediately and the council has been chasing the owners to do these repairs and rather than do them, they have just put it on the market.

“There is a small chance that someone really good will buy it but we don’t think there has been enough chance given for people to work out serious proposals.

"It is a really dangerous situation - out of the frying pan and into the furnace.

“It is going for auction and we really hope the news gets around and someone will fall in love with it and make it a great project.

"There are no easy pickings here.

"It is a colossal liability with a demand of major repairs to a listed building about to be slapped onto them.”

Externally, there are garden areas which include the remains of a large circular ornamental fountain, a tennis court and part of a sunken service driveway. Picture: Permission granted for use by Allsop

Last month, SAVE Britain’s Heritage called on Conwy County Borough Council to issue urgent repair notices to owners, Acer Properties Ltd.

Cllr Charlie McCoubrey said, at Abergele Town Council Ordinary Meeting, that he estimated it would cost about £30million to restore the building.

Dr Mark Baker, town and county councillor for Gele ward and chair of Gwrych Castle Trust, said Kinmel Hall needs to be offered at a price reflecting its “parlous condition”.

He added: “Putting the property on the market cannot be allowed to become a reason for a further delay for initiating a programme of emergency repairs. Conwy Council must make public the schedule of repairs and costings of repairs so potential purchasers understand the liability that they will be taking on.”

Cllr Pauline Heap-Williams, who also represents Gele ward, said: “It is vital that a list of essential, urgent repairs is carried out within the next three months.

“We understand this may have been drawn up.

Construction was completed in 1874 and the property was designed by the architect WE Nesfield in the style of the Palace of Versailles. Picture: Permission granted for use by Allsop

“Permanent repairs must be carried out to a high standard and alterations must be kept to a minimum, respect the character of the interior and not cause harm to either its architectural or historic interest.

“The owners must undertake to let a contract enabling repairs to begin within a month.

"If the building is sold during this time, the emergency repairs list must be formally attached to the property and title.”

At the outbreak of World War II, the Hall was requisitioned for use as a hospital. Picture: Granted for use by Allsop

The present hall is the third to have been built on the Kinmel Estate and was commissioned by the Hughes copper mining family. It was designed by architect WE Nesfield in the style of a French chateau and became known as the Welsh Versailles. It was completed in 1874. The adjoining Neo-Palladian style stable block is attributed to William Burn and was completed in the 1850s.

The property was last used as a private home in 1929, after which it was converted to a spa for sufferers of rheumatism.

At the outbreak of World War II, the Hall was requisitioned for use as a hospital.

After the war, the Hall became Clarendon School for Girls, but after extensive fire damage in 1975, the school was forced to close at Kinmel and move elsewhere.

The building was subsequently restored and used as a Christian conference centre.

It property been unoccupied since 2000.

The listing for the property, on Allsop, states: “Construction was completed in 1874 and the property was designed by architect WE Nesfield in the style of the Palace of Versailles.

"Comprising a grand central staircase, impressive formal rooms, a former chapel and multiple bedrooms, Kinmel Hall was originally built as a ‘calendar house’ since it had 365 windows, 122 rooms and 12 entrances. Outbuildings including a courtyard stable block and storage barns.

Comprising a grand central staircase, impressive formal rooms, a former chapel and multiple bedrooms, Kinmel Hall was originally built as a 'calendar house' since it had 365 windows, 122 rooms and 12 entrances. Picture: Permission granted for use by

“Total Gross External Floor Area (excluding stable block) in excess of 7,432 sq m (80,000 sq ft).“Site Area approximately 7.09 Hectares (17.51 Acres)

“Suitable for a variety of alternative uses including hotel, conference centre, educational establishment and conversion to residential units, subject to consents. In need of extensive renovation.”

Gary Murphy, consultant and auctioneer at Allsop, told the Journal: “Kinmel Hall is a unique property, not least because it was modelled on the Palace of Versailles. Designed by a renowned Victorian architect, William E Nesfield, it’s a rare example of a calendar house, with 365 windows, 122 rooms and 12 entrances.

"The property requires extensive restoration and refurbishment, which is reflected in the guide price, but it also offers enormous potential and can be reimagined as a hotel or residential units, provided all necessary consents are in place.”

Kinmel Hall has been unoccupied since 2000. Picture: Permission granted by Allsop

Rosie Burton, of Friends of Kinmel Hall, “cautiously” welcomed the idea of a new owner for the hall.

“It will all depend on the ability of the new owner to carry out the urgent repairs to the building quickly,” Ms Burton said.

“The Friends of Kinmel Hall will be happy to work with any new owners to allow the hall to be brought back into its former glory.”

Cllr Baker and cllr Heap-Williams are urging Conwy County Borough Council to impose conditions so that any proposals - for reuse -respects both the setting of listed buildings as well as its character and fabric, in line with its Grade I status.

In a joint statement, the councillors said: "The hall comes with just 17 and a half acres of land which constitute the immediate setting. New, additional buildings in the grounds will be unacceptable as they will destroy the historic essential setting of the house.

"We do not want to see another Gwrych Castle or Hafodunos Hall."

A spokesperson from Conwy Council said: “We will watch the sale with interest and are able to offer advice and guidance to any prospective purchasers.”