Famous Derbyshire castle on the market for first time in 100 years could be yours for £4 million

Willersley Castle, at Cromford, closed its doors as a hotel during the summer after owners took ‘the difficult decision’ not to re-open following the coronavirus lockdown.

Owners Methodist Guild Holidays Ltd said it had held ‘an essential review of the business during tough trading conditions’ before making the decision.

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

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

Marketing of the property by Dewitts states: “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.

Much influenced by the work of Robert Adam, Thomas’ design for the build ‘owes much to Adam’s more contemporary styling’, as used strikingly at Culzean Castle in Scotland.

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: “The Board and Management of Methodist Guild Holidays Ltd are saddened that the future of the hotel could not be rescued.

"We are thankful to our loyal employees and customers during the years we have owned and managed Willersley Castle Hotel.”

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