Woolley Hall: Wakefield Council-owned mansion up for auction with £1.2m guide price
Woolley Hall dates back to 1635 and became Wakefield Council property in 1947
A council-owned 17th Century mansion has been put up for auction with a guide price of £1.2m.
Woolley Hall dates back to 1635 and became Wakefield Council property in 1947 but the authority earmarked it for sale as part of cost cutting measures.
The council’s former Labour administration previously planned to restore the vacant building and turn it into a wedding venue and spa but then decided to sell it in 2024.
In September last year, former council leader Denise Jeffery told a full council meeting that the building had been sold, saying: “We need to make savings.”
The following month, the council said the mansion had “not been fully sold,” despite Ms Jeffery’s earlier comments.
A spokesperson said at the time it was “in the final stages of negotiation” with a preferred buyer.
The council this week confirmed that the mansion had been put up for auction after the deal had not been finalised.
Jane Brown, the council’s service director for property, facilities and health and safety, said: “We’ve put a huge amount of effort into trying to finalise terms after Woolley Hall was sold, subject to contract.
“It has been a challenging and drawn-out process with the preferred bidder.
“After being unable to reach an agreement, we’ve made the decision to take the property to auction.
“Over the last few years we have extensively marketed the property and had detailed discussions with a range of developers.
“It is incredibly frustrating that nothing has come to fruition.
“Woolley Hall needs a new owner to secure its future.
“Taking the property to auction provides a much faster route to sale and is now the best option to prevent it falling into further disrepair.”
The mansion was the home of the Wentworth family until it passed into local authority ownership after World War Two.
It has been used as a college of further education and a wedding and conference venue but has been empty and unused for years.
The Labour administration revealed plans to restore the building and turn it into a wedding venue and spa in 2022.
But the council’s cabinet members then agreed to market the site two years later.
A report at the time said the council was carrying out a review of its assets and described the hall as “under-utilised”.
The document added: “Woolley Hall is still deemed a suitable disposal to contribute to the council’s revenue savings target and potentially realise a capital receipt.
“The preferred option is to proceed now to disposal using an external agent to market and dispose for the best consideration possible.
“Unconditional offers will be requested on the open market.”
The council is now under the control of Reform UK after the party won 58 out of 63 seats at the local elections in May.
The 7.5 hectare site has been listed for sale by BTG Eddisons Property Auctions.
A description of the mansion on the company’s website states: “The property comprises the principal hall extending to approximately 3,017 sq m together with a range of Grade II-listed former stable buildings providing a further 1,380 sq m of accommodation.
“The grounds include landscaped gardens, a walled garden, private tennis court and two entrance gate lodges.
“Formerly used as a residential college, conference and wedding venue, the property now offers significant potential for sympathetic residential, commercial or mixed-use redevelopment, subject to the necessary planning and listed building consents.
“Its historic character, substantial accommodation and extensive grounds present an outstanding opportunity for developers, investors or owner-occupiers seeking a landmark property.
The auction ends on August 25.