Buyers wanted for ‘haunted’ castle

Dec 7 2010 by Peter Collins, South Wales Echo

A NEW attempt to sell a “haunted” castle will see prospective buyers asked to write 1,000 words on their plans for the building – and how much they would pay for it.

The unusual approach to selling Llantwit Major Castle – which is also known as the Old Place and is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of a Dutch sailor from the 17th century – follows a previous unsuccessful attempt to sell the historic property.

The 16th-century ruins have become an eyesore and the mansion’s owners, the Vale of Glamorgan council, cannot afford the extensive repair and restoration work needed to return the building to its former glory.

Council leaders have now sanctioned the sale of the castle by tender and agreed to send out a special information pack and development brief to prospective purchasers.

The council will then draw up a list of proposed bidders and make a decision.

The authority has produced a development brief for the site which suggests that a house could be built there, possibly with an extension for elderly parents, office use or home working.

Rob Quick, the Vale council’s director of environmental and economic development, said doing nothing would still cost the authority money because it would have to ensure the safety and security of the site.

He said: “There remains a major risk to trespassers from falling masonry or structural failure of the ruinous walls.”