Abandoned mansion known as the ‘Welsh Palace of Versailles’ on sale for £750,000

Kinmel Hall, near Abergele, Conwy, is one of Wales’ most historic and prestigious estates – but the sprawling mansion and supporting buildings are in desperate need of major renovation

A derelict mansion known as the ‘Welsh Palace of Versailles’ is back on the market – up for auction with a guide price of £750,000.

Kinmel Hall, near Abergele, Conwy, is one of the most historic and prestigious estates in Wales.

The property is considered Welsh’s own version of the Palace of Versailles near Paris, easily earning a Category I listing for its distinctive design and ornate period features.

It even received the Royal Seal of Approval as it is said to have been visited by Queen Victoria in 1870.

But the sprawling mansion and supporting buildings of Kinmel Hall are in desperate need of a major renovation to save them from dereliction, with parts of the building already in ruins, Wales Reports Online.

Kinmel Hall is said to have 365 windows and 12 entrances to its approximately 80,000 square foot space, which includes 122 rooms and a chapel.

Inside, many original features are still in place, from the expansive entrance hall with grand central staircase to the multiple rooms with fireplaces and detailed plasterwork on the ceilings and cornices.

Wooden wall panels, huge wooden interior doors, vaulted ceilings, marble columns – beautiful features are in abundance at Kinmel Hall, but it needs help and soon.

The current hall is said to be the third version to have been built on the Kinmel estate and was built around 1874-1876 by owner Hugh Roberts Hughes with profits from a copper mining business in Anglesey.

The vast main building was designed by architect WE Nesfield and the neo-Palladian stable in the park is a creation of architect William Burn, completed in 1850.

Even the gardens had time and budget, with Nesfield’s father designing a Venetian-style garden in the heart of the park.

Throughout its history, as well as being one of the most impressive private residences in Wales until 1929, this spectacular French chateau-style building has served as a spa, military hospital and conference center , but it has been empty since 1999.

In February 2021 campaign 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 step in to help protect the building.

At the time, Rosie Burton, spokesperson for Friends of Kinmel Hall, said North Wales Live “We are asking them (the town hall) to proceed with an Urgent Notice of Works, which will at least protect the hall from any further damage and to secure it, and to proceed with an expropriation.

“I understand there are a number of potential buyers, so the council wouldn’t risk funding the damage repairs, because they could do a ‘back-to-back’ deal, which means they buy it and the must be sold on the same day.”

It is understood the property is currently owned by Acer Properties Ltd, registered in the British Virgin Islands, who bought the property for £1.45million in 2011.

At the time, North Wales Live reported that a council spokesperson said: “At the moment the owners are taking positive action and are in the process of making arrangements to carry out repairs to the property.

“And while the matter is under review, we do not consider enforcement action to be necessary at this time.”

The hall has been on Save Britain’s ‘buildings at risk’ register for many years, and the charity joined the new fight to save it in March, after many years of highlighting the plight of this house historical.

The property has also repeatedly appeared on the Victorian Society’s annual “Ten Most Endangered Buildings” list.

Outside, approaching the majestic 500-foot facade, even in its shabbiest state, is likely to take your breath away,

Its location is also quite special, with the beautiful design features of the exterior perfectly complemented by panoramic views of the 17 acres that accompany the house and the wider views of the surrounding countryside from the property’s elevated position.

Within the grounds are the charming Grade II listed stable and the remains of a stone fountain and tennis court.

Now the property will go up for auction online with an indicative price of £750,000 on Thursday May 13.

The property is private and the only viewings for serious buyers are on Tuesday and Thursday each week, strictly by appointment with the auction house.

For more information call Allsop Auctioneers on 020 7863 8444.