Christie & Co, a specialist business property adviser, have facilitated the sale of Walworth Castle Hotel near Darlington, County Durham, England, for an undisclosed sum.
Millwood Hotels is the new owner of the property, intending to continue operating it as a hotel, restaurant, wedding, and function venue.
The medieval castle, dating back to the late 12th century, was built by the Hansard family.
Under the Jenison family, it welcomed King James VI of Scotland on his journey to become King James I of England.
The Bridal Suite is named in commemoration of his stay.
Ownership transferred through various local families from the mid-18th century until World War II, when it served as a base for the Durham Light Infantry.
Post-war, the castle was transformed into a school for girls before being converted into a hotel by a private owner.
The previous proprietors, Chris and Rachel Swain, have managed Walworth Castle Hotel for the past 25 years.
They undertook refurbishments to the 32-bedroom property, which includes four-poster rooms, suites,
The Cardinal’s Court banqueting room, Hansard’s Restaurant, a bar, and function rooms.
It also has a dungeon licensed for civil ceremonies and is set within approximately 12 acres of lawns and woodland, with a stone-built lodge and a two-bedroom holiday cottage.
Millwood Hotels said: “We are delighted to take ownership of Walworth Castle and recognise the great responsibility we have being custodians of this historic building.
“We are committed to delivering the highest levels of service and providing investment when required to help maintain and develop the building and our offering. We would also like to place on record our thanks to Chris and Rachel as well as Mark Worley of Christie & Co.”
Christie & Co hospitality director Mark Worley said: “We are very pleased to be able to help Chris and Rachel achieve a sale enabling them to move to the next phase of their lives and equally pleased that the hotel remains in good hands with further investment planned.”
This sale follows Christie & Co's facilitation of the Queens Court Hotel sale in Exeter to the Harries-Jones family.
