Denbighshire landmark, Bodelwyddan Castle, under new ownership

Denbighshire County Council acquired the lease on the Grade II listed castle for less than half the asking price; the trust, which ran the castle, museum and art gallery, had 99 years remaining of a 125-year lease which was valued at more than £1m.

The lease was put up for sale after the trust was forced to close. This followed the loss of its £144,000 council grant.

The council has sold the freehold interest in the hotel - next to the castle - to Bourne Leisure (a subsidiary of Warner) and Bourne Leisure is purchasing the freehold interest in the castle.

The company will take official ownership of the castle later this month and the building will undergo a "full refurbishment".

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: "The council has taken surrender of the lease for Bodelwyddan Castle enabling the future of the historic site to be safeguarded and provide an economic boost for the local area. The Trust was advertising its lease for sale however, the council was able to acquire the lease for less than half the asking price.

"The council will keep woodland, the meadow in front of the castle and a car park so that the public can enjoy access to the land surrounding the castle. The management of this land will be by the council’s Countryside Services.

"The Parkland which is subject to an agricultural tenancy will be retained and managed together with the council’s other agricultural land and farms."

"The small lodge on the Eastern boundary of the estate will also be retained by the council pending a review of its use."

Bodelwyddan Castle

Cllr Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “We are really pleased to be able to help secure the future of such a prominent popular historic Denbighshire landmark. This exciting development will help raise the profile of Denbighshire as a tourism location to enjoy while staying here and it will also bring an important economic boost to the surrounding communities.

“The council also recognises how much the site is an important asset to people who live in the area and that is why we want to keep the parkland in public ownership so people can continue to enjoy the stunning grounds surrounding the castle.

“We are also grateful to Bourne Leisure’s commitment and drive towards preserving the site and their work to bring together this boost for the local economy when they take over the main castle building.”

A spokesperson from Bourne Leisure said: “We’re delighted to have come to an agreement with Denbighshire County Council to purchase the freehold.

“Warner Leisure Hotels has operated Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel since 1994, the year we became the UK’s first adult-only hotel chain - and over the last 26 years we have welcomed over 500,000 guests to stay and enjoy the delights of Denbighshire, supporting jobs and the local economy.

“We’re excited by this opportunity for us to further enhance the site for guests to enjoy.”

The lease was placed on the market for sale by agents Lambert Smith Hampton who received several offers around the market value including the final figure from the council which was in line with the valuation amount.

Late in 2021, the trustees sought advice from Alan Coleman and Craig Johns at Cowgills and appointed them to complete on the sale of the lease.

Mr Coleman said: “The surrender of the lease has now formally completed which secures the future for this much-loved landmark building.

“We understand that Bourne Leisure, which owns the neighbouring hotel, is planning to acquire the remaining part of the castle from Denbighshire County Council and undergo a full refurbishment which will ensure the future for this superb building.”

Michael Booth from Lambert Smith Hampton said: “The instruction to assist Cowgills across all aspects, being the property, chattel assets, antiques and site clearance has been both challenging and exciting, ensuring that heritage items have been preserved for future generations.”

Jayne Williams, who was the caretaker manager at Bodelwyddan Castle for 20 years, was instrumental in managing the castle on behalf of the liquidators and the trustees.

Dr Kevin Mason acted for the trustees as a general consultant and Salisburys Chartered Accountants and Aaron & Partners Solicitors also acted for the Trust.

Earlier this year, Blackstone and Bourne Leisure announced that funds managed by Blackstone Capital Partners (BCP) and Blackstone Real Estate Partners (BREP) have agreed to acquire Bourne Leisure, a premier UK holiday company. The Harris, Cook and Allen founding families are co-investing alongside BCP and BREP and will together hold a significant minority stake in the business.

Bourne Leisure operates through its three brands, Haven, Butlin’s and Warner Leisure Hotels. Haven is the largest UK caravan operator with 38 holiday parks and 2.5 million visitors a year.