Stunning £4m Derbyshire castle hotel 'under offer' as sale nears

Willersley Castle, at Cromford, was put up for sale for the first time in a century after closing its doors last summer when owners took ‘the difficult decision’ not to re-open following the first coronavirus lockdown.

Last month it was revealed the hotel group which owned the venue, Methodist Guild Holidays, had gone into administration – sparking further concern among holidaymakers who said they were due refunds for lost bookings.

Melandra Curley, director of DeWitt’s Commercial Property Advisors, confirmed this week that Willersley Castle is now 'under offer’.

She said the venue ‘will remain as a hotel’ but is unable to give any further details at this stage.

MORE: Pictures inside 'stunning' Derbyshire castle and former hotel on the market for £4million

The castle, built for Sir Richard Arkwright, the industrialist who invented water-powered cotton mills, was marketed by DeWitt’s commercial property advisers at £4million.

Grade II listed, it stands in 60 acres with a gate lodge, stable block and swimming pool.

Marketing of the property by DeWitts stated: “Thanks to this rich industrial heritage, the impressive architecture and interior of Willersley Castle still overflows with character and charm.

"Many original features remain, including Robert Adam fireplaces and the striking, dome-covered ‘Well Gallery’."

Built for Sir Richard in 1786, the year he was knighted, Willersley Castle provided a prestigious ‘seat’ in which he could reside in his later years.

Unfortunately, he died before the building works were completed on the property and was never able to enjoy his ambitious creation.

The London architect commissioned with the building work was William Thomas.

The castle remained used and lived in by the Arkwright family until the First World War, when it became an auxiliary hospital.

In 1927, the family sold the estate to Sir Albert Ball, who in turn immediately broke up the estate and sold Willersley Castle for its most recent use as a hotel.

Previous owners Methodist Guild Holidays Ltd held a consultation period with the 33 hotel employees and all those affected by the closure and sale.

Managing director Nicola Firth said: “We are thankful to our loyal employees and customers during the years we have owned and managed Willersley Castle Hotel.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.