Kinmel Hall in Wales is often called ‘the Welsh Versailles’. It was built in 1876 and is the largest surviving country house in Wales. For the past 10 years, however, its owners have done little to no maintenance, which puts the hall in danger. In response, a campaign has been launched to force the owners to either repair the house or sell it to someone else.
The current situation
The current owner of the hall, Acer Properties Ltd BVI, is a property company in the British Virgin Islands. Parts of the castle have been damaged by leaks among other things, but the company hasn’t done anything to repair these. The campaign group Friends of Kinmel Hall urges Acer Properties to at least come forward with a clear plan for the castle’s future.
Past and future
The hall has been inhabited by its original owners until 1929. Afterwards, it has been used as a school and a military hospital, among other things. This rich history is at risk if the castle remains abandoned. According to the BBC, Acer is reportedly taking steps towards repairing the castle. Hopefully this is true, so the castle can be saved for future generations to enjoy.
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Source: The Guardian, BBC