A landmark Caernarfon building, the town’s Old Courthouse, is to be put up for sale by auction this month with a guide price of £725,000. The unique building, which is currently a restaurant, and arts and events venue, was originally put on the market in 2022 for £1.3m.
With a buyer yet to be found for the unique and historic building, it is now set to appear in the next live-streamed auction to be held by SDL Property Auctions on 25 July, in partnership with specialist leisure property agent Fleurets.
The imposing, grade I listed former courthouse, which stands opposite medieval Caernarfon Castle, was built in 1863 and served as the crown court in Caernarfon until new courts were opened in 2009.
In 2012 the building was sold to a private developer and converted into an eight-bedroom house. It was acquired in 2018 by musician Moira Hartley who renovated the building, opening it in 2020 as the Old Courthouse restaurant and Courthouse Theatre.
The court’s former basement prison cells are now a cocktail bar and the Old Courthouse renovation features a 60-cover restaurant and 250-seat theatre with stage. It also includes residential accommodation and has been given planning consent for the first and second floors to be converted into luxury apartments.
Andrew Parker, auctioneer and managing director at SDL Property Auctions, said: “We’re working with Fleurets to find a buyer for this absolutely magnificent building, now a thriving restaurant, theatre and events venue, that is a real part of Welsh history. It is also in a very special location, facing the castle and with the harbour and the Menai Straits on the doorstep, giving sweeping views across to Anglesey.
“Our team are experienced at selling highly unusual buildings, successfully selling properties as diverse as nuclear bunkers, former churches and control towers. An auction is often an excellent way to sell unusual historic properties, attracting expert buyers and people looking for complex renovation opportunities.”
He added: “We have already had high levels of interest in the Old Courthouse and it would be fantastic if we could open up the next chapter in this wonderful building’s history by finding a new owner in our auction on 25 July.”
After spending two years renovating the 5,000 sq ft building, owner Moira Hartley has said she is keen to return to her career as a musician in West End and international musical theatre shows.
For more information about Caernarfon’s Old Courthouse or to register to bid remotely online, on the phone or by proxy, go to sdlauctions.co.uk. The auction will be live streamed online on 25 July with bidder registration closing on 24 July.