By Coconuts Hong Kong November 9, 2015 /16:58 HKT
A Hong Kong family firm has reportedly purchased a huge stately home in England for HKD93.4 million (GBP8 million), despite plans for it to be restored and opened to the public.
It emerged today that Hong Kong investors the Lake House Group have bought Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire, subject to exchange and completion.
Some believe that the Grade I listed house – which took a quarter of a century to build from 1724 to 1750 – inspired Jane Austin’s novelPemberley, as Mr. Darcy’s first name, Fitzwilliam, is the family name of the home’s original owners.
However, according to the Daily Mail – DISCLAIMER: which some may suggest is not always the most reliable source of info – the deal has scuppered plans by the UK’s National Trust, which raised GBP7 million (HKD82 million) with the help of GBP3.5 million (HKD41 million) for the government to take ownership of the 350-room building and 82-acre estate.
The group apparently planned to complete GBP42 million in repairs and to open the grounds to the public, but the property’s owner, Clifford Newbold, died in April, leaving Wentworth on the open market.
However, all may not be lost for those hankering after heritage. The Lake House Group said in a statement: “It is our hope that we can work with some of the organisations which have also shown an interest in the property in order to save and preserve this magnificent historic house.”
Sounds like they probably won't turn it into a mall then.
Photo: Langleyo via Flickr
http://hongkong.coconuts.co/2015/11/09/reports-hong-kong-investment-firm-nabs-historic-uk-stately-home-hkd934-million
